A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper grooming, and regular check-ups to the vet are essential in keeping your pet healthy. However, pets can only express themselves through barks, meows and movements, so you may not know if your furry friend is feeling any pain or discomfort. Most of the time, the irregularities are very subtle. It takes a sharp eye to identify the symptoms of pet ailments.
Pet Food Institute and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, through its Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign, impart a head-to-toe checklist for pet owners to make sure that little Fido and Fluffy are in tip-top condition.
Eyes
Healthy cats have clear and bright eyes. Their pupil shape varies from the light reflecting on them. One of the unique characteristics of a cat is the ability to see through the dark with glowing eyes. Any irregularities like redness or mucus excretion can mean infection or nutrient deficiency. If the cat squints or blinks with one eye, it could indicate injuries like a scratch, or a foreign matter may be stuck in the eye area.
Dogs should have bright and shiny eyes. It’s normal for dogs to have mucous and tears in their eyes, but it should be minimal, clear and not yellowish. A dog’s healthy eyes are neither swollen nor reddish. If these symptoms and abnormalities become severe, it could lead to blindness.
Ears
Both cats and dogs have superb sense of hearing. Besides their sense of sight, hearing keeps them alert especially in times of danger. Their ears have minimal to zero amount of wax. Any crusty build-up could lead to swelling inside the ear. If they shake their heads frequently, it might be a symptom of ear mites or ear infection. Any unpleasant odors could mean it’s time for an ear cleanup. If the odor still lingers after cleaning, it might be an infection. It will be best to head over to the vet to determine the problem.
Nose
A healthy cat’s nostrils are mucous-free and not runny. Sometimes, a cat sneezes because of allergies or dust. But when sneezing is continuous, and is accompanied by gagging, it may be a hint that the cat had a foreign object inside its nasal passage.
A dog’s nose is leathery, cool, and moist. They sometimes have nasal discharge but it should be minimal and never yellowish. Keep in mind that a wet nose does not always mean that the dog is in good health, and a warm and dry nose does not always mean that the dog is sick. Other critical factors should also be measured before assuming if the pet is healthy or not, so expert guidance should first be considered.
Mouth
Both cats and dogs have pink or black lips, depending on the breed. As they age, they may develop black spotting around their lips. Their gums and roof of the mouth are pink, and they must have clean white teeth that are clear of any lumps or tartar build-ups. Any evidence of dental diseases such as foul breath odor, gum bleeding or gum redness should be examined by a veterinarian. A dental care plan should follow to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
Coat and Skin
Cats are groomers by nature. They keep their own fur and coats clean. The length and color of their coats varies from breed. It’s generally normal for cats to shed, but if it is more than usual, there might be a health issue. A healthy coat should be shiny and soft without getting bald or patchy. A cat’s skin should be free from any ticks, fleas or any skin diseases.
Dogs should have healthy coats that are shiny, clear and soft, without any hints of creepy crawlers on their skin. For long haired-dogs, regular brushing will keep their fur from any lumps and tangles. Sometimes, their fur color changes as they grow into adults, but if their colors turn dull, there could be an underlying health problem.
Appetite and Elimination
Similar to humans, there might be instances wherein cats and dogs will have a loss or increase in appetite. Of course, the amount of food intake should be regulated by the pet owner. However, if the pet eats too little, it can mean that the pet doesn’t like the food or it could be a symptom of an internal disease.
Beyond the physical appearance, a sign of a healthy pet is healthy elimination. The consistency and appearance of the pet’s stool can tell you a lot. Most dogs have bowel movements twice a day, while cats defecate at least once a day. Their urine should not be too yellow, while their feces should not be too hard, too soft or mushy. If both their urine and stool have blood or parasites, it might be a case of rectal or anal dysfunction.
Above all, a healthy pet is the result of responsible pet care with the right balance of safe and nutritious food and exercise. Dogs and cats should be provided with pet foods that are carefully formulated to meet their unique nutritional requirements. Commercially-made pet foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, with lots of flavor choices that are perfect for the beloved pet’s palette. Safe and nutritious pet food contributes to the total well-being of the pet that leads to a long and healthy life.
