As pet owners, we all want to give our furry family members the very best care possible to keep them in our lives for as long as possible. For this reason, it’s helpful to be familiar with the symptoms of potential life-threatening pet diseases so we can catch them in their earliest stages.

Karen “Doc” Halligan.

Veterinarian and author Karen “Doc” Halligan, who currently serves as the director of veterinary services for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (spcaLA), shares the six most common signs of illness to look out for in dogs and cats:

1. Halitosis – Bad breath, or halitosis, is a sign of ill health. Bad breath in dogs and cats is most commonly a symptom of dental disorders like periodontal disease, gingivitis, plaque buildup, abscesses, sores, tumors and ulcers of the mouth. But there are other diseases that can cause bad breath, including skin disease around the mouth, tumors or foreign objects stuck in the mouth, as well as diabetes, autoimmune disease and kidney disease. It is imperative to investigate the cause of your pet’s halitosis rather than assuming it’s natural for them to have bad breath. because it’s not. If your pet has halitosis, you need to take them in for a dental exam right away. If the cause is dental disease, once treated you can prevent the recurrence of bad breath in your pet with daily brushing and yearly professional dental cleanings.

2. Ear Infections – since dogs and cats have much longer ear canals than people do, infections usually start way down at the eardrum and work their way upward. so by the time you actually see debris, the infection has most likely been there a while. they are susceptible to ear infections because of their long, L-shaped canals; some dogs have wax-trapping hair lining the canals as well. and dogs that have moisture-sealing earflaps provide the perfect swamp-like environment for bugs to thrive. Check out your pet’s ears. they should have very little odor or discharge, but a small amount of wax is normal. If you see debris, redness, hair loss, crusting or your pet seems to be in pain when its ears are touched, it could be a sign of an ear infection, which means a trip to the vet for ear medication and antibiotics. to prevent infections, pet owners can learn from their vet how to properly and regularly clean their animal’s ear canals.

3. Vomiting and Diarrhea – More than 60 percent of all vet bills and vet visits for vomiting or diarrhea are due to illnesses resulting from what a pet ate. This ranges from bones to burgers, pizza, chocolate, avocados and double-doubles. I recommend twice daily feedings of a high-quality diet in your pets life stage of either pediatric, adult or senior. Feed a measured amount of 50% dry and 50% wet food and no table scraps. Don’t vary your pets diet. Stick with one brand that your pet likes in their life stage and make sure fresh clean water is always available. Cats also suffer from hair balls, which can be prevented by daily brushing, feeding a highly digestible diet and weekly doses of petroleum jelly help push the hair through the intestinal tract.

4. Skin Irritations – The skin is the largest organ of the body and is also the first line of defense against disease. your cat or dog’s coat should be sleek and glossy with no fleas or flea dirt. Flea Allergy Dermatitis, or FAD, is the most common allergic pet skin disease. Animals that have flea allergy can develop a severe allergic reaction to a protein in the saliva of certain fleas that is left behind from fleabites. This condition causes severe itching and a rash. in dogs, it leads to hair loss and infection, usually on the rear legs or at the base of the tail. Cats get scabs around the head, neck and body. to prevent this, use a high quality flea and tick product monthly on all pets in the household.

5. Obesity – About 65% of American adults are overweight or obese, and studies show that more than 40% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese too. If you consume more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight, and this goes for our pets as well. Feed them a balanced, nutritionally complete diet, and tailor it to your pet’s lifestyle. always measure the amount of food you feed your pets and never feed table scraps of any kind. they add calories and will unbalance your pet’s diet. Give dog or cat treats sparingly and incorporate these extra calories into your pet’s total daily allotment. Treats should account for less than 10% of total calories.

6. Inappropriate Urination – Kidney disease is common in older cats, and both cats and dogs can lose up to 75% of kidney function before clinical signs will develop. Blood work can detect early changes in kidney enzymes and allow management of this disease before it becomes life-threatening. Symptoms in dogs and cats include increased thirst or urination, weight loss, listlessness, nausea, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, foul-smelling breath, poor appetite and lethargy. Cats may also vocalize and urinate outside of their litter box. About 25% of cats with chronic kidney disease will develop high blood pressure. It’s not uncommon for these cats and dogs to have a long history of excessive water consumption. Treatment of kidney disease depends on the degree of damage, but can be successful. Prevention includes yearly exams for early detection and providing plenty of fresh drinking water.

Posted By: Amelia Glynn (Email, Facebook) | July 13 2011 at 04:19 PM

Dog pancreas produces hormones and digestive enzymes too. Pancreatic cancer is a very serious medical condition in dogs. Usually fatal. symptoms do not appear until the cancer is already well under way.

This will cause the disease to develop tumors of the pancreas. This usually causes the blood in the stool of the dog. Other common symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Neurologicalsigns may be present, and seizures and loss of coordination.

Pancreatic cancer in dogs an owner

if your dog displays these symptoms, should be a veterinarian as soon as possible. as stated in the notice of one thing and seek treatment before the disease is usually advanced. In order to diagnose this disease, veterinary, and blood tests, pancreatic enzymes will have to do is to check the damage.

Unfortunately, cancer, pancreasdogs are usually difficult to treat. It is one of the basic methods of surgical treatment. disease has already spread to other parts of the body, however, surgery has no effect. Tumors can cause intestinal obstruction as they grow. This requires that gastrointestinal bypass surgery.

In addition to surgery, radiation therapy and veterinary prescription drugs may choose to give. Most dogs will not rest the pancreas and the food is notto secrete digestive enzymes. without food, dog food and vitamins must be given by IV.

very poor prognosis for pancreatic cancer in dogs. After showing symptoms of the disease, most dogs would not live more than a year.

Pancreatic cancer in dogs an owner

didn't know dogs got parkinsons,,,, your dog needs veterinarian intervention… seek help today

poor puppy! you need to get that dog to a vet so they van evaluate what you should do immediately.

get to a vet, your puppy need medications.

Kidney disease in dogs can develop steadily, often using indications which are effortlessly overlooked. Recoiling from the number of causes, kidney disease could be detected by a simple blood exam that the veterinarian can apply once a month.

Symptoms of renal system difficulties in dogs vary depending on the type of difficulty existing, such as viral infections, poisoning, or even cancer. Preserving a detailed eye in your puppy is one of the best ways to detect kidney failure, but nothing rates an actual examination done once a month. here are some things you need to understand kidney disease in dogs, and the steps you need to take for treatment and drugs.

one. Kidney disease in dogs is of 2 kinds, acute renal disappointment, and chronic renal disappointment. the former stems from ingesting poisonous materials. in case you have a couple of toxic components laying around your home comparable to rat toxin or anti-freeze, your dog may have unintentionally consumed them. Persistent renal failure, on the other hand, is dangerous and tough to determine in their beginning. Caused by a variety of underlying complications such as congenial abnormalities, leptospirosis or even cancer, chronic renal disappointment mostly affects young dogs and old aged ones.

2. Kidney disease in dogs causes various symptoms. the very first thing you are bound to notice would be the dogs frequent sessions of desire and urination. Because of the kidneys weakness in digesting fluids, the body indicators the mental performance to use more liquids, leaving the dog eager on a regular basis.

3. Renal system acne scarring will give the dog a hard and painful time urinating. Excruciating discomfort can encourage your dog to vomit pool water he drinks, so observe cautiously for traces of vomit across the house.

four. in case not handled early on, the problems may start to worsen. the dog will start weight reducing her urge for food trying to find tired and careful. the dog may undergo melancholy and become extremely lethargic. Attempt smelling the dogs puff for traces of ammonia. it is there unlucky aspect that your puppy has become incredibly unwell. You need to talk to a veterinary directly.

5. Indicators of dog kidney disease change largely. Some puppies monitor their indications early, while some may look wonderful fine until things start to intensify rapidly. the first signal of the symptom ought to be representing you to take your dog to the vet. Kidney disease in dogs is the serious matter that needs the interest of the medical professional. Bring an urine test along with you in your go to. Remember as well to never deny your dog of the water he needs, whether or not he expels them or urinates them indefinitely. your dog is trying to water his weak renal system, therefore water should be made available.

Avoidance is better than heal. in chronic kidney failure and renal kidney disappointment, the damage is everlasting. Kidney disease in dogs does not heal, but fortunately, by using a put dietary management strategy, the dog can nonetheless live a happy regular life. Ask your vet for diet plans advised for puppies who suffer from kidney disease. do not deny the dog of the longer and more healthy living.

Discover the effective treatment and all-natural remedies for canine kidney disease, go to our site now: Find out More

Last Updated: February 11. 2011 1:00AM Martha Stewart: Living

Dogs and cats are curious creatures. While that quality often makes us laugh, it can sometimes have disastrous consequences. Certain household items are dangerous — or even fatal — to animals. Accidents can occur no matter how careful you are. And they always seem to happen at midnight, when help is hard to find. Be prepared with contact information for your veterinarian, the nearest animal emergency room, and, in the U.S., the 24-hour ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). Here are several common hazards, as well as smart strategies for pet-proofing your home.

Antifreeze

Pets love the sweet taste of antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which they may encounter if it leaks in the garage or driveway. Yet just a teaspoon is all it takes to kill a 10-pound cat; one to two tablespoons are lethal to a 10-pound dog. If your pet ingests any, it may seem wobbly and unsteady, as well as nauseated and unusually thirsty. get it to the vet immediately — an antidote must be given within 12 hours, but sooner is better. of course, never let your pet near antifreeze, and if you spill some, clean it up right away and discard all paper towels and rags. You can use a less toxic form of antifreeze, propylene glycol. but even this is poisonous in large quantities.

Food

People food, that is. Don’t cave in to those adorable eyes when your pet is begging. “Some foods cause problems ranging from gastrointestinal issues to death,” says Diane Levitan, a veterinarian in Commack, N.Y. Chocolate, for example, contains a substance called theobromine, along with caffeine, which makes it toxic to dogs and cats. the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity and seizures. Pets also shouldn’t eat macadamia nuts, raw or undercooked meat, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives or rising bread dough.

Garbage

Pets that dig into the trash may find objects, such as bones, corncobs and broken glass, which can obstruct and tear the intestines. Moldy foods contain toxins that can cause muscle tremors and convulsions. Buy trash cans with tight lids, or keep them behind closed doors.

Household cleaners

Toilet-bowl cleaner has caustic chemicals that burn the mouth and esophageal lining, Levitan says. Flush the toilet multiple times after cleaning, and close the lid. Exposure to bleach and other harsh products can cause gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation and respiratory problems. Switch to nontoxic cleaners.

Houseplants

Cats in particular like nibbling on plants, but some are toxic. Ingesting even small amounts of Easter lilies, for instance, can cause kidney failure in cats. other dangerous plants include mistletoe, oleander, English ivy and tulip and narcissus bulbs. You can apply a deterrent to the plants, such as a bitter apple spray, but it’s safer to remove them from the house. for a list of safe and unsafe plants, visit aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.

Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications for people top the list of pet poisons. not only do animals snatch pills from counters and nightstands, but they’re also quick to lap up medications dropped on the floor. According to the ASPCA, the most dangerous ones are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), antidepressants, acetaminophen, methylphenidate, fluorouracil, isoniazid, pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), antidiabetics, vitamin D derivatives and baclofen. always keep medications in places that cats and dogs can’t access.

Bar soaps

Soap appeals to some pets, but the fats it contains could cause pancreatitis. Eating soap can also trigger vomiting and diarrhea. And scented versions may irritate the esophagus and mouth. keep bars out of reach, or close the bathroom door.

Toys

Small parts in children’s playthings can pose choking hazards and cause intestinal blockage in dogs and cats. but “pet toys can also be hazardous,” says Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the Humane Society of the United States. Be aware of how your pet plays — for instance, some dogs baby their stuffed animals, while others tear them apart and eat them. when you give your dog a new toy, supervise the first play sessions. If plush objects are problematic, give the dog tougher toys.

Questions should be sent to Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. You may also e-mail questions to . please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.

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Ever wanted to ask a vet how to tell if your cat is sick? Online Vet Reviews Sick Cat Symptoms

Our feline friends are not as easy to read as dogs, and cats are much less likely to complain when they are ill. As a veterinarian, all too often my cat owning clients bring their pets to me when their cats are far more ill than they realized. some studies have shown that cats will act perfectly normal when their people are around, but then show symptoms of illness, such as licking a wound or limping when they are alone.

What does this mean to you? As a responsible pet owner, you should educate yourself on how to do a basic pet owner physical exam on a weekly basis and be aware of the common indicators that your feline friend is under the weather.

After all, you know your cat better than anyone, and learning his or her “normals” could mean the matter in life or death.

Let’s review the basics of sick cat symptoms.

Is your cat sneezing more or having nasal discharge? is your cat pawing at his nose? is there swelling at the nose or a red crusty scab? Use common sense; a sneeze or even four in a row is not reason to rush to the veterinarian. perhaps you are cooking with a spicy ingredient or the dog has brought a new pollen in on their paws that is triggering your cat to sneeze. If it continues or is accompanied by green thick discharge, you should ask a vet.

Eyes should be clear, bright, and free of redness or discharge. When a cat starts squinting their eye, indicating pain, this is NOT something to wait around and keep an eye on. It may mean a scratch on their eye, called a corneal ulcer, which needs immediate medical attention.

Ears should be clean, without copious wax or discharge, and not a major source of itching. If you cat has large amounts of black ear discharge and is scratching at their ears frequently, this is a sign of an ear infection which warrants a vet visit.

A cat’s mouth should be free of odor, red gum-lines, tartar and plaque build up. If your cat is drooling excessively, it very likely is the result of oral pain, such as an infected tooth with associated nerve pain. If your cat has blueish gums or abnormal swellings in their mouth, this is a cause for concern.

If your cat is gasping for air or open-mouth breathing, please, don’t wait to see if it improves. Get to the vet ASAP. If your cat is just breathing a little harder after a long game of catch the laser, this is likely not of medical concern (except to spend more time enticing your cat to exercise). Does your cat have attacks of wheezing? Cats frequently get asthma, and this is nothing to blow off.

Your cat’s coat should be smooth and soft to the touch. Their skin should be free of sores, scabs, or lumps, masses, bald spots, and rashes. Does your normally well-groomed cat now have mats and spend less time grooming? This is likely an indication of a sick cat.

Body Condition (Weight):

You should be able to feel your cats ribs (subtly, not pronounced) when you rub your hands over your cat’s ribcage. Can’t find them? Over 50% of these cats are overweight or obese. It may be time to place Tigger on a diet. Sudden weight loss or gain is dangerous in cats and can indicate an underly disease such as diabetes, kidney failure, or hyperthyroidism.

Gastrointestinal system:

Ever wonder why cats vomit? Cats have hairballs, and depending on the cat, some are regular occasional vomiters. nonetheless, if your cat’s vomiting increases, loose stools become a repeat visitor, or if your cat’s stool has blood in it, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.

Ahhh…my personal least favorite cat illness, and unfortunately a very frequent one, if not the most frequent. has your cat started going outside the box? If it is accompanied by an increased amount of urine, blood in the urine, straining while urinating, a trip to the emergency vet is in order. also, if your male cat has stopped urinating, is straining in unusual places and crying loudly, RUN RUN RUN to the vet. This can be a sign of urinary blockage which is life-threatening. If your cat urinates in unusual locations, you may be stuck with a more complex problem to deal with. If this problem is recurring, your vet can work with your to find out if this is a behavioral or medical problem.

Attitude/Appetite/Energy:

Changes in any of the above can signal an underlying disease. A formerly nice cat that has turned aggressive may be in pain, such as arthritis or even a tumor affecting their behavior. has your cat’s energy and activity decreased? is your cat eating less? These are all signs that something more serious may be dangerously lurking. Get to the veterinarian and provide as detailed of a history and symptoms as possible.

Is your cat just not acting right? Follow your instincts. you know your cat better than anyone, and oftentimes those subtle hunches picked up by you the owner can help us as the veterinarian arrive at an accurate and speedy diagnosis. want to find out if your hunches warrant a vet visit? Ask a vet online 24/7 for a small fraction of the cost of inconvenience of an in-person vet visit.

It’s your cat’s health! Educate yourself, and protect your loved one

Laci Schaible, DVM is a veterinarian and writer for numerous pet publications. She works in Pennsylvania with her husband Jed, also a veterinarian.

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Dog owners are responsible for the health and happiness of their pets, particularly in making sure they get to the the AMVA certified Orlando vet’s office once a year and are well-fed and exercised. Dog owners can take good care of their pet but ailments are an inevitable dilemma. these are a few of the most common ailments you should watch out for in your dog.

An insightful Orlando veterinarian will certainly define Parvo as one of the most difficult diseases to handle. it is a strong virus attacking the intestines and causes symptoms like loss of appetite, severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. Good thing for dogs, prevention of this condition is achievable by using vaccines. if the dog is inflicted with the virus and it didn’t get vaccinated by an licensed Olrando vet beforehand, symptoms can manifest within hours and death can occur in days.

Unfortunately, Distemper is one condition that has no cure should a dog contract it. however, preventing it is possible by getting regular vaccines at your local vet’s office. Unluckily, the rate of mortality of the disease is high that 50% of adult dogs die and 80% of puppies still end up dying even with a treatment from an AMVA certified Orlando vet. Diarrhea, chest congestion, eye and nose discharges and coughing are included in the symptoms that you should be aware of.

Twisted stomach is a condition likely to be acquired by dogs that are underfed, eat too quickly, or only eat one meal daily. it is basically characterized by the cutting off of the blood supply to the stomach as a result of twisting of the stomach on itself and needs immediate attention of your reputable Orlando veterinarian. Failure of the owner to get their pet in for a surgical treatment at a vet’s office can cause quick death by this extremely painful condition. if caught promptly enough, surgical treatment by the doctor can help the dog survive the twisting but it is likely to suffer the same condition if proper measures are not taken.

Finally, by watching out and having your dog vaccinated for Rabies every three years at the respectable Orlando vet, you will give them a long and happy life to live. Death is almost always associated with contracting Rabies and there is still no cure discovered for it. Nonetheless, the condition is quite proven to be prevented by vaccines but safety can be enhanced by keeping your dogs away from wild and other animals that mirror the same symptoms. The usual symptoms of Rabies are violent behavior, excessive barking, irritability, and restlessness, fear of water, loss of motor control, behavior changes and fever, which your affordable Orlando vet may warn about.

Preventing those four conditions stated above is possible by having proper treatment at your vet’s office. See to it that you keep your dog happy and long lived with vaccinations and proper care. An respectable Orlando vet can give you knowledge on how to prevent these and other diseases.

Find out more about my veterinary services here…trustworthy Orlando veterinarian. Get plenty of answers to your most pressing pet related questions. Your pets will thank you…licensed Olrando vet.