The Most Common Health Problems in Pets and Prevention Strategies
Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of health issues, many of which are preventable with proper care, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices. We explore some of the most common pet health concerns, their causes, and simple yet effective ways to prevent them.
What you’ll learn from this blog:
For all you need to know, download our
FREE Dental Guide
Share This Blog With Other Pet Parents!
This blog is part of our Proactive Pet Parent series! This is just the beginning… To see more blogs, click here! Better yet, sign-up to our newsletter to receive these directly to your inbox each month.
Sign-up To The Proactive Pet Parent Newsletter
Obesity and Weight Management
Excess weight is one of the most common and preventable health issues in pets. Just like in humans, obesity in pets increases the risk of serious medical conditions, reduces their quality of life, and shortens their lifespan. Overweight pets may struggle with mobility, experience chronic pain, and develop life-threatening diseases.
Causes:
- Overfeeding & excessive treats – Even “healthy” snacks can add up to excess calories.
- Lack of exercise – Many pets don’t get enough daily movement to burn off excess energy.
- Poor diet choices – Some commercial pet foods are high in fillers, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Free feeding (leaving food out all day) – Pets can overeat if food is always available.
- Neutering or spaying – Alters metabolism, requiring portion adjustments.
- Breed predisposition – Some breeds, like Labradors, Pugs, and Maine Coons, are more prone to weight gain.
Risks:
- Diabetes – Overweight pets are at higher risk of developing insulin resistance.
- Joint and mobility problems – Extra weight puts strain on joints, leading to arthritis and pain.
- Heart disease & high blood pressure – Excess fat makes the heart work harder.
- Shortened lifespan – Studies show overweight pets live up to two years less than pets at a healthy weight.
- Increased risk of surgery complications – Anaesthetic risks are higher in overweight pets.
Prevention Tips:
✔️ Feed a balanced, portion-controlled diet based on your pet’s breed, age, and activity level. Consult your vet for calorie guidelines.
✔️ Establish a regular exercise routine, including daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys to keep pets active.
✔️ Avoid high-calorie human foods and unnecessary treats. If giving treats, opt for low-calorie options like carrots, green beans, or vet-approved alternatives.
✔️ Use slow feeder bowls for pets that eat too quickly, reducing the risk of overeating and bloating.
✔️ Monitor your pet’s weight regularly and adjust portions if needed.
✔️ Consider weight management diets for pets prone to obesity. Special vet-approved formulas can help with gradual weight loss.
🩺 A: Portion control and regular exercise are key. Use a measuring cup for meals, limit treats, and increase activity levels. If weight loss is slow or difficult, consult your vet for a custom weight management plan. Learn more about obesity prevention in our pet weight management blog.
🩺 A: Not necessarily. Grains aren’t inherently bad for pets unless they have a diagnosed allergy. In fact, some grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs. Always consult your vet before switching diets.
🩺 A: Homemade and raw diets require careful balancing to ensure proper nutrients. Many homemade meals lack essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re considering this, work with your vet or a pet nutritionist.
🩺 A: Fast eating can lead to bloating, choking, and digestive issues. Try a slow feeder bowl, food puzzles, or splitting meals into smaller portions.
Dental Diseases
Dental disease is one of the most common yet overlooked health issues in pets. Poor oral hygiene can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Causes:
- Plaque and tartar buildup due to lack of brushing
- Poor diet (soft foods and treats that don’t promote chewing)
- Lack of routine dental care (no professional cleanings or at-home maintenance)
- Breed predisposition (small dog breeds and some cats are more prone to dental issues)
Risks:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum infections and painful tooth decay
- Difficulty eating and potential weight loss
- Bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys
Prevention Tips:
✔️ Brush your pet’s teeth at least 2–3 times per week using pet-safe toothpaste.
✔️ Provide dental chews, toys, and treats designed to reduce plaque buildup.
✔️ Schedule annual professional dental cleanings with your vet.
✔️ Use water additives or dental gels to help maintain oral hygiene.
✔️ Feed a balanced diet with dental-friendly options (e.g., kibble designed to reduce plaque).
🩺 A: Ideally, daily brushing is best, but if that’s not possible, aim for at least 3 times per week. Regular brushing prevents plaque buildup and reduces the risk of gum disease. Read our blog on how to brush your pet’s teeth here for a step-by-step guide.
🩺 A: No! Bad breath (halitosis) is often a sign of dental disease. It can indicate plaque buildup, infection, or gum disease. If your pet’s breath smells foul, it’s time for a vet visit to check their oral health. Find out more about bad breath in pets here.
🩺 A: Most pets benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year, but this depends on their breed, diet, and at-home dental care routine. Your vet will recommend the best schedule based on your pet’s oral health.
🩺 A: A professional dental cleaning includes a full oral exam, plaque and tartar removal, polishing, and sometimes dental X-rays to check for hidden issues. The procedure is done under anesthesia to ensure a thorough and stress-free cleaning.
Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms, Mites)
Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious discomfort and lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Some parasites can even be transmitted to humans, making prevention essential for both pets and their owners.
Causes:
- Contact with infected animals (including other pets, wildlife, or stray animals)
- Exposure to contaminated environments (grassy areas, kennels, parks, or dirt)
- Poor hygiene or lack of preventative care
- Fleas and mites thriving in warm, indoor environments
Risks:
- Fleas – Extreme itching, skin infections, anemia (especially in young or small pets)
- Ticks – Can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or paralysis (in certain species)
- Worms (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, heartworms) – Digestive issues, malnutrition, or even fatal heart/lung damage
- Ear mites – Persistent ear infections, excessive head shaking, and ear scratching
Prevention Tips:
✔️ Use vet-approved flea, tick, and worm preventatives year-round, even for indoor pets.
✔️ Check your pet’s coat regularly, especially after outdoor activities or contact with other animals.
✔️ Keep bedding, carpets, and living spaces clean to prevent infestations.
✔️ Monitor for signs like excessive scratching, scooting, unexplained weight loss, or visible worms in stool.
✔️ If your pet spends time outdoors, consider a tick-check routine and remove any ticks immediately with a tick remover.
🩺 A: Yes! Fleas and ticks can be brought inside on clothes, shoes, or other pets. Year-round prevention is essential, even for indoor-only pets. Read our blog on parasite prevention to learn more.
🩺 A: Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until six months old. Adult pets should be dewormed at least every three months or as recommended by your vet.
🩺 A: Common signs include weight loss, scooting, vomiting, diarrhea, bloated belly, and visible worms in stool. Some pets show no symptoms, so regular fecal testing and deworming are recommended.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are a common issue, especially in dogs with floppy ears or pets prone to allergies. If left untreated, they can cause significant discomfort, chronic infections, and even hearing loss.
Causes:
- Excess moisture from swimming or bathing, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast
- Allergies (food or environmental allergens can cause inflammation and increased wax production)
- Ear mites (common in cats and can spread between pets)
- Excessive wax buildup trapping dirt and bacteria
- Foreign objects or debris getting lodged in the ear canal
Risks:
- Persistent head shaking and scratching at the ears
- Pain and swelling, leading to difficulty eating or opening the mouth
- Foul odour and discharge from the ears
- Potential hearing loss if infections become chronic or untreated
Prevention Tips:
✔️ Clean ears regularly using a vet-approved ear cleaning solution to prevent buildup.
✔️ Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing to reduce moisture-related infections.
✔️ Address underlying allergies that may contribute to chronic ear inflammation.
✔️ Check ears weekly for signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
✔️ Avoid cotton swabs deep inside the ear canal, as they can push debris further in.
🩺 A: Common signs of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor. Some pets may also tilt their head or seem sensitive when their ears are touched. If you notice these symptoms, schedule a vet visit.
🩺 A: Ear infections can be caused by moisture buildup (from swimming or bathing), allergies, ear mites, excessive wax buildup, or underlying medical conditions. Some breeds with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are more prone to infections.
🩺 A: Regular ear care is key. Clean your pet’s ears with a vet-approved solution, dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or baths, and address any underlying allergies. Routine check-ups can also help catch early signs of infection.
🩺 A: No! Cotton swabs can push debris further into the ear canal, making the problem worse. Instead, use a gentle ear-cleaning solution and a soft cotton pad or gauze to wipe the outer ear.
🩺 A: Untreated ear infections can become chronic, leading to pain, hearing loss, and deep ear infections that affect the middle or inner ear. Severe infections may even require surgery. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications.
Skin Allergies and Hot Spots
Skin allergies are a common issue in pets, often causing excessive itching, redness, and discomfort. If left untreated, they can lead to secondary infections and chronic skin conditions.
Causes:
- Food allergies (common triggers include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy)
- Environmental allergens (pollen, mold, dust mites, grass, or household cleaning products)
- Flea allergy dermatitis (some pets have severe reactions to flea bites)
- Excessive moisture (hot, humid weather or damp fur can contribute to skin infections)
Risks:
- Constant scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin
- Hair loss, scabs, or thickened skin from chronic irritation
- Hot spots (painful, inflamed, and infected areas from excessive licking)
- Skin infections caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth
Prevention Tips:
✔️ Work with your vet to identify potential allergens through allergy testing or food elimination trials.
✔️ Consider a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet if food allergies are suspected.
✔️ Bathe your pet with medicated or hypoallergenic shampoos to soothe irritated skin.
✔️ Maintain consistent flea prevention, as flea bites are a common trigger for allergic reactions.
✔️ Use omega-3 fatty acid supplements to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.
✔️ Keep your pet’s skin dry, especially in humid weather, to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
🩺 A: Not always! Itchy skin can be caused by allergies, dry skin, infections, or even anxiety. A vet visit can help determine the cause and the best treatment.
🩺 A: It depends on their coat type and lifestyle. Most dogs only need a bath every 4–6 weeks unless they get dirty often. Overbathing can dry out the skin, so use a vet-approved shampoo. Read our blog on how to bathe a pet with sensitive skin here.
🩺 A: Shedding is normal, but excessive shedding, bald patches, or irritated skin can indicate allergies, stress, or health issues. Regular brushing and a balanced diet can help reduce shedding.
Next Action Steps
The key to a long, happy life for your pet lies in consistent preventive care, proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits.
Instead of waiting for signs of illness, take one actionable step today: schedule a wellness check-up with your veterinarian. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, an annual exam can detect hidden health concerns before they become serious.
Beyond a vet visit, start a simple health routine at home:
✔️ Check your pet’s weight and adjust their food portions if needed.
✔️ Inspect their ears and teeth for early signs of infection.
✔️ Refresh their parasite prevention routine to protect against fleas, ticks, and worms.
✔️ Engage them in daily exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their well-being.
Small, consistent habits can add years to your pet’s life and improve their quality of life. Whether it’s committing to regular dental care, keeping up with flea prevention, or ensuring they get enough activity, every step you take today will benefit your pet tomorrow.
Start now—schedule that vet visit, assess their diet, or introduce a new healthy habit. Your pet depends on you for their health, and with the right approach, you can give them the happy, vibrant life they deserve.
For more detailed advice on each health topic, check out our blog for expert tips and practical steps!
General Pet Health FAQ
🩺 A: At least once a year for a routine wellness check. Senior pets, puppies/kittens, and pets with existing conditions may need more frequent visits. Regular check-ups help catch health issues before they become serious.
🩺 A: Yes! Pets hide illness well, and many diseases (like kidney disease or arthritis) develop silently. Routine vet visits help detect early warning signs, allowing for more effective treatment. Read more about the importance of regular vet visits in our blog.
🩺 A: Aging pets do slow down, but sudden changes in activity level can indicate pain, arthritis, or illness. If your pet is reluctant to walk, play, or get up, schedule a vet visit to rule out joint issues or underlying conditions.
🩺 A: Some dogs eat grass to help with digestion, boredom, or simply because they like the taste. It’s usually harmless, but excessive grass eating may indicate an upset stomach or dietary deficiency.
🩺 A: Sudden behavioural changes can signal pain, illness, or anxiety. Rule out medical causes first with a vet check, then work on behavior training if needed.
🩺 A: Cats love to explore their environment and sometimes push objects to stimulate their hunting instincts or get attention. Providing interactive toys can help redirect this behavior.
