Aside from annual health screenings and vaccination boosters, there can be a number of reasons why you find yourself (and your beloved pet) in the waiting room at your vet office. We’ve rounded up some of the most common reasons you and other pet owners find yourselves at an unexpected visit to the vet.
Allergies
Like humans, there are a number of things your pet could be allergic to. Allergies may be a mild concern, such as seasonal allergies, or could require emergency medical care, like a severe allergic reaction to food or insects.
Ear Infections
The ears can be a vulnerable spot for infections to develop, especially if your dog or cat has a lot of hair or if the ears fold over, creating a warm, moist area for bacteria to flourish. You can prevent infections by regularly cleaning the ears, and if your pet is prone to reoccurring infections, ask for medicated wipes or creams to keep things clean.
Eye Conditions
After ears, comes eyes. Issues could include anything from a case of conjunctivitis (pink eye) or cherry eye to corneal trauma or glaucoma.
A common eye-related reason for animals to visit the vet is improper tear formation. In some cases, dogs cannot control and stop tears, creating “tear stains” along their beards. Other dogs suffer from dry eyes, where they’re unable to produce a normal amount of tears, creating discomfort and a range of potential eye issues.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is finally gaining attention from cat owners. Signs of this mostly feline-based condition include rapid weight loss and increased thirst, appetite, and urination. The cat’s hair will also appear dirty and greasy. While this is more common in cats, it is still possible in dogs.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTI) can be extremely uncomfortable for your pet and can lead to kidney failure if untreated. Signs of a UTI, or bladder infection, could be discolored urine, constant urge to go, difficulty urinating, increased accidents, licking of the area, and even bleeding. Bladder infections are extremely common in cats.
Stomach issues
Diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues are very common pet concerns. In some cases, you may recognize the cause of the issue (perhaps too many scraps from the dinner table). Other times, however, the cause can be unknown and may be life-threatening. A visit to the vet can help to clear out issues such as poisoning or intestinal obstructions.
Growths & Cancer
Cancer is extremely common amongst cats and dogs. Statistically, 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer. Of course, not every unusual growth is cancerous, but if you are concerned, a visit to the vet will help set your mind at ease.
Why Vets Choose TriStar Vet
At TriStar Vet, we know the wear and tear that veterinary equipment has to go through on a daily basis. That’s why we design and manufacture the most heavy-duty veterinary scales, kennels, exam tables, and more. From vet scales to trench drain options, TriStar Vet products are known for high quality, affordable prices, and ergonomic design.