Just like humans, animals can feel under the weather and need to see a doctor. The veterinarians at Hudson Animal Hospital regularly treat common pet illnesses that may impact your four-legged friend. Whether your pet experiences sudden gastrointestinal issues or can’t stop scratching themselves, experts can assess their health and diagnose any underlying conditions.
Explore the illnesses that are most likely to impact cats and dogs in New York. If you suspect your pet has any of these conditions, rely on Hudson Animal Hospital’s veterinary team to treat them with the utmost compassion.
Understanding Environmental Health Risks for New York Dogs and Cats
While New York City offers thrills for humans, domesticated pets could contract serious illnesses in the Big Apple due to environmental factors. Ticks, fleas, and other parasites loom large here and may come in contact with animals that venture outside.
Discarded food and other garbage may line the streets. Curious dogs could scoop these objects into their mouth and ingest them, leading to gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, animals that drink water from puddles may become exposed to rat urine or other dangerous contaminants.
Schedule routine veterinary services for cats and dogs to protect them from common pet illnesses. Be mindful of these risks and take steps to minimize them, such as training a dog not to eat anything left on the street.
Common Illnesses and Health Issues Impacting Pets Across New York
Every pet owner should be aware of the health problems their four-legged friend is susceptible to. Below is a breakdown of the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats.
Respiratory Infections
An animal’s respiratory system can come under attack due to viral or bacterial infections. Affected pets could experience a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Lethargy
These symptoms may not get better on their own. If your pet appears sick, bring them to a veterinarian right away for treatment. Prompt care is crucial for recovering from a respiratory infection.
Canine Influenza
One of the most common pet illnesses affecting dogs is canine influenza. It produces similar symptoms to a respiratory infection and spreads through saliva and nasal discharge. Be wary of your dog coming in contact with others, either on the street, at parks, or in doggy daycare.
Say you’re walking your furry friend and pass an infected canine. If the other dog sneezes right as you pass and particles reach your pet, they may soon become sick.
Any sick dog who shares a toy with your pup could also spread the disease through their slobber. Don’t hesitate to book canine veterinary services at the first sign of illness.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Parasitic infestations can grow in urban areas like New York as well as more rural spots. The tick population may thrive in areas with standing water or dense vegetation. These parasites look for hosts, which is why so many dogs end up with tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
Your pup may seem lethargic and have trouble moving due to increased stiffness in the joints. Do a thorough check of their skin to detect ticks under their fur. Bring them to a vet if you find a tick or if the symptoms don’t subside.
Some ticks transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Infected dogs may exhibit the same symptoms as Lyme disease, along with loss of appetite, bruised gums, and even blood in their urine or stool.
To treat these common pet illnesses, your dog will need regular antibiotics before they can start feeling like themself again. Stick to a recommended flea and tick treatment to protect your pooch from the risk.
Skin Allergies
You’re not the only one who may suffer from allergies. Animals can experience a wide range of allergic reactions, making it one of the most common pet illnesses.
They may have a food allergy if they eat an ingredient that doesn’t agree with their stomach. Seasonal irritants like pollen and dust mites can also pose health issues for pets. However, flea allergies are by far the most difficult to deal with.
Fleas can irritate an animal’s skin to the point where it’s itchy, red, and inflamed. Your pet could scratch a certain area of their body excessively, potentially leading to hair loss.
Obesity
Pets throughout New York may struggle with obesity and its related health challenges. While New York City is bustling with human activity, animals are not always as active. Dog owners in high-rise apartments may only take their pooches for walks or to the park once a week.
When pets have limited physical activity and enjoy big servings of food and treats, they can become overweight. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s weight. They may recommend dietary or lifestyle changes to help your fur baby drop a few pounds and return to a healthy weight.
Why Regular Veterinary Care Matters
Your animal could suddenly come down with a respiratory infection, tick-borne disease, or other common illness. Bringing them to a vet when they’re sick is critical for keeping them healthy, but it’s not the only time you should do so. Routine examinations help rule out a wide range of health concerns and give you an opportunity to discuss any changes in your pet’s physical or behavioral health.
During these check-ups, your pet can also receive vaccines that prevent serious diseases like rabies and leptospirosis.
Keep Your Pet in Excellent Health With Hudson Animal Hospital
Is your dog under the weather after staying in a kennel? Are you worried about common cat illnesses affecting your feline’s quality of life? Our team is here to help.
At Hudson Animal Hospital, we diagnose and treat common pet illnesses with the highest level of care. Our veterinary specialists strive to keep every patient healthy and educate pet owners on ways they can prevent certain diseases or health problems. Schedule an appointment today to reap the benefits of our services.
Call (212) 706-4088 to request an appointment for your pet.