Keeping your dog healthy is an important part of being a dog owner and a big responsibility. In this blog, our Tigard vets share some easy ways you can keep your dog happy and in optimal health their whole life.
Your Dog's Health
Making sure your dog is provided with everything they require to be healthy doesn't have to be complicated. All you need to do to keep your pooch healthy is prevent them from developing any diseases or illnesses. Today, our veterinarians at Cascade Veterinary Referral Center have shared 6 dog care tips that can help you keep your pup as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
1 - Feed Your Dog Healthy Food
A major factor that impacts your dog's health and wellbeing is the food they consume. To help your four-legged friend stay in good health, ask your veterinarian which foods they think are best for your dog based on their age, lifestyle, and breed. Your vet can give you advice on how you can find the food that best meets your dog's nutritional requirements. However, if your pup is suffering from health issues that are linked to their diet call your primary care veterinarian to schedule a nutritional consultation.
2 - Help Your Pup Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been connected to a variety of serious conditions in dogs such as joint pain and diabetes, this makes it imperative for your dog to maintain a healthy weight. After you have selected a nutritious brand of food to feed your pup, your vet can help calculate the right amount of calories your dog can eat every day. Once you know how many calories are appropriate for your dog, you will be able to easily work out exactly how much you should be feeding your dog each meal.
3 - Make Sure Your Dog is Getting Enough Exercise
Every dog breed has their own exercise requirements. While a brief walk around the block could be sufficient to keep some dogs in good health, if your pooch has higher levels of energy they might need an hour or more of intense exercise once or twice a day. By providing your dog with enough daily exercise, you are helping them stay fit and keeping them from getting bored which could result in anxiety or destructive behaviors. Don't forget to ask your dog's breeder or vet how much exercise you need to give your pooch each day. You can help your dog meet their exercise requirements by taking them for walks, playing games in the back yard, or taking them to the dog park for social time.
4 - Regular Wellness Checkups
Diagnosing and treating conditions in the very earliest stages helps provide the best possible treatment outcomes. Taking your dog to the vet routinely for regular wellness exams, when they seem to be in good health, is about prevention, and gives your vet the opportunity to examine your pet's health and look for the earliest signs of any arising problems. Your veterinarian will talk to you about your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, ask if you have any concerns about your pet's health or behavior, then perform a comprehensive physical examination. Once the exam is complete your veterinarian will discuss any findings with you. If anything concerning has been detected your vet will make recommendations regarding diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Provide All Vaccinations On-Time
Our Tigard vets believe that vaccinations are an integral part of keeping your pooch healthy their whole lives. Up-to-date vaccinations help protect your canine companion from a variety of highly contagious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Most states require by law that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, but there are a number of other serious conditions that vaccines protect dogs against including parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Keep Parasite Prevention Current
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks all can carry organisms that could cause a range of extremely serious diseases that could threaten the longevity of your dog's life. Just one bite from any of these parasites could make your dog severely sick if they aren't provided with the right protection. Speak to your vet about the most effective ways to protect your pooch against a full range of tick-borne diseases, heartworms, and other parasitic conditions common 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.