The Cost Of Untreated Preventable Pet Diseases For Pet Owners

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As pet parents there can be nothing more hurtful than watching our pets suffer, even more so as they suffer in silence. It is always a good practice to be aware of the potential health risks your pets can face and stay prepared accordingly. Remember the degree and intensity will always depend on the kind of pet you own, be a dog or a cat. The breed of your pet along with gender and age also plays a crucial role in determining their overall health.

The most common preventable diseases in pets are the following

1. Diabetes – Occurrence of diabetes is increasing in dogs and cats by leaps and bounds. A study found dogs are at a higher risk of getting diabetes than their feline friends. It is unfortunate how lack of exercise is getting our cats and dogs obese, a very high-risk factor for diabetes. Over-immunization and an unbalanced diet are all contributing to the excessive rise in diabetes among the pet population. Not only should you stay away from extra doses of vaccine but also give your pets a balanced diet. Do not forget to indulge him in the much-needed exercise.
2. Dental problems – Very frequently both cats and dogs suffer from tooth related problems. In dogs, smaller breeds such as Pomeranian, toy poodle among many others suffer the most from dental disorders. Give them a species-specific diet. A chew toy for your pet, irrespective of age is also a great idea. Also, do remember to brush their teeth every once in a while.
3. Fleas and ticks – Though everyone is aware of the danger of flea infestation, yet it remains the most common problem with pets. The presence of fleas and ticks not only cause physical discomfort to our pets but they are known to be the causes of serious diseases like Lyme disease. disease. Keep your pet well groomed. Combing through when ever you can is a great idea. Use a tick repellent. Take care of your pets overall well being as ticks generally attaches on weakened pets.
4. Renal problems – Both cats and dogs are susceptible to kidney related problems. If they have a genetic predisposition or develop a chronic condition, then unfortunately nothing much can be done. But in order to prevent an onset of early kidney failure look for warning signs of infrequent urination and less consumption of water. Keep your pet safe from dental and diabetic disorder.

All these conditions are preventable. If they are left untreated from the very start, your pets will suffer from avoidable health hazards and you will not have to spend ridiculous amount to manage such diseases and their complications. You already do so much for your canine or feline companion a little more care and caution will save you a lot of money and a lot of pain on the part of your dear friends who will otherwise suffer unnecessarily.

Worm Borne Diseases in Pets

It is quite common for cats and dogs to get infected with external or internal parasites during their lifetime. There are different ways in which a parasite can affect a pet; this could range from just irritation to life-threatening diseases, in case left untreated.

Many pet owners make the mistake of assuming that their cat or dog is free of worms if they have normal stools i.e., without their presence. In reality, a microscopic examination of the animal's feces is required to assess the worm situation accurately. This is why vets typically ask for stool samples when pets come in for their yearly visits. When parasites like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, and whipworms are detected at an early stage, successful treatment is often successful. Common symptoms related to parasitic illness are reduced appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, "pot belly" and unhealthy hair coat.

Types Of Worms And Diseases

Some of the common worm infections in pets include the following:

Giardia: This is a parasite living in the animal's intestines and causes severe diarrhea.

Hookworms: These could be any number of tiny parasitic worms residing in a dog’s intestine and drinking its blood, thus causing anemia. These worms have distinct hooked mouthparts that can get stuck to the host’s intestinal walls.

Heartworms: This is a worm that lives in the lungs and/or heart of cats and dogs and is transmitted via mosquitoes. The length of the adult worm could go up to 16 inches.

Lyme Disease: This bacterial disease is caused by certain organisms termed as 'Borrelia' and transmitted through western and eastern deer ticks (ticks with black legs). The disease can cause severe symptoms if left untreated.

Tapeworms: Numerous ribbon-like flat worms that live in the animal’s intestines.

Roundworms: These are one of the most common type of parasitic worms that are found in both cats and dogs. Adult roundworms typically find a home in the animal's intestines. When an animal has severe roundworm infection, he will showcase symptoms like dull hair, weight loss, and a potbelly.

Treatment Of Worms In Pets

External parasites such as ticks and fleas are not very difficult to spot and pets often give away their presence by showing symptoms like chewing, scratching, and loss of hair. Intestinal parasites can be treated in several different ways. Most internal worm diseases are diagnosed with the help of stool samples and blood tests at the vet's clinic. Treatment might include a dosage of liquids, powders, and pills, and will usually continue for about five to seven days, depending on each individual case. In certain cases, the vet might suggest repeating treatment in the gap of one and three months to destroy the parasite's lifecycle completely.