Common Ailments

Common ailments in cats and dogs and their treatment

Just like in humans, there are many ailments that can affect your pet. Here are just some of the more common problems found in cats and dogs. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, call us immediately on 01556 502263.

Dogs

  • Dermatitis 
If your dog is scratching or licking more than usual and has red or flaky skin, patches or scabs, this can be an indication that your dog has an allergy, fleas, lice, a bacterial infection or a hormonal imbalance.
  • Ticks 
Dogs are vulnerable to picking up ticks following exercise, particularly when running through long, damp grass. Ticks attach themselves to a dog and can, in extreme cases, be dangerous or even lethal as they can transmit a number of diseases, in particular Lyme disease. Dogs which are reguarly exercised in woodland or tall grassy areas should be treated all year round.

To remove a tick, grasp it tightly using tweezers at the point where the head is imbedded into the skin and pull gently. If mouthparts do not work their way out, call 01556 502263 for an appointment. Never attempt to burn a tick off - it can be harmful to your dog and does not work.
  • Fleas 
Fleas can lead to skin infections, tapeworms, hair loss from scratching and anaemia. Anaemia can be life-threatening, especially in puppies and older animals. 
However, there are many effective treatments for fleas.
  • Arthritis 
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from arthritis. This is where the cartilage that acts as a cushion to protect the bones and joints wears away, causing the joints to become swollen and painful. Often, this happens as part of the ageing process, but the pain can be alleviated.
  • Dental Disease 
If your dog’s breath smells like a fish market on a hot summer’s day, this is probably an indication of dental and/or gum disease. Whilst it is difficult to clean a dog's teeth, there are things that can be done to improve dental health.
  • Bladder and incontinence problems 
Bladder and incontinence problems are a common problem in dogs and can have a range of causes. There are treatments, but it is important that your dog is properly diagnosed so that the correct one can be prescribed.
  • Cancer 
Cancer can also affect dogs. Classic signs might be abnormal swelling, weight loss, bleeding or discharge from the mouth, nose, ears or anus or persistent sores. However, dogs can also undergo cancer treatments.

Call The Stewartry Veterinary Centre on 01556 502263 for an appointment so we can diagnose the problem and recommend the correct course of treatment for any of these ailments.

Cats

  • Vomiting 
Vomiting is very common in cats and often, there is little to worry about as virtually all cats will vomit from time to time, especially after swallowing hair or grass, for example. Vomiting that is unrelated to eating and which may be accompanied by other signs of illness can have a more serious cause such as kidney or liver disease.
  • Lower urinary tract diseases

This occurs mostly in cats, both male and female, that are overweight or fed dried cat food. Other factors such as stress can also increase the chances of a cat suffering from lower urinary tract disease.

  • Tapeworms

Tapeworms are quite common in cats and symptoms can include vomiting or weight loss.

  • Diarrhoea

There are many things that can cause diarrhoea in cats. Make sure to offer your cat plenty of clean water to guard against dehydration. If the problem persists, call us at your earliest opportunity for an appointment .

  • Eye problems 
Eye problems can be caused by a range of conditions such as conjunctivitis or glaucoma. Unless you know what’s causing the problem, it’s always best to call us at an early stage.

There are many more potential ailments which can affect your cat than we are able to list here. If you are concerned about any aspect of your cat’s health, then contact us today on 01556 502263 for an appointment.
01556 502263