Being a fur parent in Singapore can be the best thing to happen to you. With a pet by your side, you won’t have to feel cold because your pet will be there to provide you with much-needed warmth. You’ll also have a lifetime companion that you can play and cuddle with on days when you’re feeling lonely.
However, it’s all fun and games until something’s wrong with your pet, but you can’t tell what. The best solution for this would always be to consult your go-to vet so that you can get a precise diagnosis and treatment plan, but it may help if you know a thing or two about the common health problems that your pet may have.
Much like with taking care of a human baby, you’ll have to do your research regarding common health concerns, so you’ll know how to address them appropriately. You can’t just dive right into pet ownership without putting in the work because otherwise, your pet might suffer the repercussions. To help you get started, here are five of the most common health problems that pets experience:
Skin Issues
It’s normal for animals with fur to scratch an itch from time to time, but it’s a different matter altogether when the area of the skin it’s scratching appears red, flaky, inflamed, or scaly because this may be a sign of a skin condition. This could be due to many reasons, such as allergies and parasites, to name a few.
If you think that the skin issues are being caused by an allergic reaction, it might be best to switch your regular kibble to a hypoallergenic food for dogs in Singapore because this is better for pets with digestive and skin sensitivities. Allergy-friendly food might help your pet get rid of its skin problems on its own. However, if it gets much worse, you should see your vet immediately.
Vomiting
Just like humans, there are plenty of reasons pets can suddenly vomit. Sometimes, it can be caused by parasites and viruses in the stomach due to the food it consumes. But other times, vomiting can indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as kidney failure, heatstroke, poisoning, or infection.
Of course, you won’t have to rush your pet to the vet every time it throws up. But if it’s happening non-stop and there are other symptoms of illness, like diarrhea, presence of blood in the vomit, consider calling your vet without a second thought. This way, you can address the problem and seek treatment.
Diarrhea
Humans often get diarrhea because of the presence of bacteria in the water they drink or the food they consume. But it can also be due to stress and dehydration. The same thing applies to pets because they can also get diarrhea if they get an infection, such as intestinal parasites or canine parvovirus.
Diarrhea usually accompanies vomiting, but it can also occur without it. If you see your pet’s stool appear watery or loose, consider replacing their water source because it might be full of bacteria. However, if diarrhea lasts for more than a day, take your pet to the vet right away
Obesity
Without a nutritious diet and regular exercise, it’s also possible for pets to develop obesity due to the lack of activity. Excessive weight gain can then lead to more serious health problems, such as diabetes, respiratory issues, orthopedic problems, or even heart disease if left unaddressed for long.
It’s good that obesity isn’t permanent because it can be reversed with a healthy diet and activity. Of course, losing weight won’t happen overnight; as the pet owner, you have to be on top of your pet’s weight loss journey and see to it that it’s doing its best to drop the pounds. But don’t overwork your pet because doing so may do more harm than good.
Dental Disease
Unlike humans, pets don’t necessarily have to brush their teeth twice a day, though it’s ideal. The minimum requirement for brushing the teeth is at least thrice a week because it can help remove plaque and tartar build-up. Plus, it keeps their breath fresh because it’s not normal for pets to have bad breath.
If your pet has bad breath, it may be a sign of periodontal disease because the bacteria in its mouth has led to severe damage involving its teeth and gums. And once the bacteria enter your pet’s bloodstream, it may cause even more problems. So, prevent this from happening while you still can by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly.
Being a pet owner means owning up to the responsibility that another living being will become dependent on you for survival. That means you can’t neglect or dismiss its needs simply because you’re too busy with your own life. Most pets are low-maintenance and independent, but that doesn’t mean you can leave your pet to fend for itself. So always do your best in taking care of your pet.
