Whether you have had pets your whole life or are looking to get your first, it is important to know how to care for your cat or dog should they ever fall ill. While cats and dogs have similar organs to their humans, the way their bodies work are entirely different. For example, a cat doesn’t associate drinking with eating, which is why it is suggested that you keep their water bowl separate from their food.

It goes without saying that if your pet is diagnosed with a long-term and ongoing issue they will need extra attention and care alongside the usual vet visits and special diets. Keep your beloved fur baby safe and sound with a medical alert pet tag to ensure they get the care they need should they ever find themselves lost and in need of help.
After just a few weeks with a pet, you get to know their personality and daily routine which makes it much easier to notice when they are feeling under the weather or acting differently. We all know that our pets need regular visits to the vet to give them a once over and ensure there are no underlying issues that aren’t visible, but what illnesses should we be on the lookout for?

Common Cat Ailments

There are a number of illnesses that your cat can succumb to over the course of their life.

• Vomiting. Cleaning up cat sick isn’t nice, but it is especially unpleasant for your cat. While it may just be caused by a hairball or from eating a little too much, it can also be a sign of something more serious such as eating poison or diabetes. Vomiting can leave your pet dehydrated, so ensure they have fresh water available and if your cat is sick a lot, contact your vet immediately
• Urinary Tract Diseases are very common in cats and can be very serious if your cat can’t urinate. They are likely to happen if your cat is overweight, unfit or only eats dry food. Symptoms include lack of appetite, dehydration, bloody urine, straining to urinate and pain in the urinary area
• Fleas are very common in cats and dogs, but luckily they are relatively easy to treat. Constant scratching, licking, irritated skin, hair loss and skin infections are all signs that your cat might have fleas. If left untreated, it can lead to anaemia so it is best to treat your cat as soon as possible
• Worms live inside your cat in the small intestine but can be as long as two foot long. If your cat is losing weight and vomiting, inspect their faeces for signs of small white worms. Worms are associated with fleas so be sure to treat both simultaneously
• Eye problems are common for cats and include conjunctivitis, cataracts, inflammation and trauma. Watery eyes, sore and irritated eyelids, gunk in the eyes, squinting and cloudiness are all signs that your cat has something wrong with their eye(s). Clean regularly and it should clear itself up, but consult with your vet if it doesn’t go away by itself in a few days

Typical Doggy Dilemmas

As with cats, there are a number of ailments that can cause distress to your dog.

• Ear infections are very common in dogs – with yeast, ear mites and bacteria readily able to get into the ear canal. Signs your dog is suffering include ear odour, scratching, unbalanced movements, head shaking, discharge and ear swelling. Your vet can show you how to clean the ear area and apply medication
• Worms – Like with cats, dogs are susceptible to worms. If you notice unexplained weight loss, a change in appetite, itchy bottoms and diarrhoea, your dog might have a worm. As there are many types of worm, your vet can run tests to ensure your dog receives the appropriate medication
• Hot Spots are the given name for acute moist dermatitis, a skin infection. If your dog itches, bites and scratches a hot spot, it can get lead to further irritation and can grow larger. Your vet will advise whether topical medication or antibiotics are the best courses of action dependent on the irritation
• Diarrhoea can have a number of causes, but as it leads to stress, dehydration and even fever, vomiting and loss of appetite, it is important to get your dog looked over by a vet

As well as these common ailments, there are also a number of serious illnesses and diseases that can affect your pets, including cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis and even obesity. If your pet suffers from any of these conditions, investing in a medical alert tag is a great way of ensuring they receive the right care should they require it.
For more information on our range of pet tags - including the medical alert tag – please visit our website; we have a broad range of styles and designs to suit all pets and personalities.