The Environmental Risks That Can Make Your Pet Sick

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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.

Pollen

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.

Smoking

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.

Hypothermia

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

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.

5 Tips To Protect Your Dog From Falling Sick During Seasonal Changes

Falling sick during season change is simply the worst! And yet no matter what, during every season change it’s the same story. Have you ever wondered that your dog also goes through the same thing? Well, like you, he won’t fall sick during every season change but he, too, is as vulnerable to it as you. If you haven’t encountered such a problem before, then here are 5 tips that will keep your dog protected:

1. Keep him indoorsKeeping your dog indoor won’t protect him completely from sudden changes in temperature but it will work to some extent. Keeping him indoors from the sudden downpour or chill will ensure that your dog does not fall sick suddenly. If it happens slowly, then you will at least have some time to take preventive measures.
2. Take him to the vetRegular check-ups are a must and even more when seasonal change occur. Pay a weekly visit to the vet if you can because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, a vet will be able to give better guidance as to how to take care of a pet during seasonal changes.
3. Focus on diet and hydrationEnsure that your dog is well fed and is getting the proper nutrients and the right amount of water throughout the day. Keeping your dog hydrated is an important part of protecting him from the seasonal changes. Also, the right type of diet plays an important role in building immunity and having a strong immunity is crucial for protection against diseases.
4. Adjust to the temperaturesKeep them warm during winters and cool during summers and away from the rain at all cost. You might think that these are obvious preventions and you are right but what you don’t know is how powerful these measures are. Many owners who don’t follow these measures end up nursing their sick dog. So, keep the sweaters and shades at hand.
5. Exercise and work outRegular exercise and work out will ensure that your dog is fit and prepared for any kind of change. You can create indoor games too, if you don’t want your dog to go out. Another benefit of exercise is that your dog will get plenty of sound sleep when he gets tired.

Conclusion

Seasonal changes are bad for everyone and pets are no different. They are equally vulnerable as us and most times, they are unable to communicate that they are sick. So, as a pet owner it is your duty to ensure that your dog does not fall sick during the next seasonal change. Taking him to the vet for regular check-ups and focusing on his diet and exercise should prevent your dog from falling sick.