No matter how introverted one may be, being a pet parent instantly gives you a conversation starter. Every story, every joke, every worry somehow circles back to your pet. But after being into veterinary care for years, I am sure that the experience of being a dog parent and a cat parent can be wildly different. Dog parents are used to constant attention, both giving it and getting it. Cat parents? They quietly understand that love, concern, and chaos look very different in their world.

In the same way, the health issues pet parents deal with every day aren’t the same either, and in a city like Bangalore, they’re shaped heavily by the environment. The weather, humidity, pollution, seasonal changes, and even lifestyle shifts affect pets just as much as they affect us. Having seen pets fall sick soon after moving here, and others struggle with recurring issues over time, it’s clear that certain health problems are especially common among dogs and cats in Bangalore. Here’s a closer look at what many pet parents in the city end up dealing with.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult a vet before starting any medical treatment.

What Are The Top 6 Most Common Dog Diseases?

When examining the most common health issues in dogs, early detection is the primary factor in ensuring a full recovery. Below is a detailed look at the conditions most frequently seen in Bangalore’s veterinary clinics.

1. Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that primarily affects puppies and young dogs. It attacks the gastrointestinal tract and weakens the immune system, making rapid medical intervention critical. Parvo is especially common in urban environments where dogs share common walking and play areas.

Common Symptoms

Parvo usually begins with sudden lethargy and complete loss of appetite, followed by high fever. This quickly progresses to severe vomiting and foul-smelling, bloody diarrhoea, leading to rapid dehydration. Puppies deteriorate fast, making early symptom recognition extremely important.

Prevention

Parvo is preventable through a strict and timely vaccination schedule. Puppies should receive their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks, followed by regular booster doses until around 16 weeks of age. Until fully vaccinated, dogs should avoid public parks, apartment walkways, and shared outdoor spaces where the virus can survive in soil for months.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

There is no direct cure for Parvovirus, but timely veterinary treatment can save lives. At the hospital, vets confirm infection using a rapid ELISA stool test. Treatment focuses on intensive IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration, anti-emetic injections to control vomiting, and broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary infections while the immune system recovers.

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2. Tick Fever (Ehrlichiosis & Babesiosis)

Tick fever is a serious tick-borne disease caused by parasites like Ehrlichia and Babesia, transmitted through tick bites. These infections affect the blood and immune system and are particularly common in Bangalore due to the city’s warm, humid climate, which allows ticks to thrive year-round in parks, gardens, and apartment complexes.

Common Symptoms

Tick fever often starts subtly with fluctuating fever, low energy, and reduced appetite. As the condition worsens, dogs may develop pale gums, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, or weakness due to falling platelet counts. Symptoms may progress slowly, which is why early detection is often missed.

Prevention

Preventing tick fever requires consistent, year-round tick control. Use vet-recommended spot-on treatments, oral anti-tick tablets, or medicated collars every month without gaps. After walks, always check your dog’s body, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, between toes, and under collars, where ticks commonly hide.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

At the clinic, vets diagnose tick fever using blood tests such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to detect low platelets, along with blood smears or PCR tests to identify the parasite. Treatment typically involves a prolonged course of targeted antibiotics like Doxycycline. In severe cases with significant anemia or bleeding, hospitalisation and blood transfusions may be required to stabilise the dog while treatment takes effect.

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3. Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia)

Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels and the body can no longer cool itself down. In cities like Bangalore, the urban “heat island” effect, caused by concrete roads, buildings, and reduced airflow, makes heat stroke one of the most serious and common summer health risks for pets.

Common Symptoms

Early signs of heat stroke include intense, frantic panting, bright red gums, and thick, sticky saliva. As body temperature continues to rise, dogs may appear disoriented, begin vomiting, show signs of weakness, or collapse. Heat stroke can progress rapidly and becomes life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Prevention

Preventing heat stroke starts with adjusting daily routines. Avoid walks or exercise during peak afternoon heat and stick to early mornings or late evenings instead. Always carry water for your dog, ensure access to cool, shaded resting areas at home, and never leave pets inside parked cars(even for a few minutes), as temperatures can rise to fatal levels very quickly.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

At the clinic, vets diagnose heat stroke by measuring the dog’s internal core temperature and checking for signs of organ stress. Treatment begins with controlled cooling using fans and room-temperature water to safely lower body temperature without causing shock. IV fluids are administered to support kidney function, and oxygen therapy may be required if the dog is struggling to breathe due to heat-related distress.

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4. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by dietary indiscretion, sudden food changes, contaminated water, or infections. In urban cities like Bangalore, it is one of the most frequent reasons dogs are brought to veterinary clinics, especially due to easy access to trash, leftovers, and street food exposure.

Common Symptoms

Typical signs include repeated gagging, bile-stained or frothy vomiting, and loose, watery stools. Dogs may also adopt a “praying position” (front legs stretched forward, rear end raised) to ease abdominal pain. Lethargy and reduced appetite often follow as dehydration sets in.

Prevention

Prevention focuses on consistency and control. Maintain a stable diet and avoid abrupt food brand or flavour changes. Ensure trash cans are inaccessible, prevent scavenging during walks, and always provide clean, filtered drinking water to reduce the risk of waterborne pathogens.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

At the clinic, vets may perform abdominal X-rays or ultrasound scans to rule out foreign body obstruction, along with blood tests to check for infections or conditions like pancreatitis. Treatment typically includes temporary gut rest with a bland diet, IV or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration, and injectable medications to protect the stomach lining and control vomiting until inflammation subsides.

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5. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica. It spreads quickly in places where dogs gather closely, such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, training centres, and busy dog parks.

Common Symptoms

The most recognisable sign is a loud, dry, hacking cough that often sounds like a “honk.” Dogs may also gag, retch, or produce clear nasal discharge. While appetite and energy may remain normal in mild cases, the cough can worsen without timely care.

Prevention

Prevention is best achieved through the Bordetella vaccination, especially for dogs that are regularly boarded, groomed, or socialised. Avoid sharing water bowls in public areas and minimise close contact with dogs showing respiratory symptoms to reduce exposure.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

Vets diagnose kennel cough based on recent exposure history and physical examination, including a tracheal pinch test that triggers the characteristic cough. Treatment usually involves cough suppressants to allow rest and recovery. If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed, and in more severe cases, nebulisation is used to soothe inflamed airways and improve breathing.

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6. Monsoon Pyoderma (Skin Infections)

Monsoon pyoderma is a seasonal skin infection commonly seen in dogs during the rainy months. Excess moisture trapped in the coat and skin creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. In humid cities like Bangalore, this makes monsoon-related skin infections one of the most frequent veterinary concerns.

Common Symptoms

Dogs with monsoon pyoderma often show intense itching, red pustules or sores, and a damp or unpleasant smell from the skin. You may notice constant licking of paws, scratching, or the development of painful “hot spots,” especially on the underbelly, armpits, and skin folds where moisture tends to get trapped.

Prevention

Prevention focuses on keeping the skin dry and clean. After walks in the rain, towel-dry your dog thoroughly and pay close attention to skin folds, paws, and underbelly areas. Regular grooming, coat trimming during monsoons, and the use of vet-recommended antifungal wipes can help prevent infections from developing.

Treatment and Veterinary Care

At the clinic, vets diagnose the infection through skin scraping or cytology, where skin samples are examined under a microscope to identify bacteria, yeast, or mites. Treatment usually involves medicated shampoos along with oral antibiotics or antifungal medications. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory medicines may also be prescribed to reduce itching and allow the skin to heal properly.

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What Are The Top 6 Most Common Cat Diseases?

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which means health issues often go unnoticed until they’re more serious. Knowing the most common cat diseases helps you spot early warning signs and get timely veterinary care, especially in urban settings like Bangalore, where lifestyle and environment play a big role.

1. Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (Cat Flu)

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection is often called cat flu. It is one of the most common illnesses seen in cats, especially kittens and multi-cat households. It spreads easily and looks very similar to a human cold, but in cats it can become serious if not treated early.

Symptoms

Cats with cat flu may sneeze frequently, breathe with congestion, and develop discharge from the eyes or nose. Some cats become lethargic and stop eating, especially if painful ulcers form on the tongue or inside the mouth. Left untreated, symptoms can worsen quickly.

Prevention

The most effective prevention is the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against the primary viral causes of feline respiratory infections. Reducing stress is equally important, as stress can trigger flare-ups of dormant viruses, particularly in indoor or recently adopted cats.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Vets usually diagnose cat flu through a physical examination and, in some cases, nasal or eye swabs for PCR testing. Treatment focuses on supportive care, regular cleaning of the eyes and nose, nebulization to relieve congestion, and offering palatable wet food to encourage eating. If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, your vet may prescribe antibiotics.

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2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

This is a common but serious condition that affects a cat’s bladder and urethra. It often appears suddenly and can escalate into a life-threatening emergency within hours, especially in male cats if the urinary tract becomes blocked.

Symptoms

Cats with FLUTD may make repeated trips to the litter box while passing very little urine, cry or strain while urinating, or show blood in the urine. Some cats become restless, hide, or lick their genital area excessively. A complete blockage causes rapid deterioration and requires immediate veterinary care.

Prevention

Hydration is the single most important preventive factor. Feeding primarily wet food, encouraging water intake through water fountains, and keeping litter boxes clean all support healthy urination. Reducing stress at home also helps, as stress is a known trigger for urinary flare-ups in cats.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Diagnosis typically involves a urinalysis to detect crystals, blood, or infection, and imaging such as ultrasound to check for bladder stones or inflammation. If a cat is blocked, emergency catheterisation under sedation is required to relieve the bladder. Treatment includes IV fluids, pain management, medications to relax the urethra, and a long-term switch to a prescription urinary diet to prevent recurrence.

In order to learn more about pet dehydration, check out Why Hydration is Essential for Your Pet’s Skin Health

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3. Feline Viral Infections (FeLV/FIV)

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are serious viral infections that weaken a cat’s immune system over time. Because they progress slowly and quietly, these conditions are often diagnosed only after repeated illnesses begin to appear.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be vague and easily missed at first. Cats may develop recurrent infections that don’t heal, persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, pale gums due to anaemia, or prolonged lethargy. As immunity declines, even minor illnesses can become severe.

Prevention

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure. Keeping cats strictly indoors greatly lowers risk, especially in cities with large stray populations. In multi-cat households, all new cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV before introduction. Vaccination against FeLV may be advised for at-risk cats.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Vets diagnose FeLV and FIV using specialised blood tests, commonly rapid “snap” tests that detect viral antigens or antibodies. While there is no cure, treatment is aimed at maintaining quality of life through prompt management of secondary infections, high-quality nutrition, stress reduction, and more frequent veterinary monitoring to catch complications early.

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4. Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Feline Panleukopenia, often called feline distemper, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease, especially dangerous for kittens. It spreads easily and progresses rapidly, making early veterinary intervention critical.

Symptoms

Affected cats may develop a high fever, severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid dehydration. Kittens often appear extremely weak, adopt a “tucked-up” posture due to abdominal pain, and may refuse to move or eat. Without prompt care, the condition can worsen quickly.

Prevention

Prevention is highly effective through vaccination as part of the core FVRCP vaccine series. Keeping cats indoors, practising good hygiene, and avoiding indirect exposure through shoes or clothing that may have contacted infected cats further reduces risk.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a faecal ELISA test, similar to parvovirus testing in dogs. Treatment requires hospitalisation and intensive supportive care, including IV fluids, injectable anti-vomiting medication, infection control, and nutritional support, sometimes via a feeding tube, while the cat’s immune system fights the virus.

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5. Toxin Ingestion (Household Hazards)

Toxin ingestion is a true veterinary emergency and one of the most frightening situations for cat parents. Cats are extremely sensitive to many everyday household substances, and even small amounts can cause severe organ damage.

Symptoms

Signs of poisoning can appear suddenly and may include violent vomiting, excessive drooling, tremors or seizures, difficulty breathing, collapse, or sudden lethargy. Certain plants(especially lilies) are particularly dangerous and can trigger acute kidney failure even from minimal exposure, such as pollen.

Prevention

Prevention starts at home. Remove toxic plants, store cleaning products, medications, and pesticides in locked cabinets, and keep trash bins securely covered. Being mindful of what comes into your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your cat from accidental poisoning.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Vets diagnose toxin exposure based on recent history and blood tests that assess kidney and liver function. Treatment is urgent and may include inducing vomiting if ingestion was recent, administering activated charcoal to bind toxins, and starting aggressive IV fluids to protect vital organs. Immediate veterinary attention can be lifesaving.

To learn more about how to make your living area safe for your feline friend, then check out Cat-Proofing Your Home: Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe

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6. Dental Disease and Gingivitis

Dental disease is one of the most commonly overlooked health issues in cats, yet it can cause significant pain and lead to serious complications if ignored. What often starts as mild gum inflammation can progress to deep infections affecting other organs.

Symptoms

Cats with dental disease may have red or bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, or drop food while eating. You might notice excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or extremely bad breath. Left untreated, bacteria from dental infections can spread to the heart and kidneys.

Prevention

Regular veterinary dental check-ups are the most effective form of prevention. At home, cat-safe dental treats, water additives, and gradual tooth brushing with pet-specific toothpaste can help reduce plaque buildup and protect gum health.

Treatment & Veterinary Care

Vets assess dental disease during a physical exam and often recommend dental X-rays under anaesthesia to evaluate tooth roots and hidden infections. Treatment includes professional dental cleaning (scaling and polishing) and, when necessary, extraction of painful or diseased teeth to fully eliminate infection and restore comfort.

If you’re curious about how to take better care of your cat’s dental hygiene, then give Caring for Cat Teeth: Tips and Tricks a read!

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We hope this guide helps you feel more confident about navigating common pet health issues in urban Bangalore. Most pet care challenges come down to awareness, timely action, and having the right veterinary support when you need it.

If you’re looking for trusted, fear-free veterinary care, Supertails+ Clinics are here to help with Fear-free certified vets across Koramangala, Banashankari, Brookefield, Bannerghatta, and other locations, coming soon. Prefer care at home? Supertails also offers at-home services, vet consultations, vaccinations, diagnostics, grooming and more, so your pet gets expert care without the stress of Bangalore traffic. 

Also read Bangalore Pet Parenting 101: Must-Know Vaccines, Neutering & Preventive Vet Care

FAQs

What health problems should I watch for in my puppy during Bangalore’s monsoon?

Monsoon season increases the risk of parvovirus, leptospirosis, skin infections, and stomach upsets in puppies. Early signs like loose stools, low energy, or fever shouldn’t be ignored. Regular vaccinations and quick vet access, like a Supertails+ Clinic visit or online consult, can prevent small issues from turning serious.

My cat seems fine indoors. Do I still need to worry about serious diseases?

Yes. Indoor cats can still develop conditions like urinary issues, dental disease, or viral infections triggered by stress. Routine check-ups at a clinic like Supertails+ help catch these early, even when symptoms are subtle or easy to miss.

What are the most common health issues for dogs living in Bangalore apartments?

Urban dogs often face tick-borne diseases, allergies, obesity, and anxiety-related behaviour issues. These are linked to climate, limited outdoor time, and parasites. A vet who understands Bangalore living, like those at Supertails+ Clinics, can tailor preventive care and lifestyle advice.

When should I worry enough to take my pet to the vet immediately?

Red flags include vomiting that won’t stop, difficulty breathing, blood in urine or stool, sudden collapse, or refusal to eat for more than a day. If you’re unsure, reaching out through an online vet consultation or calling a Supertails+ Clinic can help you decide fast.

How often should my pet get a full health check-up?

Most adult pets need a check-up every six months, while puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits. Clinics like Supertails+ help track reminders, vaccinations, and preventive care so nothing slips through the cracks.

Can I ask a vet small doubts without rushing to a clinic every time?

Absolutely. Many pet parents just need reassurance or guidance. Supertails offers online vet consultations where you can ask questions, share symptoms, and get professional advice, perfect for early concerns or follow-ups.

I’m a first-time pet parent. Where do I even start with healthcare?

Start with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and choosing a vet you trust. From there, regular check-ups and asking questions early make all the difference. Supertails+ Clinics are built to guide pet parents step by step, so you never feel lost or judged for asking “basic” questions.