If you are a pet owner, you most likely hope that you will only need to take your pet to the vet for such routine care as yearly checkups and vaccinations.
Unfortunately, this may not always be the case. In fact, some of the most common reasons pet owners take their pets to vet hospitals are because of various illnesses and diseases such as those described below.
Skin Allergies
Perhaps the main reason many pet owners took their dogs to vet hospitals or clinics in 2013 was because of a skin allergy. Skin allergies can result in a variety of symptoms including itching, rashes, inflammation and hair loss.
There are many things that can cause skin allergies in pets; however, the most common causes are as follows:
- Dietary Issues
- Flea Saliva
- Pollen
- Dust Mites
- Mold Spores
- Various Chemicals
- Various Medications
Urinary Tract Problems
Urinary tract issues were some of the main reasons pet owners took their cats to see a vet in 2013. Common symptoms of urinary tract problems in pets include frequent urination, dark-colored urine, strong-smelling urine and housebreaking accidents.
There are many things that can cause urinary tract issues including the following conditions.
- Bladder Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Blockages
- Bladder Stones
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Cancer
Ear Infections
Other common reasons pet owners may take their pets to vet hospitals are ear infections.
Ear infections can occur in both cats and dog, and typical symptoms include inflammation, foul odors in the ear canal, excessive wax buildup and loss of balance. While their are many things that can cause ear infections in pets, some of the more common causes are as follows:
- Ear Mites
- Environmental Irritants
- Trauma to the Ear
- Excessive Moisture in the Ear Canal
- Excessive Wax Buildup
Gastro-Intestinal Issues
Other problems that often require a trip to a vet hospital or clinic are gastro-intestinal issues. This is a broad spectrum of problems that can result in such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, apathy or depression, loss of appetite, and anemia. The following conditions are just some of the issues that can cause gastro-intestinal disorders.
- Poisoning
- Intestinal Worms
- Food Allergies
- Gastro-Intestinal Infections
- Viruses
- Gastro-Intestinal Blockages
- Stomach Cancer
- Ingestion of Spoiled Food
Dental Problems
Dental problems are also among the most common reasons pet owners take their dogs and cats to veterinary hospitals. When pet owners do not have their pets’ teeth cleaned regularly, tarter can accumulate on the teeth rather quickly. This can lead to receding gums, gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth loss. Furthermore, severe cases of periodontal disease have been linked to heart disease.
Hyperthyroidism
Although both cats and dogs can develop hyperthyroidism, it is more common in cats. Unfortunately, it can also be life-threatening if the pet does not receive treatment right away. Hyperthyroidism can occur in both young and old felines, and signs of the condition can be found listed below.
- Change in Eating Behavior
- Loss of Weight
- Excessive Thirst and Urination
- Dull Coat
- Vomiting
- High Blood Pressure
Routine Care
Finally, routine care is one of the main reasons dog and cat owners take their pets to see a veterinarian. Routine care is any type of care that is considered essential in keeping pets healthy and comfortable. This can include, but is not limited to, all of the following treatments.
- Grooming and Clipping Nails
- Flea Baths and Dips
- Teeth Cleaning
- Regular Fecal Checks
- Annual Heartworm Checks
- Vaccinations
- Annual Examinations
- Spaying and Neutering
These are the most common reasons pet owners take their pets to veterinary hospitals and clinics today. Other reasons people may need to take their dogs or cats to their local veterinarians include injuries, bloat, skin masses, upper respiratory issues, seizures and arthritis.
