Owning a pet can have its share of joys and sorrows. Not only does the presence of a pet brighten up the house but its absence can leave a vacuum in the family. Apart from the pet boas and chimps (which seem to be more of an eclectic statement and acquisition than anything else), dogs and cats are commonly accepted household pets that can succumb to diseases if not taken care of.
Dogs
1) Rabies – A viral disease which is obtained from other rabid animals which attacks the nervous system, and is commonly spread through the saliva. There is no cure for this disease even though a vaccine is available so euthanasia is the only way out.
2) Bloat – Happens due to overeating which twists the dog’s stomach resulting in cutting of the blood supply as well as quick tissue necrosis. What makes this disease fatal (very quickly too) and very painful is that it traps the gas.
3) Heartworm – This affects puppies more and is contracted through mosquitoes that infect the dog’s heart chambers and arteries. If untreated it could result in heart failure.
Cats
1) Rabies – Cats have a higher risk of contracting this disease, and similar to dogs, is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and is fatal.
2) Feline Distemper – This is a virus that compromises the immune system of your pet feline spread by a cat’s feces, body fluids and fleas, ranging in symptoms from bloody diarrhea to death.
3) Upper Respiratory Infections (URLs) – Is a highly contagious since it is contracted from viruses or bacteria that are airborne, that are normally spread from other cats and other humans.
