How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Health?

Being a conscientious pet owner involves prioritizing the health and happiness of your dog to promote a long and fulfilling life for your cherished animal. Ensuring that dogs receive proper care involves many important components such as – 

• Giving them the right types of food, 
• Consistent physical activity, 
• Correct grooming, 
• A cozy home, 
• Routine vet visits, 
• Effective training, 
• Permanent identification, and 
• Safe handling methods.

By integrating these components in your dog’s routine, you can set the stage for numerous happy years together, strengthening the special connection with your beloved furry companion.

1: Parasite Prevention

There are numerous parasites that might invade our dogs, leading to a decrease in their quality of life and, at times, a shortened lifespan. Typical parasites consist of – 

• Intestinal worms (resulting in anemia and blockage in the intestines), 
• Fleas (causing severe itchiness and skin problems), 
• Heartworms (fatal for dogs by limiting their ability to breathe), and 
• Paralysis ticks (able to rapidly affect a dog’s nervous system, frequently leading to death despite extensive medical care). 

The days of using flea rinses and products with terrible odors are a thing of the past. 

Preventing parasites is simple and fast by using a spot-on or chewable tablet regularly, or in the case of heartworm, getting an injection once a year. The most qualified person to recommend the product and dosage for your dog is your veterinarian. 

Remember that no product is completely effective, so it’s crucial to check dogs daily, especially for ticks, which need veterinary treatment if discovered.

2: Regular Veterinarian Check

Once you have established a schedule for your dog’s preventive care, it is important to ensure their health by scheduling regular veterinary appointments. 

According to avian vet in Singapore, young dogs should have this done at least once a year while older dogs (around seven years old) should have it done every six months. 

The problem is, dogs do not live as long as humans, so many changes can occur in the span of a year. Discovering health problems early provides the highest likelihood of successful treatment or control. Having a consistent connection with a specific veterinarian or veterinary clinic is best, since your dog will get used to the team and all their information will be accessible. 

It is also easier for them to schedule an appointment between their normal check-ups, as they will be more accustomed to the surroundings. 

Being observant and documenting changes in your dog’s behavior regarding eating, drinking, and toileting, as well as regularly checking your dog during grooming, can help you maximize the benefits of veterinary visits by being able to report any changes to your veterinarian. 

Another suggestion is to record a video of any atypical behavior, like limping, because dogs tend to get excited at the vet and hide their symptoms.

3: Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity is common among dogs and presents a significant welfare concern. An estimated 41% of dogs in Australia are classified as overweight or obese. 

This factor decreases the quality of life and lifespan of dogs vulnerable to osteoarthritis, heart disease, diabetes, liver and pancreatic disease, and certain cancers. 

Dogs are at a much greater risk of heat stress, infection and higher anaesthetic risk if they require surgery and are also overweight. Your vet can assist you in identifying the indications of obesity and provide guidance on a secure plan for diet and exercise if necessary. 

You can monitor your pet’s body condition using a standard body condition scoring system – aim for a visible waistline and minimal fat covering the ribs for an ideal weight.

4: Do Proper Grooming

Taking care of your dog includes ensuring they are well-groomed. However, if you don’t really know what to do in this regard, here are some tips to get you started –

• Brushing their fur helps to minimize shedding, eliminate dead skin, spread their natural oils, and promote air circulation in their coat.
• To ensure their health and parasite-free status, bathe them regularly based on their hair coat type to remove any visible dirt.
• To avoid dental issues, individuals should regularly clean their teeth.
• Cutting their nails can help avoid them growing into the paw pads, which can be painful and cause your dog to limp. Trimming nails also prevents damage to your furniture and floors caused by dog scratches.

5: Training and Socialization

Teaching your canine friend promotes good behavior like following commands and behaving well. Starting crate training with your puppy at a young age will provide them with a secure area, as dogs appreciate having a calm spot to rest and unwind, particularly when you’re not at home. 

Interacting with other dogs and people during socialization helps them develop confidence and flexibility. To educate and familiarize your fluffy animal companion:

• Begin at a young age
• Utilize training techniques that focus on positive reinforcement.
• Give dog treats to positively reinforce good behavior.

Training and obedience are essential for ensuring a well-mannered and content dog, but patience and consistency are required for successful dog training. 

Training your pet to obey will make sure they understand the guidelines to abide by. If you have difficulty training your pet, seek advice from a professional dog behavior consultant or your vet.

The Bottom Line

Looking after your dog is not a rather simple job. However, the benefits of doing this will greatly surpass all the labor and dedication you invest. 

Having a happy and healthy dog will lead to a more enjoyable experience when spending time together. Furthermore, it will help avoid many instances of heartache and expenses for veterinary care. Hence, to ensure your dog has a healthy, happy life, it is essential to care for them as much as you can. So, be sure to focus on it as much as you can. 

Also Read: Paws & Productivity: The Ultimate Guide to Bringing Your Dog to Work