You’re used to your dog panting audibly after a healthy run or on a hot summer’s day. But if your pup begins to breathe rapidly, struggle for air or cough frequently, something is probably wrong with their health. Although we never want to think the worst, one of the potential causes of breathing problems in dogs is lung cancer.

Cat owners are used to a lot of sounds coming from their furry friends. Meows, cries, trills and purrs are all everyday occurrences in most households. But one noise many pet parents don’t always expect from their tiny furballs is snoring.

Dog allergies are pretty common. Many pups develop atopic dermatitis—an itchy skin reaction—as a result of food, environmental and seasonal outdoor allergies. However, there is another aspect of allergic reactions that isn’t seen as often in dogs: asthma.

There are a lot of potential illnesses your cat might face over the course of its life. One of the most common is feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), a contagious viral infection. Cats that contract FHV-1 most often carry the virus with them for life, which may put them at risk for cold symptoms at random periods.

One of the most commonly discussed dangers to pets is heartworm—a disease caused by parasitic worms that affect the heart, lungs and blood vessels of animals. Unlike worms that live in the gastrointestinal tract, heartworms find their way to your cat’s heart, blood vessels and lungs, where they can grow to around a foot long and cause damage. 

The sight and sound of a dog panting is very familiar to dog owners—all dogs will pant at some point or another, letting their tongue hang out as they catch their breath after a strenuous run or on a hot day. Panting is a normal bodily process that dog owners should expect, but it can sometimes be worrisome, since it may appear that your dog is having trouble catching its breath.

With the holidays nearly here, many pet owners will be boarding their pets in overnight kennels while they travel. While most kennels are safe, fun places to keep your dog while you’re away, one of the dangers to be aware of is Bordetella, or kennel cough.

Your dog loves to go on walks, and, if you have a strong bond with your pooch, so do you. Getting out and exercising is great for your pup’s health—not only does walking keep your dog physically fit, but it is also great for its mental health and stress management.