Vomiting is very common in both cats and dogs. Mild, isolated incidents of vomiting usually does not represent a major concern. Protracted, severe, or chronic vomiting may be caused by serious illness. As well, severe vomiting can be dangerous in its own right.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later. There are thousands of causes for vomiting, but they can be loosely grouped as follows.
Cats and dogs of both genders.
Overview
Cats and kittens
Upper respiratory infections, also known as URIs, are very common in cats. They are similar to colds in people, but they are caused by different types of germs.
URIs are especially common in kittens, and almost all cats will have experienced an upper respiratory infection by the time they reach adulthood. A very large proportion of kittens adopted from shelters suffer from URIs shortly after adoption.
Cats and dogs.
Scratching and licking the skin generally have similar causes. Excessively licking the skin is a way of scratching the skin. Skin irritation leading to itching is responsible for most instances of excessive licking and scratching.
A certain level of scratching or licking is considered normal in all animals. Also, both cats and dogs groom themselves with their tongues. Therefore, it is important to determine whether your pet is scratching or licking excessively, or whether he or she is engaging in normal behavior.
Marked changes in an animal’s water consumption or urine output have many causes. Chronic or long-term changes in thirst or urinary habits may be indicative of serious disease.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Panting is very common in dogs. In most cases, panting is not a sign of a medical problem. Dogs pant in lieu of sweating. Anything that might cause a person to sweat can cause dogs to pant.
Dog owners frequently note and become concerned about episodes of increased panting in their pet that seem abnormal. In some cases, such episodes or trends are a sign of medical problems. However, this is rare. Most panting is not indicative of a serious underlying problem.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Panting is very rare in cats. It is often a sign of a serious problem.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Behavior modification, or training, is the most important element in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs. Behavior modification should be implemented only after a professional diagnosis of separation anxiety has been confirmed by a veterinarian.
The key components of behavior modification for separation anxiety include ensuring adequate exercise and enrichment, employing tactics to make separation from the owner more pleasant for the dog, and reducing the excitement surrounding the owner’s comings and goings.
Dogs of any age or breed.
Separation anxiety is a common and frustrating syndrome in dogs. Dogs suffering from the syndrome show symptoms of fear or agitation when the owner is absent. Treatment of separation anxiety is challenging, and may involve medications as well as behavioral modification tactics.