8 Surprising Similarities Between Pet and Human Health

8 Surprising Similarities Between Pet and Human Health

Some people may believe that animals and humans couldn’t be more different. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many parallels between us and our fluffy friends.

1- Dental Hygiene

The need to regularly clean teeth isn’t solely a human thing. Pets should have their teeth brushed at least a few times a week, if not daily. Dental cleanings are recommended to occur yearly. The guidelines for the dental hygiene of our pets are very similar to those of humans, just with lesser frequency.

2- Annual Checkups

Preventative medicine is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Annual checkups are essential for everyone to ensure that nothing is going on undetected. It can allow doctors and veterinarians to catch potential problems before they become troublesome to us our or pets. If you’re tempted to save a little money and skip the annual checkup, don’t! This risk could allow dangerous illnesses to go unchecked. This can cost more money and suffering in the long run.

3- Catching Colds

Not all colds are created equal. Some can be passed between humans and pets, while others can’t. Similar illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19 can impact pets as well. Which illnesses are contagious will be highly dependent on the species of your pet.

4- Weight Affects Health

A chunky pet may look adorable and cuddly, but that extra weight can affect an animal’s health just like our own. Carrying around excess pounds can lead to more strain on bones and joints, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, and other serious health consequences. Most potential health hazards associated with being overweight are parallel between humans and our animal companions.

5- Diabetes

Most people know someone with diabetes. It’s a very common condition in humans, but many don’t realize it can impact animals too. Similar to us, a pet’s risk factors for diabetes include being overweight and eating too many sweets. This may mean an excess amount of treats or a food that’s too high in natural sugars.

6- Nutrition

Just like we can’t live on cereal and freezer burritos, pets need to have a diet suited to their body’s needs. Not all pet foods are created equal. Make sure to check the ingredients of pet foods and the guaranteed analysis to ensure that your beloved companion is getting the nutrients they need from proper sources just like you.

7- Vaccines

While we may get different vaccines most of the time, we all benefit from herd immunity. Some diseases with serious consequences can be prevented thanks to vaccines. Some humans and animals are unable to get vaccinated due to personal health complications. Make sure to keep yourselves and the more vulnerable safe by vaccinating responsibly.

8- Genetic Testing

With the advancements in science, a lot of humans are opting for genetic testing. These tests can allow more insight into both ancestry and genetic health. Similar tests are available for pets. They can include information such as which breed(s) are in their lineage and health problems they may be vulnerable to. These tests can answer as many questions about our pets as they do us.

Most pets are mammals just like us. So while it may seem like we’re living in different worlds sometimes, we’re similar creatures. In many areas, both risk factors and prevention are almost identical for us and our furry friends.