We all love our pets, but at some point, it’s inevitable they will get sick.

In this article, we discuss common illnesses for pets, available treatments, and other important things to look out for to keep your pet healthy.

Worms and Heartworm

Worms and heartworm are one of the most common illnesses for pets. They can be contracted from:

• Birth
• Mosquitoes and other insects
• Fleas and the environment

Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, weight loss and a dry coat. While there are preventative treatments on the market, individual treatment through your vet is recommended, especially with puppies and kittens.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea 

Vomiting and Diarrhoea are particularly common illnesses for pets. Prolonged vomiting in pets can be an indicator of more serious illnesses, and if left untreated, it has the potential to seriously damage your pet’s long-term, overall health.

Just as with humans, vomiting and diarrhoea can be caused by any number of reasons. However, the most common are:

• Gastrointestinal issues caused by dietary changes, viral infections, consumption of foreign objects or food allergies
• Kidney and liver disease
• Cancer
• Side Effects of Medication
• Worms

If your pet vomits three times or more within a 24-hour period, it’s time to visit the vet. Also be on the look-out for other symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, blood or difficulty breathing.

For more symptoms and natural remedies to prevent and treat Diarrhea, visit our Disease Dashboard.  As the cause of vomiting is different for every pet, consult your holistic vet for specific treatments if concerned.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are particularly common illnesses for cats and dogs. Symptoms of ear infections in pets are:

• Continuous scratching and head shaking
• Redness or flaky skin in the ear canal
• Swelling or foreign discharge in the ear canal

The following checks can be added to their grooming routine which will help with the prevention of ear infections:

• Regularly check and clean your pet’s ears
• Dry your pet’s ears thoroughly after swimming/bathing

For more natural remedies to prevent and treat, visit our Disease Dashboard for Ear Infections.

Note: If you notice symptoms like unusual eye movements, walking in circles, or having trouble with balance, it’s important to get your dog to a holistic veterinarian to be checked for a more serious infection.

Skin Infections

Skin infections in pets can be attributed to several things, including flea bites, food allergies and skin allergies. The latter is the most common cause of this illness.

Identification of the allergy’s cause is the ideal solution, as you may be able to eliminate this and prevent the infection from recurring.  If this isn’t possible, tests and official diagnoses can be performed at your vet and medication may be recommended.

For more symptoms and natural remedies to prevent and treat Skin Infections, visit our Disease Dashboard – Skin Allergies, Hot Spots.

Dental Issues

Dental issues in pets can be a serious illness, resulting in increased potential for heart disease, diabetes, and auto-immune disease. The most common ways to prevent dental issues is to regularly feed whole raw meaty bones or brush your pet’s teeth.

Symptoms can include:

• Bad breath
• Bloody gums
• Buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth

For more symptoms and natural remedies to prevent and treat Dental issues, visit our Disease Dashboard – Periodontal and Tooth Problems.

Sore Joints

While sore joints are most common in aging dogs and cats, this common illness can present in puppies and kittens who are too adventurous. Arthritis, animal bites and other developmental issues may also be the cause, so if you suspect your pet may have sore joints, consult your vet.

For more symptoms and natural remedies to prevent and treat Osteoarthritis, visit our Disease Dashboard.

Obesity

Obesity can be a precursor to other serious illnesses such as sore joints and heart issues. If you suspect your pet is overweight, consult your holistic vet to ensure they are eating the right foods in the right quantities and getting enough exercise.

Anxiety

Pets aren’t immune to anxiety, and if left untreated, it can affect their hormones much in the same way as humans. Anxiety presents in some of the following ways:

• Disobedience and mood changes
• Lethargy 
• Appetite changes

There are numerous natural remedies and over-counter treatments you can try, but if you’re concerned, consult your vet.

If you are looking to help your pet be happier and healthier by changing to a Raw diet, contact us today! To read more about other diseases/conditions, please visit our Disease Dashboard.