Providing for the needs of your pooch doesn't have to be hard. In addition to lots of loving attention, you just need to take these six steps, provided by our Novato vets, to help your keep your dog happy and healthy.
The Health of Your Dog
Caring for a dog is a major responsibility, however, making sure all of their needs are provided for doesn't have to be complicated. To do this all you need to do is provide them with lots of love and make sure you are taking these 6 steps to help protect them from developing any health issues.
1 - Meet Your Dogs Nutritional Requirements
The wellbeing of your pooch greatly depends on the quality of the food they are eating. In order for your dog to stay healthy, you should talk to your vet and ask them which foods they recommend feeding your dog based on their lifestyle, breed, and age. Your vet at South Novato Animal Hospital in Novato can provide you with advice for selecting the right food for your dog that meets their nutritional requirements.
2 - Help Your Dog Stay a Healthy Weight
Obesity can be connected to a range of serious problems in our canine companions such as joint pain and diabetes. Therefore, it is important for your dog's overall health that you help them maintain a healthy weight. After you have selected a nutritious food to give your pup, your vet will be able to calculate the optimal number of calories your dog should consume each 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 - Provide Your Dog With Lots of Exercise
Different breeds have different exercise requirements. While some dogs can stay healthy with a quick walk around the block, high-energy breeds may need an hour or more of vigorous exercise once or twice a day. Adequate physical activity not only helps to keep your dog's body in good condition, but it can also help to prevent mental boredom which can lead to destructive behaviors or anxiety. Be sure to ask your vet or breeder about the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all great ways to ensure your pooch gets plenty of exercise.
4 - Bring Your Dog For Annual Routine Exams
You can help ensure your dog's treatments have the best possible outcomes by having any diseases or conditions diagnosed and treated in their earliest stages. Annual veterinary exams, when your dog seems healthy, are all about prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and checking for early signs of developing issues. Your vet will discuss your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors with you, 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 - Ensure Their Vaccinations Stay Up-To-Date
The vets at our Novato pet hospital believe that vaccinations play a key role in helping your pooch have a long and healthy life. By keeping your dog up to date on their routine vaccinations you are helping to protect your dog from a variety of very contagious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and conditions. By law, many states require all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies, although, there are also many other serious diseases that vaccines can keep your dog safe from such as panleukopenia, distemper, and parvo.
6 - Keep Them On Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that lead to a range of diseases that seriously threaten the health and longevity of your dog. A bite from one of these parasites could cause your dog to become gravely ill if not protected. 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.