Weight loss, hyperactivity, aggression, digestive issues—we can all agree these symptoms are anything but normal in cats. Combined together, they can indicate the presence of a thyroid condition called hyperthyroidism. This disease means the thyroid gland is overproducing hormones that regulate the metabolism and your kitty’s energy levels.

Cancer is a scary word pet parents prefer not to think about. Owners would rather wait until they’re confronted with the dreaded diagnosis. After all, fretting over the worst case scenario isn’t very productive!

Every pet parent can recall the moment when they first locked eyes with their furry companion. You found them in the shelter and immediately knew the bond was there! However, while you two might get along great, you also have to consider if and how the new pet will mesh with others in the house.

The first time a pet experiences urinary problems can be pretty intimidating. All of a sudden, your poor furry friend is yelping in pain or peeing all over the house. You know something’s wrong, but you’re not sure what! Thankfully, your vet will be able to detect the problem right away and discuss possible treatment options.

Just like humans, our furry companions often experience mobility issues later in life. Many pets develop arthritis, which makes it painful to navigate stairs and furniture. All of a sudden, owners might notice their senior pet bumping into the coffee table or tripping over objects left on the floor. Stiff joints, visual impairments and other disabilities are all normal parts of the aging process.

Don’t forget to grab a jacket—it’s getting chilly out there! The icy tundra of winter will be here before you know it. Pet parents get bundled up for winter walks, but what about our four-legged friends? We can’t speak with our pets, so many of us are left wondering whether our companions would appreciate some protection from the cold.

Sneezing, wheezing, itching—these allergy symptoms are all too common among humans. What pet parents tend to forget, however, is that their furry friends aren’t fans of pollen, either! Cats experience many of the same allergy signs as their owners, yet their comfort doesn’t always receive the same level of attention.

Some may know her from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but we know Lisa Vanderpump for the amazing work her organization The Vanderpump Dog Foundation does to encourage more humane treatment for dogs worldwide and end dog meat practices in China.

It’s easy to see how “garbage gut” got its name. A dog eats garbage, and then they feel like garbage! The risk of this digestive disease is everywhere, from toppled trash bins to table scraps to a dead bird in the backyard.