Keeping your dog in optimal health and providing for their needs can be as easy as giving them lots of loving attention and following these 6 steps, provided by our vets in Santa Clarita, California.
The Health of a Dog
You love your dog, but caring for the health of your adorable pooch is a big responsibility. That said, caring for your pup's health doesn't need to be complicated, simply focus on providing them with lots of love and following these 6 easy steps that can help prevent health issues from developing.
1 - Provide For Your Dog's Nutritional Requirements
Your dog's wellbeing will greatly depend upon the quality of the food they eat. To help keep your dog healthy, speak to your vet about the best foods for your dog based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. Your vet at Sweetwater Veterinary Clinic in Santa Clarita can assist you in your search for the right food to feed your dog, that meets their dietary requirements.
2 - Help Your Dog Stay a Healthy Weight
There are many conditions in dogs such as joint pain and diabetes that can be linked to obesity, which is why it's essential to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. After you have selected a nutritious brand of food to feed your furry friend, your veterinarian will be able to help you determine the correct number of calories your dog should be getting daily. When you know the number of calories that are appropriate for your dog to consume, you will be able to calculate how much food your dog should be eating at every meal.
3 - Make Sure Your Dog is Getting Enough Exercise
Every breed of dog requires different levels of daily exercise. While a brief walk around the block can help some dogs stay in shape, pups that have higher energy levels might need an hour or more of intense exercise one or two times a day. Adequate physical activity doesn't just help your dog's body stay in optimal condition, it also helps keep them from getting bored which could result in anxiety or destructive behaviors. Don't forget to ask your breeder or vet about the amount of exercise your canine companion requires. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all great ways to ensure your pooch gets plenty of exercise.
4 - Bring Them for Annual Wellness Exams
Diagnosing and treating conditions in the very earliest stages helps to ensure the very best treatment outcomes. Taking your dog for routine veterinary exams each year, when they appear to be healthy, is about prevention, monitoring the overall health of your pooch, and checking for early signs of arising conditions. Your vet will discuss your dog's diet, exercise, 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 discuss any findings with you. If anything concerning has been detected your vet will make recommendations regarding diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5 - Maintain Your Dog's Vaccinations
Our veterinarians in Santa Clarita believe that vaccinations are at the core of helping your four-legged friend have a long and healthy life. Regularly scheduled vaccines help to protect your dog from many highly contagious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Most states require by law that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, but there are a number of other serious conditions that vaccines protect dogs against including parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Protect Them From Parasites
Mosquitos, fleas, and ticks may carry organisms that can cause various diseases that could seriously threaten your dog's longevity and health. A bite from one of these parasites could cause your dog to become gravely ill if not protected. Speak to your vet about the most effective ways to protect your pooch against a full 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.