A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper grooming and regular check-ups to the vet are essential in keeping your pet healthy. However, pets can only express themselves through barks, meows and movements, so you may not know if your furry friend is feeling any pain or discomfort. Most of the time, the irregularities are very subtle. It takes a sharp eye to identify the symptoms of pet ailments.
Pet Food Institute and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, through its Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign, impart a head-to-toe checklist for pet owners to make sure that little Fido and Fluffy are in tip-top condition.
Eyes
Healthy cats have clear and bright eyes. Their pupil shape varies from the light reflecting on them. One of the unique characteristics of a cat is the ability to see through the dark with glowing eyes. Any irregularities like redness or mucus excretion can mean infection or nutrient deficiency. If the cat squints or blinks with one eye, it could indicate injuries like a scratch, or a foreign matter may be stuck in the eye area.
