Your Dog's Health
You love your dog, but caring for his or her health is a big responsibility. That said, caring for your pup's health doesn't have to be complicated; simply focus on lots of love and following these 6 simple steps to help prevent health problems from developing.
1 - Meet Your Dogs Nutritional Needs
The quality of the food your dog consumes will have a significant impact on his or her health. Speak with your veterinarian about the best foods for your dog based on age, breed, and lifestyle to help keep him healthy. Your veterinarian will be happy to give you advice on how to find the best food for your dog's nutritional needs. A quick, informal consultation with our vets at Animal Medical Center in Murfreesboro can help whether you want to feed your dog the best food to achieve optimal health.
2 - Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to several serious conditions in dogs, including diabetes and joint pain, so maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is critical for optimal health. Your vet will be able to calculate the optimal number of calories your dog should consume each day once you've chosen a nutritious food for him. Once you've determined how many calories are appropriate for your dog, you'll be able to easily calculate how much you should feed your dog at each meal.
3 - Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise
Different breeds require different amounts of exercise. While some dogs can get by on a quick walk around the block, high-energy breeds may require an hour or more of vigorous exercise once or twice a day. Adequate physical activity not only keeps your dog's body in good shape but can also help to prevent mental boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior or anxiety. Inquire with your veterinarian or breeder about the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all excellent ways to keep your pup active.
4 - Take Your Dog for Annual Wellness Exams
Diagnosis and treatment of conditions in their early stages help to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. When your dog appears to be in good health, annual veterinary exams are all about prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and looking for early signs of developing problems. Your veterinarian will discuss your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors with you, as well as any concerns you have about your pet's health or behavior, before performing a thorough physical examination. When the exam is finished, your veterinarian will go over the results with you. If anything concerning is discovered, your veterinarian will make recommendations for diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Our Murfreesboro veterinarians believe that vaccinations are critical to ensuring that your pet lives a long and healthy life. Vaccinations regularly help to protect your dog from a variety of highly contagious, potentially fatal diseases. Most states require that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, but vaccines also protect dogs against other serious conditions such as parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Provide Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that cause a variety of diseases that endanger your dog's health and longevity. If your dog is not protected, a bite from one of these parasites could cause serious illness. Speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your dog from a variety of tick-borne diseases, heartworms, and other parasitic conditions that are 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.