Your pet relies on you for everything, from belly rubs and chin scratches to playtime and dinnertime. They also rely on you for every aspect of their health and well-being, which means you should be prepared to readily identify problem areas to help your best friend live their best life. Learn about the five top health issues every pet parent should watch for and explore actionable tips to help manage and prevent them.
A few extra pounds may not seem like a big deal, but for pets, even minor weight gain can lead to serious health risks. In fact, obesity is one of the most common health issues in pets, with more than 50% of dogs and cats in the U.S. considered overweight or obese.
Obesity isn’t about appearance—it’s about health. Carrying extra weight increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Pets with obesity also face a decreased quality of life and a shortened lifespan, potentially losing as many as 2 years off their life with the addition of extra weight.
The easiest way to determine if your pet is carrying extra weight is by performing the “rib test.” Run your hands along their sides—can you easily feel their ribs without pressing too hard? If not, they might be overweight. Your pet may also lack a visible waistline or a prominent abdominal tuck as they become more rounded with additional pounds.
Preventing and managing obesity requires a balanced approach that focuses on:
Dental disease is a silent threat that affects up to 90% of all cats and dogs by the age of three—and some pets much sooner! As one of the top diseases diagnosed in pets, dental disease poses a serious threat all pet parents need to know about.
Dental disease is so much more than bad breath in dogs and cats. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream, potentially causing infections in the heart, liver, or kidneys. It’s a domino effect that starts in the mouth but can lead to systemic health problems.
Dental disease in your pet can appear as:
A consistent oral care routine can make all the difference in your pet’s breath and dental health. Incorporate easy-to-use dog water additives to help reduce plaque and freshen breath by simply mixing the product into your pet’s water bowl, or add an enzymatic cleaning product to their food. Safe dental chews, treats, and oral sprays can also help battle plaque accumulation and tartar development while acting as a dog breath freshener. However, the gold standard for keeping your pet’s teeth healthy at home is regular toothbrushing with a fluoride-free, pet-safe toothpaste or gel. Aim for at least two to three times a week, if not daily, to prevent plaque from forming.
While you don’t have to use every dog teeth cleaning product on the market, a mix of easy-to-use products will create a well-rounded dog dental care program to help reduce the threat of periodontal disease.
Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms are common issues in pets. But, left untreated, these pests can lead to irritation, disease, and even life-threatening conditions.
Parasites may be small, but the problems they cause can be huge. Fleas, for example, aren’t just an itchy nuisance—they can lead to skin infections and allergies and, in severe infestations, even cause anemia. Ticks pose an even greater danger, as they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, putting outdoor-loving pets at high risk. Internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health, affecting their digestive system and, in the case of heartworms, leading to life-threatening damage to the heart and lungs. Left untreated, these pests can seriously impact your pet’s well-being, making heartworm, tick, and flea medicine a crucial part of their overall health care.
To spot a parasitic infection in your pet, look for symptoms such as:
Your veterinarian can also perform screening tests on stool and blood samples to detect intestinal worms, tick-borne illnesses, and heartworm disease. Additionally, they’re your best guide for choosing the most effective flea medicine for your dog or cat.
Protect your pet from parasites by using preventive products like flea and tick shampoos or sprays, in addition to veterinarian-prescribed oral or topical cat or dog flea and tick treatments. Keeping your pet out of tall grass and weeds can also help minimize tick exposure, while immediately picking up feces piles reduces the potential for intestinal parasite transmission.
Joint issues like arthritis are commonly seen in aging pets, particularly larger breeds, pets with orthopedic conditions, and those carrying extra weight. However, joint cartilage degradation can begin much earlier when a pet is young, although apparent signs can take months or years to develop.
Pets affected by arthritis may appear stiff or slow to rise after lying down. You may also notice:
While arthritis can’t be cured, you can help ease your pet’s discomfort by:
If your pet is constantly scratching or licking their paws, it might be more than a quirky habit. Skin allergies and infections are common issues that can cause discomfort and lead to bigger problems if untreated.
Skin allergies are often triggered by environmental factors (like pollen and mold), food sensitivities, or flea bites. Common allergy signs in pets include:
Although allergies are a common problem in pets, there are fortunately just as many cat and dog allergy relief therapies. Regular baths with antiseptic and antifungal shampoos can help soothe itchy skin and prevent infections, while hot spot sprays can provide localized relief from irritation and inflammation for an effective dog hot spot treatment.
For ongoing issues, consider hypoallergenic dog shampoos, anti-itch dog shampoos, or sprays designed for itchy skin relief for dogs. Also, rely on your veterinarian to develop a multi-modal treatment plan to help manage your pet’s allergies. Common cat and dog skin irritation treatments include:
Managing your itchy pet’s environment is also important for easing irritated skin. Frequent dusting, vacuuming, and laundering help reduce dust mites in your home while maintaining a well-kept yard helps minimize pollen exposure.
Your pet depends on you to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. By staying informed about common health issues like obesity, dental disease, parasites, arthritis, and skin allergies, you can take proactive steps to improve their quality of life.
To help support your pet’s health, rely on preventive care products designed to enhance every aspect of their well-being. Our line of veterinary-recommended products has been formulated to be gentle enough for everyday use, but powerful enough to keep dental disease, skin problems, and other health concerns at bay.
Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and a consistent wellness routine tailored to your pet’s unique needs will go a long way. Because when it comes to your best friend’s health, a little prevention is worth its weight in gold.
About the author: Having worked in the veterinary field for almost two decades, registered veterinary technician Melissa Murray loves sharing her passion for animals through educating pet owners and advocating for her patients. Nothing makes her happier than knowing she shared easy-to-implement tips that make a pet’s life better, longer, and healthier. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and herd of pygmy goats and watching her two- and four-legged kids play together.
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