Healthy & happy: dog & cat
Vaccinations, fleas, ticks, deworming, eyes, skin and more—everything you need to keep your furry friend fit
A healthy dog or cat is a happy dog or cat! Here you'll find an overview of the most important topics: from vaccinations to fleas, from eye care to tropical dangers. No boring manual—just handy info to keep your buddy in top shape. 🐾
🚑 Need first aid? View our first aid guide →
🏠 First time pet owner? Tips for the first days →
🎆 Fireworks and pets? Tips for New Year's Eve →
💜 Grieving a pet? Coping and in memoriam →
🏥 Pet insurance? Compare and read more →
🐾 Senior pet? Care for older dog or cat →
💉 Vaccinations on time
Vaccinations protect against deadly diseases like distemper, parvo, parvovirus and rabies. Puppies and kittens get a core series; afterwards booster shots are needed (often yearly or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine). Put vaccinations in your calendar—your vet will help you with a schedule.
💡 Travelling abroad? Rabies vaccination is often mandatory. Plan ahead!
→ Read more about vaccinations
🦟 Fleas & ticks
Fleas don't just itch—they can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and other infections. Use a monthly flea and tick treatment (spot-on, tablet or collar). After walks in woods or grass, check for ticks and remove them carefully with a tick tweezer.
💡 Note: some dog treatments are toxic to cats. Ask your vet for advice.
→ Read more about fleas and ticks
❤️🩹 Heartworm
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is common in warm regions (Southern Europe, tropics). The worms live in the heart and can be life-threatening. Prevention is much easier than treatment: monthly preventive treatment in risk areas.
💡 Travelling to Southern Europe or the tropics? Start prevention before departure and consult your vet.
→ Read more about heartworm
🪱 Deworming
Roundworms and tapeworms are common in dogs and cats. Puppies and kittens need more frequent deworming; adult animals usually 2–4× per year. With raw feeding or hunting, more frequent deworming is recommended.
💡 Deworm yourself and family too if you live in the tropics or have close contact with animals—some worms are zoonotic.
→ Read more about deworming
👀 Eye care
Clear eyes, no red rims or discharge—that's the ideal. Many breeds have sensitive eyes (e.g. brachycephalic dogs). Gently wipe tear stains with a damp cloth. For watery eyes, redness or cloudiness: see your vet immediately.
💡 Never use human eye drops without consulting—some are toxic to animals!
→ Read more about eye and ear care
👂 Ear care
Clean ears are important, especially for floppy-eared breeds (e.g. cockers, bassets). Clean regularly with pet-safe ear cleaner—never cotton swabs deep in the ear! Dry ears after swimming or bathing. If lots of scratching, shaking or foul discharge: see your vet.
💡 Ear infections are common. Let your vet examine the ear—don't poke around yourself!
→ Read more about eye and ear care
🦠 Ear mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a common parasite, especially in kittens and puppies. Symptoms: intense ear scratching, dark granular discharge (like coffee grounds), head shaking. Contagious between animals. Treatment: ear cleaner + anti-mite drops or spot-on. Treat all pets in the household.
💡 Ear mites can also live on skin around the ears. Ask your vet for a complete treatment plan.
→ Read more about ear mites and sneezing
🤧 Sneezing
Occasional sneezing is normal—just like us. But persistent sneezing with nasal discharge (clear or colored), watery eyes or lethargy may indicate a respiratory infection, allergy or foreign body. In cats: cat flu (see below). When in doubt: see your vet.
💡 Dust, perfume or cigarette smoke can cause sneezing. Ensure good ventilation.
→ Read more about ear mites and sneezing
😿 Cat flu (feline upper respiratory infection)
Cat flu is a contagious respiratory infection in cats, caused by viruses (herpes, calicivirus) and sometimes bacteria. Symptoms: sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever, not eating. Dangerous for kittens and weak cats. Prevention: vaccination. Treatment: supportive care, antibiotics for bacterial infection, sometimes hospitalization.
💡 Cats who have had cat flu can remain carriers—stress can trigger a new outbreak.
→ Read more about cat flu
✨ Skin & coat
A shiny coat starts from within: good nutrition and enough omega fatty acids. Regular brushing stimulates blood flow and removes loose hair. Short coat? That benefits from brushing too. Bathing is fine, but not too often—it can dry out the skin.
💡 Fish oil or salmon oil can help with a dull coat. Ask your vet for the right dosage.
→ Read more about skin and coat
🩹 Skin problems
Itching, bald patches, scabs or red spots can indicate allergies, parasites, fungi or bacterial infections. Food allergies are common—an elimination diet can help. For persistent issues: see your vet.
💡 Watch for hotspots: moist, red areas that worsen quickly. Early treatment prevents spread.
→ Read more about skin problems
🦠 Infections
Bacterial and viral infections can strike anywhere: ears, skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract. Symptoms: fever, lethargy, not eating, coughing, sneezing. When in doubt, always see the vet—early treatment prevents worse.
💡 Ear infection? Many dogs suffer from it. Don't poke around yourself; let the vet examine the ear.
→ Read more about infections
🌴 Diseases in the tropics
In warm countries there are extra risks: heartworm, leishmania, ehrlichia, babesiosis, and more. Mosquitoes and ticks are the main vectors. Prevention (fleas/ticks/heartworm) and mosquito protection are essential. When travelling or relocating: get informed.
💡 Saved Souls is in Thailand—we know tropical diseases up close. Feel free to ask us for tips!
→ Read more about diseases in the tropics
⚠️ Dangers
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are toxic. So are many plants (lily, oleander, dieffenbachia). Watch for foreign objects, sharp edges and hot summers—overheating can be fatal. Know your vet's emergency number.
💡 In case of poisoning: don't induce vomiting without advice. Call your vet or poison centre immediately.
→ Read more about dangers
🚑 First aid dog and cat
Stopping bleeding, recognising poisoning, CPR and choking—basic first aid can save lives. Know your vet's emergency number. When in doubt: always call immediately.
💡 Keep a small pet first aid kit: bandages, tick remover, thermometer. Never practise CPR on a healthy animal—only in real emergencies.
→ Read more about first aid
🏥 General health
Annual check-up at the vet, dental care, monitoring weight and enough exercise—those are the pillars. Watch for changes: appetite, energy, drinking, urination. A happy, active dog or cat is usually a healthy one.
💡 Spaying/neutering not only prevents litters but also certain cancers and behaviour problems.
→ Read more about general health
📚 Common diseases: prevention & treatment
Overview of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in dogs and cats, with practical advice on prevention, early detection and management.
🐕🐈 Common to both dogs and cats
Bad breath, red/swollen gums, difficulty eating. Prevention: daily brushing, dental cleanings. Treatment: professional cleaning, extractions if needed.
Itching, scratching, bald patches, hotspots. Cause: pollen, food, fleas. Prevention: flea control, hypoallergenic diet. Treatment: antihistamines, elimination diet.
Scratching, shaking, foul discharge. Cause: bacteria, yeast, ear mites. Prevention: keep ears dry, regular cleaning. Treatment: ear cleaner, antibiotics/drops.
Excess weight leads to diabetes, arthritis, heart problems. Prevention: portion control, exercise, no table scraps. Treatment: diet, more activity.
Excessive thirst/urination, weight loss, lethargy. Prevention: healthy weight. Treatment: insulin, consistent feeding schedule, monitoring.
Difficulty rising, stiffness, less active. Prevention: healthy weight, exercise. Treatment: pain relief, joint supplements, physiotherapy.
Diarrhea, vomiting, worms in stool. Prevention: regular deworming, clean up feces. Treatment: deworming medication.
Fatal virus, transmitted via bites. Prevention: VACCINATION REQUIRED. No cure—prevention is everything.
Fungal infection: circular bald patches, scaling. Contagious to humans and animals. Treatment: antifungal medication, environmental disinfection.
Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, fever. Prevention: vaccination, reduce stress. Treatment: supportive care, antibiotics for bacteria.
🐕 Dog-specific
Highly contagious, often fatal in puppies. Bloody diarrhea, vomiting. VACCINATION CRITICAL. Hospitalization needed.
Dry, honking cough. Bordetella vaccination for boarding/group housing. Usually self-limiting 1–3 weeks.
Mosquitoes transmit worms to the heart. Prevention: monthly preventive. Treatment complex and risky—prevent!
Abnormal hip joints, especially large breeds. Prevention: healthy weight, responsible breeding. Treatment: pain relief, physio, sometimes surgery.
Serious virus: fever, cough, vomiting, neurological signs. Often fatal. VACCINATION ESSENTIAL.
Excess cortisol: excessive drinking, pot belly, hair loss. Treatment: medication or surgery (tumor).
LIFE-THREATENING: distended abdomen, retching. Large, deep-chested breeds. Emergency vet immediately! Surgery required.
🐈 Cat-specific
Excessive thirst/urination, weight loss, vomiting. Very common in older cats. Early detection crucial. Kidney diet, medication.
Difficulty urinating, blood in urine. MALE CAT UNABLE TO URINATE = EMERGENCY (blockage!). Wet food, water, reduce stress.
Overactive thyroid: weight loss despite appetite, hyperactive. Treatment: medication, radioactive iodine or surgery.
Highly contagious, often fatal in kittens. Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration. VACCINATION ESSENTIAL.
Virus weakens immune system, can cause cancer. Vaccination, test new cats. No cure—supportive care.
Virus weakens immune system. Transmission via bites. No cure. Keep indoors, treat infections promptly. Many cats live long with proper care.
Chronic airway inflammation: coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing. Treatment: inhaled corticosteroids, avoid triggers.
Source: Wikipedia (animal-specific articles on dogs and cats)
General prevention strategies
- ✓ Annual vet check-ups (seniors twice yearly)
- ✓ Vaccinations and deworming on schedule
- ✓ Quality nutrition, healthy weight, fresh water
- ✓ Monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention
- ✓ Daily exercise and mental stimulation
- ✓ Dental care, ear cleaning, nail trimming
- ✓ Toxic substances out of reach, safe environment
🚨 Seek immediate vet care when
Contact your vet immediately if:
- • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- • Unable to urinate or defecate
- • Seizures
- • Severe vomiting or diarrhea, blood in stool/vomit
- • Collapse or extreme weakness
- • Suspected poisoning
- • Trauma or injury, eye damage
- • Distended, painful abdomen
- • Persistent pain
- • Behavioral changes suggesting pain
🩺 This information is general and does not replace veterinary advice. Every dog and cat is unique—always consult your own vet for a tailored health plan.
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Discover the cost differences for consultation, vaccinations, sterilization and medications.
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At Saved Souls we care for hundreds of rescued dogs and cats. Vaccinations, deworming, surgeries and medicine—your donation goes directly to their health.