A Special Bond Deserves Special Treatment

A lot of things may cause dogs and cats to be itchy. Sometimes it is obvious when dogs and cats are itchy, especially when they scratch a lot. Other times, though, dogs and cats show less obvious signs of itching. For example, dogs and cats may shake their heads or excessively lick. Commonly itchy areas are the paws and belly, so dogs and cats often lick these places. Lastly, animals may rub their faces or bodies on the ground or furniture as an alternative to scratching. If you notice any of these signs, please have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian in order to determine the best course of treatment for itch.

Sometimes, a dog or cat may vomit for a minor reason. For example, a dog may vomit because the dog ate something that upset his/her tummy. A cat may vomit because he/she has a hairball. Other times, however, a dog or cat vomiting may be signs of a more serious condition or even a medical emergency. Additionally, if vomiting continues without treatment, dogs or cats may become severely dehydrated and malnourished. If you notice your pet vomiting, please see a veterinarian to best determine the cause.

If an animal does not want to eat as much, this may be a sign of a serious medical condition. For example, an animal that is eating less and gaining weight may have hypothyroidism, which is a chronic but treatable endocrine disease. An animal that is eating more and losing weight may have diabetes. There is a long list of medical conditions that may lead to a change in weight or appetite, so please talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.

Dogs and cats cannot tell us when they are not feeling well. Sometimes, a change in activity level may be the first sign they are feeling sick. Animals may change their activity levels if they are in pain or do not have as much energy as they should. They also may change their activity level due to a behavioral problem. Sometimes, a change in activity level signifies a serious health issue that requires treatment. Please let your veterinarian know if your pet's activity levels are changing.

Animals may drink extra water for several reasons. Increasing exercise or switching from canned to dry food may cause an animal to be thirstier. However, there are also more serious medical conditions that may cause your pet to drink more. For example, bladder infections and endocrine diseases commonly lead to an increase in water consumption. Talk to your vet if you have questions regarding your pet's drinking habits.

Dogs and cats have a lot of ways of showing us that they are in pain. Some animals limp, which makes it clear that an arm or leg is uncomfortable. Other times, dogs and cats show us that they are painful in different ways. Animals may stop eating, hesitate to get up and move around or cry out without an obvious reason. If you notice any possible sign of pain in your pet, please call your veterinarian.

Dogs and cats sometimes have a change in bathroom habits. Dogs may go to the bathroom inside, and cats may stop using the litterbox. There are both behavioral and medical reasons for these things to occur. For example, stress, endocrine diseases, and bladder infections are all possible causes for changes in bathroom habits. Your veterinarian may help you figure out exactly why your pet is using the bathroom inappropriately.