Whether you are raising a puppy or caring for a dog into its last days of life, gaining awareness and overall knowledge of the dog’s health issues will benefit you, and your best friend, in a variety of ways. Of utmost importance is learning how to best keep your dog healthy, as health problems can be progressively painful and equally expensive sometimes leaving the dog owner with the difficult choice of putting their dog down / to sleep / basically having to have their dog killed for not being able to afford whatever health care measures are needed to keep your dog out of pain.
Maintaining Dog Health
Providing a proper, well-rounded diet and exercise to your dog is the imperative first step to maintaining their long-term vitality. Just because the dog food you see in the grocery store says that it’s complete, or that it offers full nutrition, as there are no stringent regulations to this sort of advertising/labeling we advise you to guide your dog food choices with the assistance of a veterinarian so as to ensure that their nutritional needs are being fully met. You must know the foods that can be dangerous like chocolate, raisins et cetera and prevent your dog from them at all costs.
Sometimes it is necessary to imbibe guidance from your veterinarian based on a specific dog health assessment as vitamin, mineral or enzymic supplementation may be needed to help prevent or treat certain dog’s health conditions.
Exercise for Dogs
Insofar as exercise is concerned, having the correct balance of exercise needed for your dog’s breed, genetic disposition, or health conditions (i.e. arthritis, anxiety) is also something from which you will likely benefit from professional veterinarian advice.
The best types of exercise that you can give your dog may include interaction with other dogs (social running and playing) as this can ease their anxiety in some cases. Some dog owners take their dogs running when they go running, and while this is convenient especially in the case of a cooperative dog this kind of exercise can be sub-par to play-central types. Furthermore, running your dog alongside your running routine can in some cases over-exert your dog.
Recognizing Pain and Illness in Dogs
If your dog is feeling pain or not healthy, it can be difficult to know – especially since they can tend to try to hide any ailments due to their animalistic nature not wanting to reveal a weakness to possible predators. This can make it difficult for the pet owner to know if their pet needs treatment or a change in diet, and can be dangerous even if rigorous exercise is forced upon the discreetly unhealthy dog.
Dental Care for Dogs
Just like us, doggy breath can be a real turn-off! But more importantly, poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems for your furry friend. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that most dogs have doggy gingivitis (gum disease) by age three. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly helps fight off plaque, the gunk that builds up and leads to bad breath, cavities, and sore gums. If left unchecked, these dental problems can even spread bacteria to your pup’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
While daily brushing is ideal, dental chews can be a lifesaver for busy pet parents. These chews act like little toothbrushes, scraping away plaque buildup. Think of them as a handy sidekick, not a replacement for brushing!
Vaccination: Keeping Your Dog Healthy and the Community Safe
Vaccines are like superhero suits for your dog! They give them the power to fight off nasty diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. A recent study found that some pet owners worry about vaccines, but here’s the truth: vaccines are safe and effective. Nearly all dogs who get rabies die, but a simple vaccination can totally prevent it. Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations protects not only your pup but also other dogs and even yourself from contagious diseases. Talk to your vet about the best vaccination schedule for your dog.
End-of-Life Care for Dogs
No one wants to think about losing their furry best friend, but as our dogs age, end-of-life care becomes an important consideration. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers guidelines to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and respect for your dog’s needs. The goal is to make sure your senior pup is comfortable and has a good quality of life for as long as possible. This might involve pain medication or a special diet. In some cases, when a dog’s suffering can’t be eased, humane euthanasia may be the kindest option. Talking to your veterinarian will help you make the best decisions for your beloved companion.
Role of Veterinarians
Overall, your best bet for keeping your dog’s health in tip-top shape is to steward him or her with the close guidance of a trusted veterinarian. Build a relationship with a local veterinarian who takes the time to answer questions, and you can help assure that your dog’s and your relationship can be as long-term and happy as possible.
Remember, proactive care is paramount for the health of your dog. Without it, you will just keep tangled in health issues.