Pet health — what every dog and cat owner should know

Preventive care — the exam every pet needs

An annual preventive exam is the single most important thing you can do for a healthy dog or cat. The vet checks the heart, lungs, teeth, skin, and eyes — and catches things an owner usually misses. For pets over about seven years, twice-yearly exams and routine bloodwork are the standard of care.

Vaccinations are part of the annual visit. Core vaccines (rabies and distemper for both species) are essential. Non-core vaccines — bordetella for dogs that go to parks or kennels, FeLV for outdoor cats — depend on lifestyle and your vet's recommendation.

Dental disease — the most common condition in adult pets

By age three, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease: tartar, gum inflammation, or early periodontal disease. It is painful even when pets don't show it. Left untreated, it leads to tooth loss and bacterial spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The gold standard is a professional cleaning under anesthesia with full-mouth X-rays. Brushing at home is the most effective maintenance tool; dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets are useful supplements.

Nutrition — what you feed matters

Most commercial dog and cat foods sold in the U.S. are complete and balanced for their respective species. The main things to watch: feeding the right amount (obesity is the most common nutritional problem in dogs and cats), choosing a diet appropriate for life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior), and avoiding foods that are toxic to dogs and cats (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts for dogs; lilies for cats).

Prescription diets are formulated for specific medical conditions — kidney disease, urinary problems, food allergies, obesity — and require a veterinary prescription to ensure they're being used for the right reason.

Common conditions by species

Dogs are prone to: ear infections (especially breeds with floppy ears), skin allergies, hot spots, gastrointestinal upset from dietary indiscretion, cruciate ligament injuries, and dental disease.

Cats are prone to: urinary tract issues (especially male cats on dry food), hyperthyroidism (older cats), chronic kidney disease (older cats), dental resorption lesions, and obesity-related diabetes.

When to see the vet

Call or go in immediately if your pet:

• Has not eaten for more than 24 hours (less for kittens, puppies, small breeds).
• Is vomiting repeatedly or has bloody diarrhea.
• Is straining to urinate — especially a male cat (this can be a blockage, a true emergency).
• Has eaten a known toxin — chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications not prescribed to them.
• Has pale gums, sudden lethargy, trouble breathing, or a swollen belly.
• Has been hit by a car or attacked by another animal, even if they seem fine.

When in doubt, call your vet's office. The phone call is free and most clinics have an after-hours line or forwarding to an emergency hospital.