We love our pets and want to keep them safe. But we also want to see them thrive and enjoy their life. Today we are going to talk about some common ailments and steps you can take to try and reduce the risk to your pets.

1. Fractured Nails
We see this injury at least once a week on average. Most often in dogs. The rough terrain (lava, rocks, etc) isn’t friendly to our pets feet.
Ways to minimize the risk: Keep your pet’s nails short. This often means trimming them every 2-4 weeks! Using a dremel can make edges even smoother and less likely to catch. You could also consider teaching your dog to wear protective boots when out in rough terrain.

2. Ear Infections
Ear infections are characterized by red, painful, itchy ears that are often smelly or contain debris. The primary causes are moisture trapped in the ear canal or allergies (increasing secretions and causing inflammation in the ear canals).
Ways to minimize risk: If your dog is a swimmer, consider using an ear cleaner to clean their ears after a swim. You can also do this after a bath. Keep the fur under their ears short to allow for good airflow to the ear canals. If you dog has allergies, talk to your vet about ways to manage their allergy symptoms and reduce risk of an ear infection.

3. Cystitis (inflammation in the bladder)
This is a condition that can be caused by stress in cats. The symptoms are nearly identical to a UTI (increased frequency of urination, straining, pain). In cats, this can progress to urinary obstruction which can be a life threatening condition, so it is important to seek care right away anytime your cat has urinary issues.
Ways to minimize risk: Reduce boredom – this does a lot to reduce stress in cats. Play with your cat, have them “hunt” around the house for treats, give them high perches – especially near a window. There a lots of ideas out there about how to enrich your cats life, get creative! It is also important to provide litter boxes in areas your cat feels safe (where they are not trapped or frightened by other pets in the house) and clean those litter boxes frequently.

4. Cheat grass
In Central Oregon in the summer, this is something we treat every single day. Those pesky grass awns get lodged in the fur between the toes and other areas. Dogs with longer “velcro” fur that all debris sticks to are especially susceptible. (Doodles, I am talking to you!)
Ways to minimize risk: The best way to reduce risk is to inspect your dog’s feet and coat every time them come back inside from walk. Or at least once daily. Early detection and removal while the seeds are still in the fur is the best defense. For dogs with longer coats, you can trim their coat at the beginning of the summer (June). Or even just their feet (think poodle feet). It is also a good idea to keep your yard free of cheat grass.

5. Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a generic term to describe contagious respiratory infections dogs get from other dogs. Any contact can be a source of exposure.
Ways to minimize risk: Vaccinate your dog for Bordetella (one of the causes of upper respiratory infections in dogs) and consider vaccination for Canine Influenza (depending on how social your dog is). Avoid dogs that are coughing or sick. Use caution with shared water bowls. Seek care if your dog develops a sudden cough.

6. Sprain/Strain Injuries
Just like us, dogs (and cats) can get injured. Especially if they are engaging in risky behavior or aren’t prepared for the activity.
Ways to minimize risk: Keep your dog and cat at a healthy weight. Overweight animals are at higher risk of injury. If you want to dog to go on long runs or hikes with you, ease them into it. Give them time to build up strength and get used to a higher level of activity. Animals that have been less active all winter, or all week, are more likely to get injured. And if you throw the ball for your dog, take them for a short walk first to warm up. You don’t head your door and hit a full sprint right off the bat, and neither should your dog.

7. Intestinal Parasites
We see a lot of pets with intestinal parasites in Central Oregon. Pets get exposed through the soil, grass and water that harbor parasite eggs left there by another dog or cat.
Ways to minimize risk: Have your pet on a monthly dewormer (heartworm prevention is also broad specturm deworming medication). Pick up your dog’s poop (and hope others do the same). Have your dog’s stool checked for parasites if they have diarrhea and at least once a year for screening even if their stools are normal.

We hope these tips help keep you and your pet’s healthy and out there having fun!