During the last stages of a pet’s life, many owners believe they should choose to let their animals die naturally. However, that can be a misguided idea.

While some dogs do indeed pass away peacefully in their sleep, many others don’t. And the majority of pets who die will have to undergo euthanasia in order to end their suffering.

1. Obesity

Obesity is an unhealthy condition in pets, causing numerous health issues that can lead to increased veterinary costs and a decreased quality of life. Thankfully, weight management is simple with a little extra care from pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Increasing obesity in dogs and cats is a widespread problem that is often due to a combination of factors such as diet, age and lack of exercise. It has been linked to diabetes, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis and hypertension.

Excess weight and fat accumulation in the animal can also be a predisposing factor to several cancers including colon, breast, uterine and thyroid cancer. Additionally, it is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders.

2. Dental disease

The percentage of dogs and cats that die naturally due to dental disease may be relatively small, but it is still a cause for concern. As Dr Brooke Niemiec from the American Veterinary Dental College explains, dental disease is linked to many systemic diseases including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes complications, and problems during pregnancy.

The most impressive thing about dental disease is that it can be prevented with a little bit of prevention and a little bit of work by the owners. The most important part of this is making sure your pet’s teeth are brushed, polished and flossed regularly. In the most severe cases, your vet will likely recommend extraction of the affected tooth. The best thing about this procedure is that it will not only improve your dog’s oral health, but it will also save you money in the long run.

3. Insects

Insects are a vital part of the ecosystem and play a crucial role in controlling pest species, providing food for other animals and regulating the chemistry of our environment. They are also an important source of nutrients for wildlife, such as birds, fish and reptiles.

In addition, insects help to regulate the environment by recycling nitrogen and other nutrients. These processes keep the air clean and prevent the spread of diseases, according to researchers.

Despite their importance, insects have been subjected to severe declines over the past several decades, as reported in numerous studies worldwide. Most of the decline is thought to be driven by the intensification of agriculture and the use of new types of pesticides, which sterilise the soil.

4. Weather

Sadly, some dogs and cats will never make it past their primes. For the unlucky few, euthanasia is the order of the day. To avoid the dreaded demise, the best bet is to prevent the onset of canine obesity with a good quality diet and plenty of exercise. In addition, preventing pets from getting into scrapes or being in an unsafe environment is also a top priority for most pet parents. Using a reward-style incentive program to motivate and encourage behavior can go a long way in the fight against malnourishment. Of course, the biggest challenge is making sure that your pet has a solid foundation and is properly cared for throughout their life span. Thankfully, we’ve put together a guide to help you on your quest to save your squishy friend.

5. Aggression

Aggression is the act of exhibiting physical, verbal, emotional, instrumental, expressive, relational, hostile or accidental behavior with a specific intent to harm others. It is usually a result of pent-up frustration and can lead to serious health consequences for the aggressor and their family members.

A person’s underlying mental state and stress coping style also contribute to aggression. Imbalances in hormones, such as testosterone and cortisol, and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, may also cause it.

Some people are born with genetic conditions that make them more prone to aggressive behaviors, such as trisomy 21, which causes an intellectual deficiency and can increase the level of testosterone in the body. Other factors, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and lack of positive social interactions, can also contribute to aggression.