The Environmental Risks That Can Make Your Pet Sick

Your pet's health can be influenced by a number of factors. Like humans, pets are prone to a number of diseases and health conditions and it is important to be aware of what is good and bad for your pets.One of the most important things to keep your pets in good health is to make sure that your pet follows a healthy diet and gets a lot of exercise. If you own dogs and cats, it is best to take them out every once in a while. Pets tend to get lazy and as owners it is important to keep pushing your pets so that they remain healthy.Pet owners also need to stay informed of what can affect a pet's health. There are several environmental risk factors and a number of them can make your pet very sick. Here is a list of such environmental factors.

Among humans, pollen is a common allergen that can cause common colds, watery eyes, asthma, and other allergic reactions. Similarly, dogs and cats are also highly allergic to pollen. Severe allergies come in the form of itching. Constant itching and chewing can cause lesions and lead to hair loss.If your dog or cat is diagnosed with a pollen allergy, take all necessary precautions to reduce your pet's exposure to pollen.

If you are a heavy smoker, then it is important to know that tobacco smoke is detrimental to your pet's health. The smoke collects in the airways and nasal passages and leads to problems in breathing. In addition, tobacco is also known to cause cancer in pets.Cats that are constantly exposed to tobacco smoke tend to develop asthma, lung disease, nasal tumors, and so on.

Many owners think that if their pets have a heavy coat of fur, they are protected against the cold. This is not true. The normal body temperature in case of cats and dogs is between 100 to 102.5-degree Fahrenheit. If their body temperature starts dropping below this level, your pets could suffer from hypothermia. If left untreated, it can even cause death.

Puddles are a hazard for your pets. It is a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria that can cause kidney and liver failure. Try to make sure that your pet stays away from puddles and make sure that they do not ingest the water from puddles. If your cat or dog has been playing around in puddles, immediately get them into a bath and clean them thoroughly to prevent the risk of infections.