A big part of being a dog owner is wanting to give your pooch a healthy and fulfilling life. Today, our Westfield vets share 6 tips to help your dog achieve lifelong good health.
The Health of Your Canine Friend
Providing your dog with everything they need to be healthy is a major responsibility, however, it doesn't have to be complicated. All you need to do, to keep your dog healthy is help protect them from illnesses and diseases. Here, our veterinary team at Westfield Animal Hospital has listed 6 tips that can help you care for your dog, to keep them as healthy and happy as possible.
1 - Feed Them Healthy Meals
A big element that factors into your dog's health and wellbeing is the quality of the food they eat. To help your pooch stay healthy, ask your vet which foods they recommend giving your dog based on their breed, lifestyle, and age. 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, schedule a nutritional consultation.
2 - Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to a number of serious conditions in dogs including diabetes and joint pain, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is essential for excellent health. Once you have chosen a nutritious brand of food for your pooch, 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 - Be Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Each breed of dog has its own set of exercise requirements. While a quick walk around the block may be enough to keep some dogs healthy, dogs with higher energy levels may require one hour or more of intense exercise once or twice a day. By giving your dog enough exercise every day, 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 Routine Checkups
Diagnosing and treating conditions in the very earliest stages helps to ensure the very best treatment outcomes. Taking your dog to the vet for routine wellness exams, when they appear to be in perfect health, is about prevention, and provides your vet with the chance to assess the health of your pooch and look for the earliest signs of arising issues. Your veterinarian will talk to you about your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. They will also ask if you have any concerns about your pet's health or behavior and 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 - Keep Vaccinations Current
Our Westfield vets believe that vaccinations play a key part in helping your pooch live a life that is long, happy, and healthy. Regularly scheduled vaccines help to protect your dog from many 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 - Provide Parasite Prevention
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks all can carry organisms that could result in a variety of serious diseases that can threaten your dog's longevity. A single bite from one 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.
