Some health issues like to work together

Some health issues like to work together

Managing one health condition for your pet can be stressful enough, but many pet parents are shocked to hear that their dog or cat is actually suffering from two — or even three — issues all at the same time.

 

Some other health issues can open the door for other problems to sneak in

 

Imagine an overweight dog—it’s like they've got a heavy backpack putting extra strain on their joints, bones, and heart. This added pressure can invite unwanted concerns like mobility troubles, osteoarthritis, and heart issues to join the mix!

 

Cats have a funny way of turning their urinary tracts into a mystery game, with stress, build up of crystals in the urine, or bladder inflammation playing the mischief-makers. To untangle this purr-plexing puzzle, a vet visit is your best bet!

Managing one health condition for your pet can be stressful enough, but many pet parents are shocked to hear that their dog or cat is actually suffering from two — or even three — issues all at the same time.

 

Some other health issues can open the door for other problems to sneak in

 

Imagine an overweight dog—it’s like they've got a heavy backpack putting extra strain on their joints, bones, and heart. This added pressure can invite unwanted concerns like mobility troubles, osteoarthritis, and heart issues to join the mix!

 

Cats have a funny way of turning their urinary tracts into a mystery game, with stress, build up of crystals in the urine, or bladder inflammation playing the mischief-makers. To untangle this purr-plexing puzzle, a vet visit is your best bet!

Looking for certain signs in pets can help discover linked health issues

One clever trick is checking out their body condition to see if your dog or cat is overweight.

Underweight Dog
Underweight
Ribs visible
There is no fat around your pet’s ribs, and they are visible to the eye. Boney prominences are also visible with no sign of fat.
Ideal weight dog
Ideal
Waist visible
You can easily feel your pet's ribs, but there is a slight layer of fat covering them. Boney prominences also have just a slight layer of fat.
Overweight Dog
Overweight
Waist not visible
The ribs and bonier areas are difficult to feel with a thick layer of fat.
Obese dog
Obese
Belly is rounded
A thick layer of fat makes your pet's ribs very difficult to find. Bonier areas like the knees are covered by a moderate to thin layer of fat.

No sweat if your pet's packed on a few extra pounds! We have expert advice to help you find new ways for your dog to lose weight and some valuable tips on the important role of satiety in your cat's weight management.

As for urinary health issues like the ones previously described, there are specific behaviours that can be clues to a potential issue.

Above all else, your veterinarian is the best person to make the decisions regarding the necessary treatments. They will consider everything from the patient’s physical exams, medications, surgeries and nutritional needs to develop the best management plan for the individual pet.

Clinical nutrition is one of the most important considerations for managing concurrent conditions.

Health Issue

Question

Straining When Urinating

When did the unusual urinary behaviours begin?

Incontinence / loss of bladder control

What other unusual behaviours are accompanying the urinary problems?

Urinating outside of the litter tray

Have you made any recent changes in their food or litter?

Crying out in pain while urinating or attempting to urinate

Have there been any big changes within your household, such as a remodel, new pet, baby, or a death in the family?

Cat with kids

The importance of a
multi-condition food

While mixing two or more single-benefit foods can “dilute” critical nutrients, a multi-condition food optimises your pet’s nutrition needs for both conditions while ensuring that they are balanced with all other necessary nutrients.

 

Hill’s understands the high likelihood of certain conditions occurring together. That's why our “+” products are designed to be a part of management of multiple conditions as determined by your vet.

Ask your veterinarian which clinical nutrition options are best for your pet.

 

A great way to encourage eating and support recovery is by feeding wet food along with the corresponding kibble your vet recommends. Check out our guide on how to mix wet and dry pet food for more information.

The importance of a multi-condition food

While mixing two or more single-benefit foods can “dilute” critical nutrients, a multi-condition food optimises your pet’s nutrition needs for both conditions while ensuring that they are balanced with all other necessary nutrients.

 

Hill’s understands the high likelihood of certain conditions occurring together. That's why our “+” products are designed to be a part of management of multiple conditions as determined by your vet.

Ask your veterinarian which clinical nutrition options are best for your pet.

 

A great way to encourage eating and support recovery is by feeding wet food along with the corresponding kibble your vet recommends. Check out our guide on how to mix wet and dry pet food for more information.

Cat with person
Cat with person

Your pet has a unique gut ecosystem

Did you know your pet's tummy has a world of its own? Their gut microbiome is an ecosystem that helps balance not just their digestion but their overall body function. Curious about how this all works?