Our dogs are another member of the family, which is why we want to help them live a happy and healthy life. Today, our Yucaipa, CA vets share 6 tips that can help you keep your dog in optimal health their entire life.
The Health of Your Dog
You love your dog, but caring for the health of your furry friend is a major responsibility. That said, caring for your dog's health doesn't have to be challenging, simply focus on lots of love and follow these 6 easy steps to help prevent health issues from developing.
1 - Feed Your Dog Nutritious Meals
The well-being of your dog largely depends on the quality of the food you give them. To help your pup stay healthy, talk to your vet to find out which foods are the best for your dog based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. Your vet will be happy to offer tips for finding just the right food to meet your pup's nutritional needs. Whether you want to feed your pooch the best food to achieve optimal health or to treat existing conditions through diet your Oak Glen Animal Hospital vet is there to help.
2 - Help Your Pet Stay a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been connected to a range of serious health conditions in dogs including diabetes and joint pain, therefore it's essential for your dog's health that they maintain a healthy weight. Once you have chosen a nutritious brand of food for 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 - Meet Your Dog's Exercise Requirements
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 pet achieves their daily exercise needs.
4 - Bring Your Dog To The Vet For Annual Wellness Exams
To help ensure the very best treatment outcomes, it's important to have any arising conditions diagnosed and treated in their very earliest stages. Yearly veterinary wellness exams, when your dog looks healthy, are all about prevention, monitoring your furry friend's overall health, and checking for early signs of developing issues. Your vet will discuss your dog's diet, exercise routine, 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 talk to you about their findings. If anything concerning has been detected your vet will make recommendations regarding diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Make Sure Your Pup's Vaccinations Are Up-To-Date
Our Yucaipa vets believe that vaccinations are important for helping your dog have a long and healthy life. Regularly scheduled vaccines help protect your dog from many highly contagious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Most states require by law for all pets to be vaccinated against rabies, but there are various other serious conditions that vaccines protect dogs against including parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Keep Your Dog On Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes have the potential to carry organisms that lead to a number of diseases that could seriously threaten the health and longevity of your dog. A bite from one of these parasites may make your dog gravely ill if not protected. Speak to your vet about the most effective ways to protect your dog against a wide 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.