There’s a reason why dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend. They’re incredibly affectionate, and for centuries have proven to be fiercely loyal companions. Dog lovers know the importance of their pooches. That’s why it is no longer an uncommon sight to see a dog owner and his or her beloved pooch bedecked in the same Swarovski crystals or Burberry clothing.
If you’re a dog owner, you must know that there’s a lot more to caring for dogs than providing them with food and shelter. Dogs, like humans, acquire diseases and require treatment. They also need exercise and the right diet to stay healthy.
The following is a top ten list of ways you can make sure your beloved canine stays in tiptop shape!
#1 Pudgy Ain’t Good: Preventing Dog Obesity
a very fat dog
A very fat dog unable to stand
Yes, dogs are cute when they’re fat and pudgy. Being overweight, however, has its repercussions for your beloved pooch. Just like human beings, dogs have to stay the appropriate weight. If your dog is overweight, then he or she can develop diseases like diabetes mellitus. The extra weight on your poor dog can also shorten his or her life expectancy.
You can make sure your dog is not overweight by checking his or her waist. There should be a slight indentation near the dog’s waistline. An overweight dog will be lacking that indentation since there’s bound to be a lot of fat over its ribs.
If you find that your dog is a little too chubby for comfort, you can ask your vet to help you find the right exercise and diet that will help your dog lose those extra pounds.
#2 The Right Diet
diet for the dog
A dog eating a lollipop
To avoid dog obesity or malnutrition, you have to make sure your dog eats right. This means giving them the right food based on your dog’s age and needs. There are specific dog foods designed to help provide your dog with the right nutrients needed for his or her growing period. Another great alternative is learning how to prepare your dog’s food yourself.
There are a lot of healthy dog food recipes you can find online. Base your search on the age and the breed of your beloved pooch.
Also, make sure you’re feeding your dog the right amount of food and the right number of times a day. It’s not alright to keep your dog hungry the whole day and only remember to give out food once you get home from work. Puppies in particular need to be fed often to make sure they grow up healthy. Based on your dog’s size, age and breed, ask your veterinarian how many times you should feed your dog, and how much food you should give. (For more information on dog foods, read The Guide To Dog Food)
#3 Keeping Fit Through Exercise
a dog exercising
A dog lifting barbells
Just like humans, your dog needs exercise. Depending on the size and the age of your dog, your pooch requires regular exercise that will help keep him or her agile and fit.
Find fun ways you and your dog can get the exercise you both need to stay healthy. If you’re a frequent jogger, going jogging or running with your dog can be a great way to bond. Just make sure you bring two bottles of water to keep both you and your pooch properly hydrated.
If you find that your dog is limping or panting heavily after a long run, it’s probable that your dog is out of shape or suffering from a torn ligament. Since your dog can’t complain about feeling pain, then you have to be extra-sensitive to your canine’s needs and feelings.
Other fun dog exercises include playing catch with a ball or frisbee.
#4 Doctor Dolittle? Picking the Right Vet
a veterinarian
The vet checking his patient dog with the kids
It’s extremely important that you get a veterinarian that your dog will find trustworthy and likable. Since the vet will be administering painful vaccines to your pooch, your dog should be comfortable with the person handling him or her.
Watch out for signs that your vet doesn’t know what he or she is doing. This can include the rough treatment of your beloved animal. Dogs can’t complain, but they can whimper and cry when the person handling them is being too rough.
A gentle vet can do wonders for your pooch. The veterinarian should have little or no trouble when it comes to administering medication to your canine.
#5 The Necessary Shots: Complete Vaccination
a veterinarian
The vet checks the dog before vaccination
In the same way babies need vaccination to keep them protected from diseases, your dog requires the same treatment. Vaccinations can help prevent your dog from developing rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine adenovirus type 2, infectious canine hepatitis virus, canine leptospirosis, canine parainfluenza virus, canine coronavirus, canine lyme disease and canine kennel cough.
Get the full treatment to make sure your dog gets the right medication needed to prevent possible dog diseases.
#6 Consider Spaying or Neutering
spaying the dog
The vet stitches the dog after spaying
Unless you plan on breeding dogs, it is a good idea for your dog to undergo this simple operation. These procedures can help prevent probable future health problems.
If you’re planning on having your female dog spayed, the best time to have the surgery done is at six months of age. Every heat cycle, there is an increased chance that your female dog could develop breast cancer. Once your dog reaches middle-age or becomes old, your dog will be a lot more susceptible to uterine infections.
Male dogs, on the other hand, are prone to testicular. Prostatitis is another concern if you neglect neutering. Consider your dog’s health when making this important decision.
#7 Twice A Year Medical Exams for Your Dog
dog medical exam
A medical examination for the dog
Having your dog examined once every six months can be a great way to find out if your dog has hidden health risks, such as dental tartar, ear infections, masses and even heart murmur. The sooner these medical conditions are treated or controlled, the better.
If your dog is exhibiting signs of a disease, like lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, anemia or weight loss, this could be an indication that your dog has internal parasites. In this case, make sure your vet checks for worms at least once a year to help prevent and control possible infestations.
#8 Yearly Stool Checks
vet using the microscope
The vet checking dog stool samples
Veterinarians should always check your dog’s fecal matter to find out if there are parasites residing inside your pet. Parasites in your dog can be harmful to their health and yours.
Keep you and your pet protected from worms and other parasites by having annual fecal checks for your dog.
#9 A Lot of Heart: Preventing Heartworm
Tired Dog
A very tired dog
A type of worm disease called heartworm is particularly dangerous to dogs. It can even prove to be fatal. Heartworm can be transmitted through mosquito bites. Yearly heartworm checks are recommended for puppies.
Once your dog becomes infected by this dangerous canine disease your dog’s internal organs, particularly the heart, are at risk. If your dog exhibits fatigue, laborious breathing, lethargy and an enlarged abdomen, get your dog checked by a vet as soon as possible.
Heartworm preventive can be administered to your dog provided you get advice from your pet’s veterinarian first. Treatment can be costly, but it’s a lot better to be safe than sorry.
#10 Ticked By Fleas? Shoo Them Away
Don’t you wish fleas and ticks could be shooed away as easily as flies? Unfortunately, ticks and fleas can be very stubborn. Although you may think that the only risk your dog has when contracting ticks is fur-loss and constant itching, fleas can also carry different types of parasitic organisms, including tapeworms. Fleas can also cause anemia, infections, allergies and fur or hair loss.
This is the proper way to bathe your Dog.
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Ticks, on the other hand, can carry a very fatal dog disease called Lyme disease. To help keep your dog tick and flea-free, make sure you bathe your dogs regularly. Anti-ticks and flea powders, shampoos and soaps could also be bought from your nearest pet store. (Tips on how to get rid of dog fleas)
Keep your dear pets fit and happy by taking all the necessary medical precautions and treatments to ensure good health.
* Man’s best friend deserves only the best treatment. Not only should you learn how to trim dog nails, you should make sure that you build a dog housethat is sturdy enough to keep your pet safe.