Easy To Overlook Pet Problems
Can Spell Trouble for You and Your Pet

Sometimes, it really is the little things that cause the biggest problems.

Say you’re petting Fido or Fefe, Polly or Fluffy (a rabbit, of course!) and you notice a bump? Should you worry?

It could be nothing, of course. Maybe a bump from a collision with a dresser or lamp. But, it could be a tumor or infection that, left untreated, could be fatal. You may not know until too late unless you see your vet.

A lot of pet threats are like that: maybe they’re serious, maybe they’re not. You will only know if you make a visit and find out – or if you wait and find out the hard way.

A Lot Like People

A similar issue involves weight – or too much of it. An estimated 54 percent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or even obese. Extra weight for pets causes many of the same problems that it does in people. Pets who are overweight are at increased risk for osteoarthritis, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, kidney disease, and many kinds of cancer. Being overweight decreases a pet’s life expectancy by up to 2.5 years.

Again, your vet is the best source for answers, but you can find general guidelines online that can provide a rough idea if you pet needs help.

Problem Prone Areas

Another widespread problem involves pet ears! External ear infections, or “otitis externa,” are among the most common issues pets face. They can be allergic, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic in origin. Symptoms include shaking the head, scratching at the ear(s), having foul odor, abnormal discharge, redness of the ear, and/or holding the head or ear in an abnormal position of the head or ear. While ear infections are generally not life threatening, they are uncomfortable and should be seen by your vet immediately.

A similar question involves pet teeth. Approximately 80 percent of pets have some form of dental disease by the age of three. Like other issues here, dental problems can bring serious problems if not corrected. The ligament around the tooth may loosen, leading to painful chewing and eventual loss of teeth. The bacteria surrounding the tooth can enter the bloodstream, traveling to the heart, kidneys, liver, and other major organs.

A routine examination and any needed follow up can help you and your pet beat this issue.

Drinking Problems!

One of the most surprising pet threats involves the amount of water your pet drinks. Increased or decreased water intake can be a sign of many problems, including kidney disease, diabetes, high thyroid hormone, lower urinary problems like bladder infections, high calcium, liver disease, systemic infections, and Cushing’s syndrome, among others. Letting your veterinarian know about this symptom right away can help to pinpoint a serious problem.