Any pet owner will tell you that health problems are the biggest fear when it comes to caring for their domestic companions. Like humans, animals can suffer from a range of disorders that affect both their physical and mental health – but what are the most common of these?
Dental health
Oral disease and dental issues are an unfortunately common calamity for pets, with 80% of dogs and 70% of cats showing signs of oral disease by the age of three years – as reported on Hills Pet Nutrition.
Periodontal diseases – infections of the gum or tooth root – are also common with both dogs and cats and can lead to further problems, such as tooth loss. Broken teeth are a common dental health risk for all animals and can be made more likely if dental hygiene is not maintained.
Physical health
Physical ailments for animals can cover a wide range of afflictions and Dogster.com reported that the most common of these for dogs in 2008 were ear infections and skin allergies.
Alongside skin complaints and other physical ailments, dogs and other pets often suffer from health problems relating to their weight. Obesity, in particular, has become a major concern recently and can be caused by numerous factors.
Over-feeding and a lack of exercise are the two main causes and it is important that pet owners are aware of the risks associated with this sort of ailment. Overweight animals can suffer from increased wear and tear on their joints as well as other health conditions, such as heart problems.
Mental health
As with humans, not all health problems experienced in animals are physical and mental health issues also exist. Depression is common, especially in dogs, and can be caused by chemical imbalances, grief or simply a change in location.
Other mental health issues can have more physical causes, with epilepsy being just one example. Again, this is especially common in dogs (with certain breeds being more susceptible to it than others) as well as in other animals.
With all these ailments, seeking medical attention is essential but veterinary bills can be expensive and whilst no pet owners want their animal to suffer, finding a way to afford these costs can be difficult.
Investing in pet insurance can help owners to protect their pets in the best way possible.
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