Just like humans, animals are susceptible to various diseases. Unfortunately, they can’t say exactly what they’re feeling, but there are several signs and symptoms that can alert us when something is wrong.
To facilitate observation, we have created a list of the six most common diseases in pets. Check out the definitions, causes, symptoms and prevention tips for each of them below!
Food allergy
Food allergy is the body’s response to certain substances in animal foods. In most cases, it is caused by additives, preservatives and other chemical elements that make up the feed. Beef protein can also trigger the allergy.
Although it seems like a trivial disease, it can be fatal if not diagnosed in time. Therefore, it is important to know its main symptoms:
- Itch;
- Gastrointestinal problems;
- Redness;
- Peeling of the skin.
The best way to prevent food allergy is by taking care of your pet’s food: a quality feed is essential to avoid consuming dubious chemical components
Ehrlichiosis (tick disease)
Ehrlichiosis is the famous tick disease, a serious infection transmitted by ticks that carry the erlichia bacteria. The parasites contract the disease when they feed on the blood of a sick animal and then infect the new hosts they encounter. Most of the time, the parasite stays in dogs, but nothing prevents cats from being infected too.
Anemia is one of the first symptoms of the disease and can lead the animal to death. In addition to it, the presence of fever, vomiting, bleeding, cough, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, eye inflammation and body bruises is common.
The treatment of the disease must be done with medicines prescribed by the veterinarian, but you can prevent contamination with some very simple health tips: the first is to apply medicines against ectoparasites. Also, it’s important to always check your pet’s body after walks. Ticks usually settle in the ears, muzzle, neck and paws of animals.
Kidney failure
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys filter improperly, causing the retention of urea and creatinine in the blood, while water, proteins and vitamins are lost in the urine.
The disease can be caused by several factors, such as the aging of the animal, genetic predisposition, infections and serious poisoning. Its most common symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite and weight;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Anemia;
- Clear urine;
- Increased water consumption.
In more severe cases, kidney failure can result in ulcers, high blood pressure and even blindness, requiring hemodialysis treatment.
To ensure the animal’s health, pay attention to signs of behavior change and remember to perform tests and visit the veterinary hospital regularly. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier the treatment will be.
Obesity
An inadequate diet and sedentary lifestyle can cause excess fat in the body and, consequently, lead to several complications for the health of the dog or puppy.
cat, such as diabetes, joint problems, seizures, paralysis and cardiovascular disease.
To identify the disease, pay attention to the main symptoms: visible overweight, increased thirst and shortness of breath and disposition.
To take care of the cat or dog and prevent your pet from becoming obese, ensure a balanced, complete diet without exaggeration, following the daily servings recommended on the packaging and by your veterinarian. Also bet on a routine for the pets , with walks, exercises and games that waste energy.
Depression
There are those who don’t believe it, but animals are also affected by depression, just like us. The disease still does not have an absolute definition in the animal world, but it is characterized especially by the state of melancholy. She is usually provoked by house changes, routine and long periods without company.
To ensure good treatment as quickly as possible, pay attention to the main symptoms of depression and, when noticing any of them, schedule a visit to the veterinarian:
- Lack of appetite and mood;
- Changes in social habits;
- Causing wounds on the feet and back;
- Excessive licking.
To prevent illness and improve your friend’s health, bet on physical activity, especially in the case of dogs. Whether indoors or outdoors, exercise contributes to the production of neurotransmitters related to brain well-being.
In addition, walks and games are an excellent opportunity to spend more time with your pet and ensure moments of joy and relaxation. If possible, also avoid intense changes in routine.
Otitis
Popularly known as ear inflammation, otitis is usually caused by infections, fungi, excess wax and the presence of parasites. If your treatment is not done properly or on time, the disease can evolve and result in something even more serious, such as meningitis and generalized infection.
Its most frequent symptoms are:
- Itchy ears;
- Excessive head swaying;
- Yellow and dark discharge;
- Strong odor in the ear region.
One of the main ways to prevent otitis is by protecting your pet’s ears while bathing and cleaning the outer part of the ear. Taking care of the amount of wind he receives in his face, when riding in a car, for example, is also important.
When noticing any atypical behavior or symptoms of any of the aforementioned diseases, you must take the pet to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Only a professional can define treatment methods. Under no circumstances medicate him on your own, this could make the disease even worse.
