Caring for your dog's health does not have to be difficult. Simply follow these 6 tips from our Cumberland Animal Hospital vets, along with plenty of love and attention, to help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Your Dog's Health
You adore your dog, but caring for his or her health is a major undertaking. However, caring for your dog's health does not have to be difficult; simply focus on lots of love and follow these 6 simple steps to help prevent health problems from developing.
1 - Meet Your Dogs Nutritional Needs
The quality of food your dog eats has a significant impact on his or her health. To keep your dog healthy, consult with your veterinarian about the best foods for his age, breed, and lifestyle. Your veterinarian will gladly advise you on how to find the best food for your dog's nutritional requirements.
2 - Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to several serious conditions in dogs, including diabetes and joint pain, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is critical for optimal health. Once you've chosen nutritious food for your dog, your vet will be able to calculate the optimal number of calories he should consume each day. You'll be able to easily calculate how much you should feed your dog at each meal once you've determined how many calories are appropriate for your dog.
3 - Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise
Different breeds necessitate varying amounts of exercise. While some dogs can get by with a quick walk around the block, high-energy breeds may need an hour or more of vigorous exercise once or twice per day. Adequate physical activity not only keeps your dog physically fit but can also help to prevent mental boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior or anxiety. Inquire with your veterinarian or breeder about the amount of exercise that is appropriate for your dog. Walks, backyard games, and socialization at dog parks are all great ways to keep your pup active.
4 - Take Your Dog for Annual Wellness Exams
Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions help to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. When your dog appears to be in good health, annual veterinary exams are all about prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and detecting early signs of developing problems. Before performing a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian will discuss your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors with you, as well as any concerns you have about your pet's health or behavior. After the exam, your veterinarian will go over the results with you. If anything concerning is discovered, your veterinarian will make dietary, diagnostic testing, or treatment recommendations.
5 - Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Vaccinations, according to our Lebanon veterinarians, are critical to ensuring that your pet lives a long and healthy life. Vaccinations regularly can help protect your dog from a wide range of highly contagious, potentially fatal diseases. Most states require rabies vaccinations for all pets, but vaccines also protect dogs against other serious diseases such as parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Provide Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that cause a variety of diseases that endanger the health and longevity of your dog. A bite from one of these parasites could cause serious illness in your dog if he is not protected. Consult your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your dog from tick-borne diseases, heartworms, and other parasitic conditions that are prevalent in your area.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.