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Five common illnesses your pet may be suffering from

Jackie Marshall, qualified vet and technical advisor here at VetPlus advises cat and dog owners about five common conditions they might not know their furry friend is suffering from.
Pets often appear cheery, wagging their tails or purring, but they are susceptible to lots of illnesses that can be hard to spot.
Jackie says Lots of people pamper their pets but to properly care for our four-legged friends, it’s crucial to be aware of the health conditions that could affect them
Despite their prevalence, conditions such as osteoarthritis can often go unnoticed in pets but it’s best to identify them as early as possible to be able to start effective management programmes – with products such as supplements often a helpful tool as part of a multimodal approach
As always, if you suspect your pet might be experiencing health difficulties, contact your vet for further guidance
Jackie shares the five common illnesses pet owners should be looking out for:
Oral Health Issues
More than 80% of dogs suffer a stage of gum disease before they turn three years old1.
Gum disease can cause chronic pain and often affects the appetite of pets.
Look out for bad breath, bleeding gums, and excessive salivation as signs your pet is suffering and take precautions by brushing their teeth regularly from an early age with a pet-specific toothpaste.
If you are worried about your furry friend’s dental health, take them to your local vet to get checked out.
Obesity
Clinical studies show that up to 65% of dogs are obese or overweight2, which increases their risk of other serious illnesses, such as heart problems and osteoarthritis.
Obesity can usually be prevented and managed through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
There are also supplements that can support your pet’s gastrointestinal health, such as SUSTAIN® from VetPlus. This probiotic is available for both dogs and cats and helps to promote gut health whilst also aiding the immune system.
FIBOR® from VetPlus is also a good option to support a healthy diet and satiety levels, combining seven different natural sources of fibre, including kiwi fruit. Both supplements can be added to your dog’s normal diet on veterinary advice.
Ear infections
Ear infections are another common medical issue for pets, especially dogs with longer and floppier ears and those with underlying skin issues.
Smelly ears and scratching at the head or ears can be indicators of an infection in this area.
Excess water is a common cause of the condition so make sure you dry your pet’s ears after they’ve been out in the rain, if they’ve been swimming during a walk, and when they’ve had a bath. You should use a towel that doesn’t shed so no fibres get caught in the ear canal and make sure not to put anything down the ear canal itself.
Diabetes
Diabetes, a hormonal disease, also can affect pets.
If you notice your furry friend urinating more frequently, losing weight, or drinking a large amount of water, raise the issue with your vet so they can investigate the potential cause.
Osteoarthritis
Affecting four out of five older canines and more than 90% of adult cats, osteoarthritis is a disorder that causes stiff and painful joints, impacting movement and activity.
Warning signs of this condition include licking excessively at a certain area, not wanting to be stroked or picked up, and limping on daily walks.
Whilst there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to help manage it, including following a dedicated programme which could include supplements such as VetPlus’ SYNOQUIN® which helps with inflammation, protects joint structures, and supports your pet’s overall mobility.
If you’re worried about your pet’s health or have any questions about any potential symptoms, visit your local vet who will be able to advise further.
For more information, visit www.vetplus.co.uk or speak to your local vet.
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