Dog & Cat Health Issues

Dogs and cats suffer a wide range of health issues, from simple colds to more serious chronic conditions, such as heart disease. Veterinarians get millions of visits from ailing dogs and cats every year. While some dog diseases and disorders may be easily treated by the vet, many require ongoing treatment and care to ensure your pet’s ongoing health and wellbeing.

We have created a full database of common dog ailments to help you better understand some of the many health issues that your cat or dog may experience.

Aging and Wellness

As rambunctious and energetic as your little pup or kitten might be now, age can cause more than just maturation and bigger paws. The years can cause a whole host of problems. This ranges from more obvious issues, like lethargy and general wellness issues, to more subtle dog health issues, including Cushing’s disease, kennel cough, sleep issues, as well as glaucoma and other forms of visual impairment.

Anxiety and Phobias

Your pup or cat may seem carefree and fun-loving, but even animals can suffer from fears and anxiety. Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of pet anxiety, causing your dog or cat to suffer from various stress and behavior issues when left alone in the home. Anxieties and phobias may exhibit themselves through various means, often in the form of destructive or violent behaviors. Dogs and cats may also suffer from depression, grief, and other mood disorders common to humans.

Cancer

Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 2 years of age? Or that nearly 6 million dogs and 6 million cats will be diagnosed with cancer this year? Watching your furry friend suffer from cancer is heartbreaking. However, understanding the most common signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment options for cancer in dogs and cats can make the experience a little bit easier. Discover the most common types of pet cancer and other helpful information on our blog.  

Digestive and Nausea

Pets easily get into foods they shouldn’t, causing some significant tummy troubles. From diarrhea and vomiting to nausea to simple diets for sensitive stomachs, learn the types of digestive issues that your pup or kitten might be dealing with.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures in your dog or cat. Vets classify two different types of seizures: focal and generalized. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and the whole body, leading to twitching in all four limbs and a loss of consciousness. Focal seizures only affect a small part of the brain, causing twitching in just the face, one limb, or a side of the body. These seizures can last 30 to 90 seconds.

Heart & Circulatory Problems

Many dog owners are concerned about heart and circulatory problems, such as congestive heart failure, heartworm disease, and issues with blood vessels. Veterinary medicine has come a long way recently, developing an innovative treatment for a variety of concerns.

Joints and Mobility

Joint issues in pets are common, leading to pain, discomfort, and general mobility problems. Joint issues can be development or degenerative. With developmental joint issues, which include hip or elbow dysplasia, the joint hasn’t developed correctly. Degenerative problems, like arthritis, occur as your pet ages.

Lyme Disease & Other Infections

Lyme disease is spread by ticks and is another common infection among dogs. Infected dogs that do not receive treatment are at risk for the disease spreading to their lymph nodes, heart, and can eventually cause kidney disease.

Pain and Inflammation

Pet pain can be caused by a wide range of problems, from arthritis to pancreatitis to toothaches. While pain or inflammation alone may not be concerning, it is often the first sign pointing to a greater underlying problem.

Skin and Coat

A beautiful coat and clear skin are often the main signs of good health. Cat and dog skin conditions are quite common, however most can be managed if treated properly. Skin disease or problems with your pet’s fur can be caused by a variety of issues, including allergies, dermatitis, and mange. This can result in hair loss, sores, and excessive scratching and chewing.