What’s your pet trying to tell you?

Your dog and cat can’t exactly say when they’re feeling under the weather, but they do have their ways of letting you know it’s time to call the vet. Watch out for these four important signs.

YOU’RE CONSTANTLY FILLING HIS WATER BOWL

Potential problem:

DIABETES OR KIDNEY ISSUES

If he empties that bowl more than three times per day it could be a sign of kidney failure, diabetes or liver disease, says veterinarian Shari Mahoney. It’s usually older pets you’ll see drinking or urinating excessively, but it can occasionally happen with younger ones, too. “Kidney problems, in particular, can be triggered at any age by the consumption of some plants and flowers – like lilies, which are toxic to cats,” she explains.

YOUR DOG IS SLUGGISH AND NOT HERSELF

Potential problem: PARVOVIRUS

A highly contagious illness that can lead to heart disease the parvovirus spreads through contact with an infected dog’s faeces which, dogs being dogs, has been known to happen. There are treatments – fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications and antibiotics – but there’s also a vaccine, so ask your vet about it, even if you haven’t seen symptoms yet.

SHE STOPS EATING HER FOOD ENTIRELY

Potential problem: PANCREATITIS

This condition can occur when the pancreas, which helps digest food and control blood sugar, becomes inflamed. An animal eating too many table scraps, rubbish, even a toy can trigger it. “Once pets develop pancreatitis, many are prone to getting it again. But it is treatable, through medication and a low-fat diet,” Mahoney says. Both cats and dogs can get pancreatitis. If left untreated it can be fatal, so don’t just assume your pet’s being picky at dinnertime.

HIS BREATH IS MORE TART THAN USUAL

Potential problem:

DENTAL DISEASE

It’s the most common illness in pets, affecting the majority of dogs and cats over the age of three. If not treated, the disease can negatively affect other organs, like the heart, liver and kidneys.

Pets should get their teeth cleaned at least once a year, says Mahoney, and brushed two to three times per week.

5 MISTAKES MOST NEW DOG OWNERS MAKE

by Anneke van den Broek, Rufus & Coco

PICKING THE WRONG BREED FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Choosing the wrong breed for your situation can result in both an unhappy pet and owner. It’s really important to consider all aspects of your life, and ask yourself some important questions: Will you be having children in the future? Do you live in a house or unit? Do you work full-time? Are you active? It’s important to answer these questions keeping in mind your lifestyle as it is right now, not just what you hope it will be in the future.

SENDING UNCLEAR OR UNINTENDED MESSAGES TO YOUR PET

A lot of what a dog reads from you is your body language, more so than your voice. So whenever you are asking something from your dog, keep in mind your body language and be consistent.

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING

Owners are quick to tell their dog when they’ve been naughty but are less likely to praise when they’ve been good. Positive reinforcement will help your dog’s confidence, to have a stronger bond with you as the owner and for you to be able to manage your dog better.

GIVING THE WRONG NUTRITION

Making sure you’re giving your dog the correct food can have a huge impact on not only the dog’s health and appearance but on the dogs behaviour.

NOT USING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

Dogs have a different, more alkaline skin than humans, and they are often prone to hyper-sensitive skin that is easily irritated, so choose a natural dog shampoo with no baddies like parabens.