Pets and their health

Pets are like family. They are loyal companions supporting their humans through thick and thin, protecting their homes, bringing all kinds of joy and excitement into everyone's hearts.

These furry bundles of love depend on their human guardians when it comes to fulfilling their basic requirements. It becomes the responsibility of the pet parent to provide all things necessary for their pet's physical and mental well-being. From regular check-ups, vaccinations and neutering, to maintaining their coat and oral health, exercise and diet to their mental wellness, pet parents need to look out for their fur babies.

Check-ups and vaccinations

No one likes going to the doctors, but it remains imperative that pets are regularly checked. Professor Dr K B M Saiful Islam, a registered veterinary practitioner and internationally renowned small animal specialist, strongly believes that consistent and timely visits to the vet is vital to keeping track and maintaining any pet's physical state. Any small behavioural irregularity could mean health complications.

Puppies and kittens need to be checked often to ensure their healthy and strong growth. Fur babies are more prone to diseases, fleas and worms during their adventurous years, for which they require timely vaccinations and deworming.

As the babies grow into adulthood after a year, taking them for regular vet visits, even at a year's interval, ought to keep track of their health. Although, Dr Islam recommends annual visits for vaccination, even if they look healthy. For pets as old as seven to ten years, check-ups are suggested biannually.

Pet parents should keep an eye out for any behavioural changes including lethargy, appetite loss, decreased movement, diarrhoea or vomiting, coughing, fur loss and skin irritation, stiffness and so on. These changes might be a symptom of some underlying disease requiring the doctor's immediate attention.

Throughout their lives, both canines and felines need vaccinations safeguarding their health and promoting a longer lifespan specific to their breed, age, and lifestyle. As responsible pet parents, these matters should be prioritised and kept track of.

During this pandemic, regular check-ups might not be an accessible option. Dr K B M Saiful Islam suggests keeping a first aid kit for pets just as one would keep for themselves for extra precautionary measure. 

Bandages, scissors, thermometers, cotton, a needleless syringe to administer oral medication, medicines for reducing fever, etc. along with prescribed deworming medicine should be included in the kit.

Additionally, the vet should be consulted whenever necessary over the phone. Best never to opt for any self-medication.

What about spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering pets has always been a sensitive issue. Dr Islam acknowledges that this step depends on the owner's viewpoint, but goes on to suggest the procedure.

He says both spaying and neutering have beneficial impacts on a pet's health which can also vastly improve their behaviour. From controlling aggressive tendencies to controlling the animal population, spaying and neutering is quite effective.

"For female pets, spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying before their first heat offers the best protection," says Islam.

"As for male pets, neutering provides major health benefits. Other than preventing unwanted litters, neutering prevents testicular cancer," explains Islam. "A male dog/cat won't want to roam away from home, preventing accidents and fights with other males. Additionally, neutered males will be much better behaved," he adds.

If pet parents are still hesitant about spraying and neutering their pets, it might be wise to consider that neutered cats and dogs are more affectionate and family oriented as opposed to unneutered ones who mostly focus on marking their territories with their urinary stench.

The decision is between a cuddly and affectionate furry companion and a furry companion who wreaks havoc.

What can be done at home to keep furry companions healthy?

Dr K B M Saiful Islam confirms that just like us, our pets are prone to all kinds of illnesses, starting from infectious diseases to tumours. Ensuring pets with a proper diet according to breed, age and any medical conditions, timely check-ups and vaccinations, spaying and neutering, cleanliness, exercise, being cautious of behavioural changes etc. are some measures to protect their health.

Do their fur and oral health matter as much?

Yes!

Dr Islam assures that a lustrous coat signals vitality indicating the pet's health while a dry, flaky or messy coat indicate health issues. Not only to keep pets looking adorable and fluffy, their fur contributes to skin protection, immunity, maintaining body temperature, skin hydration and storing nutrients.

Similarly, a pet's dental care is of no less importance.

Brushing their teeth daily is the best way to prevent dental diseases and decay. Dr K B M Saiful Islam strongly advises pet guardians to keep their pet's teeth, gum tissues and bone around the roots clean to prevent any damage.

What about their mental health?

Just like their humans, pets feel a range of emotions. In this lockdown, when going out for walks to get sunlight and exercise is not as easy, depression and anxiety in pets are just as likely. Due to decreased physical movement, their appetite and metabolism can also take a toll.

Dr Islam says that during quarantine, extra care should be taken to make sure pets are kept active and are able to retain a sense of normalcy.

"I don't recommend taking the pets out for a walk now. Rather, look for innovative ways to keep them physically and mentally active. One such game that can keep a dog busy is hide and fetch," he suggests.

Dr Islam says that owning a pet is more than a privilege, it is a responsibility. He addresses pet owners as "pet guardians" and "pet parents," and advises such new parents to remember that "pets are companions that need love, care and devotion, not accessories that can be thrown aside and forgotten.

They become a part of the family. Providing them with a healthy lifestyle including exercise, a healthy diet, necessary grooming, mental stimulation and most importantly, love and care for all they do for us, rests on the shoulders of pet parents.

Photo Courtesy: Prof. Dr. K B M Saiful Islam