Ticks and fleas – and accidentally ingesting chocolates – aren’t the only things that can get our dogs in trouble. Our canine pets can also suffer from different health problems that can reduce them to poor whimpering floofs – or worse. Secure the health of your dogs by familiarizing yourself with the diseases they most commonly suffer from.

1. Kennel Cough
This is a more severe type of bronchitis that may result to inflamed windpipe and voice box of our dogs. Most commonly, our pets get it they get exposed to other dogs with the same illness, such as when we bring them to the dog park. The cough may resolve on its own; if not, it should be treated with antibiotics.

2. Poisoning
Curiosity killed the cat, so the saying goes, and that may be true for dogs too as their curiosity causes them to eat things that may be toxic of poisonous to them. The most common things dogs accidentally ingest that make them ill are human medication, toxic plants, and cleaning products, so make sure none of these are lying around your dog’s area.

3. Heartworms
Dirofilaria immitis or heartworms are one of the most serious health problems dogs get in tropical countries like Singapore. Passed through mosquito bite, these worms target dogs’ heart and arteries, and may ultimately lead to heart failure if left untreated. Treatment for this disease includes topicals, oral medication and injections.

4. Urinary Tract Infections
Yep, our dogs can get UTIs too. In fact, it’s pretty common. And if your dog often pees inside the house, even after it’s been house trained, it may be because it has UTI that makes it difficult to control peeing. Other signs of this condition is frequent urination, lethargy and increase thirst.

5. Ear infections
Most common in smaller breeds of dogs, ear infection is pretty common and, thankfully, easy to diagnose and treat. Some breeds, such as the cocker spaniel, shar-peis, and Labrador retrievers, are even more predisposed to this condition because the shape of their ears make it prone to wax buildup and irritation from moisture. It is usually treated using an enzyme solution.

6. Scabies/Skin infections
There are many possible causes of skin infection in dogs, such as ringworm, bacteria, yeast, fleas, food allergies, and fleas. But the most common is the demodectic mange, which is caused by mites that live in the hair follicles of dogs. Infections is contagious, and thus must be treated immediately if you have other dogs. Treatment can be medicated shampoos, antibiotics or antifungal medications.

7. Vomiting and diarrhea
As with infections, there are different possible causes for diarrhea and vomiting ranging from swallowing toxic substance to viruses. Occasional vomiting and diarrhea usually resolve on their own and not a cause for alarm. However, if it persists for more than a day, give plenty of water to your dog, and then bring it to the vet.

Like humans, goldfish benefit with a variety in their diet, and thrive on a diet that mimic closely to what they eat in the wild. By feeding them with the right food, their colours can become brighter, they can be more active, and stay healthy for longer.

1. Veggies

While vegetables are not as common in the natural habitat, fishes enjoy bits of cooked peas, zucchini, beet tops, Swiss chard, and lettuce. Your goldfish will appreciate having veggies in their menu, and it will help them keep energized and healthy. Clip zucchini or lettuce to the side of your tank to make it easy for your pet goldfish to grab a bite.

2. Plants

When in the wild, goldfish munch on live plans. If you have some in your pond or aquarium, don’t be surprised if they need to be replaced every so often. It would be better to place more greenery in the tank so your fish can spread the nibbling around and give the plants time to recover.

3. Live Foods

In their natural habitat, wild goldfish eat any kind of bugs, as long as they are small enough to swallow them. Daphnia, also called water fleas, are their favourite, as well as bloodworms, tubifex worms, and mosquito larvae. Brine shrimp is a favourite choice by fishes, and can be easily raised as well as readily available as frozen treats.

4. Diet Pellets

Goldfish also eat diet pellets as an alternative to fish flakes. Pellets come in different types, so read the label carefully before buying. The most common type of fish pellet has all the key vitamins and ingredients for a healthy diet in a compact pellet form. There are also pellets comprised of single ingredient, such as daphnia or brine shrimp. If you want to feed your goldfish with pellets, have the single-ingredient pellets as special treats and use the nutritional pellets for everyday fish diet.

A variation in food is as important for fishes as for humans. Good food variety allows your pet goldfish to get the right nutrients and experience some indulgences every once in a while.