We know your dog is another cherished family member, and you want your pup to live a long and healthy life. Thankfully, this doesn't need to be complicated. Today, our Rock Hill vets share tips that can help your dog achieve lifelong good health.
The Health of Your Canine Companion
Even though you love your dog, taking care of them and meeting all of their needs is a big responsibility. However, helping your dog stay healthy isn't complicated, just focus on providing them with lots of love and follow these 6 easy steps to help prevent diseases, health conditions, and illnesses.
1 - Ensure Your Dog's Nutritional Needs Are Being Met
The well-being of your dog largely depends on the quality of the food they eat. To help keep your dog healthy, talk to your vet about the best foods to feed your dog based on age, breed, and lifestyle. Your vet will be happy to offer tips for finding the right food that meets your pup's nutritional needs. Whether you want to feed your four-legged friend the best food to achieve optimal health or help treat existing conditions through diet, our vets at Catawba Animal Clinic are here to help.
2 - Help Your Dog Stay at a Healthy Weight
Obesity can be connected to a range of serious conditions in dogs, including diabetes and joint pain, therefore it's essential to your dog's health, to help them maintain a healthy weight. Once you have chosen a nutritious brand of food to feed 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 every meal.
3 - Provide Your Pup With Enough Excercise Everyday
Each breed of dog has its own exercise requirements. While some dogs are able to stay healthy with just a quick walk around the block, high-energy breeds might require an hour or more of vigorous exercise once or twice a day. Adequate physical activity doesn't just help keep your dog's body in good condition, it also helps prevent mental boredom, which can cause destructive behaviors or anxiety. Don't forget to ask your vet or breeder how much exercise your dog needs. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all excellent ways to ensure your furry friend meets their daily exercise goals.
4 - Bring Your Dog to The Vet for Annual Wellness Exams
To help ensure the best treatment outcomes, it's essential to have any arising health issues diagnosed and treated in their earliest stages. Routine wellness exams, for your dog every year (when they appear to be healthy), focus on prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and checking for early signs of health conditions. Your vet will talk to you about your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Your veterinarian will also ask if you have any concerns regarding your pet's health or behavior, then perform a comprehensive physical examination. Once the exam is complete your vet will share their findings with you. If anything concerning has been detected, your veterinarian will make recommendations regarding diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Ensure Your Dog's Vaccinations Are Up-To-Date
Our Rock Hill vets believe that vaccinations are an essential part of helping your dog stay their whole life. Regularly scheduled vaccines help protect your dog from many highly contagious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Most states require by law, that all pets be vaccinated against rabies. However, there are a number of other serious conditions that vaccines can help protect dogs against, including parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Keep Your Pup on Parasite Prevention Treatments
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that cause a range of diseases that could seriously threaten the health and longevity of your dog. A bite from one of these parasites can make your dog severely sick if they aren't 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.