You want to do everything you can to ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life. There are a few other basic steps that are essential when it comes to helping to ensure your dog's health, in addition to lots of love and attention. Our Los Angeles veterinarians have put together a list of six things you can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Your Dog's Health
Maintaining the health of our pets is a big responsibility, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Taking care of your dog's health boils down to doing everything you can to help prevent diseases from developing. There are six things you can do to help prevent disease and keep your dog happy and healthy listed below.
1 - Provide Nutritious Meals
The quality of the food your dog consumes will have a significant impact on his or her health. Speak to your veterinarian about the best foods for your dog based on age, breed, and lifestyle to help keep him healthy. Your veterinarian can help you find the right food for your dog's nutritional needs, or if your dog is having health problems that could be related to diet, schedule a nutritional consultation.
2 - Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to several serious conditions in dogs, including diabetes and joint pain, so it's critical to keep your dog at a healthy weight 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. You'll be able to easily calculate how much you should feed your dog each meal once you know how many calories are appropriate for your dog.
3 - Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise
Different breeds require different amounts of exercise. While some dogs can get enough exercise from a short 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 keep his mind from becoming bored, which can lead to destructive behavior or anxiety. Make sure to talk to your vet or breeder about how much exercise your dog needs. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all excellent ways to keep your dog active.
4 - Annual Wellness Exams
Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions 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 talk with you about your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, as well as any concerns you have about your pet's health or behavior, before performing a thorough physical examination. Your veterinarian will discuss any findings with you after the exam is completed. If anything concerning is discovered, your veterinarian will recommend a diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Vaccinations
Vaccinations, according to our Los Angeles veterinarians, are essential for helping your pet live a long and healthy life. Vaccinations are given regularly help to protect your dog from a variety of highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. Most states require that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, but vaccines also protect dogs against parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia, among other serious diseases.
6 - Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that can cause a variety of diseases, putting your dog's health and longevity in jeopardy. If your dog is not protected, a bite from one of these parasites can cause serious illness. Consult your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your dog from a variety of tick-borne diseases, heartworms, and other parasitic infections 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.