We all want our pups to live long, happy and healthy lives, and every dog parent can do something to help that happen. Here are 10 tips to help any dog feel happier and healthier.
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1. To castrate or neuter
Spaying prevents bitches from coming into heat and can help prevent breast cancer and pyometra or uterine infection. Neutering a dog can reduce aggressive behavior and help prevent testicular cancer, prostate disease and hernias.
2. Vaccinate
By three months of age, the protective antibodies naturally passed through mother’s milk are used up and your puppy must be vaccinated to protect against many common infectious diseases, including leptospirosis, distemper and parvovirus. vaccination against rabies. Your vet may also recommend vaccinations against whooping cough and Lyme disease. Vaccination saves your dog’s life.
3. Visit your vet
Just like you, dogs need regular visits to the doctor to ensure good health. An annual health checkup gives your vet a chance to nip any disease or health problems in the bud before they can cause major problems and bills. The vet will ask questions about your pet’s behavior, eating and exercise habits, and at the same time check your dog’s vital statistics. Check your local pet store for inexpensive pet clinics to help keep costs down.
4. Declare war on fleas and ticks
Fleas can cause health problems in addition to itchy skin. They can be a source of allergies, anemia and tapeworms. Fortunately, there are countless flea control products available, including Advantage and Frontline, two of the most popular. Monthly applications should be given based on your dog’s weight. Keep in mind that when preparing for flea wars, you need to treat all of your pets, not just those where fleas are obvious. This is why German shepherd puppy cost on health is more than others.
You need to be especially vigilant in the warmer months and with global warming these warmer months seem to last longer and longer, meaning you may need to extend your summer treatments.
5. Treat heartworms by preventing them
Heart disease is very difficult to treat and can be fatal for your dog, so prevention is key. If you give your dog one dose of a tablet a month, such as Heartguard, you can stop heartworm before it starts.
6. Exercise your dog every day
And not just brisk walks around the block. Exercise through walking and playing with your dog will keep your little friend physically fit, mentally healthy and also reduce the possibility of aggressive and destructive behavior. Regular exercise can also help your dog to maintain a good and healthy weight and heart, while it will also increase muscle mass. Your dog’s exercise requirements will vary depending on breed, sex, age and health.
7. Watch your dog’s weight
Lack of exercise and overfeeding are just as big a problem for pets as they are for humans. Your dog cannot decide how much exercise he needs or what kind of food is best to eat; only you can do that. Arthritis, liver disease, and coronary heart disease are just some of the health problems that an overweight dog faces. To help your dog lose weight, your vet may recommend a combination of exercise and switching to a low-calorie food, or gradually reducing the amount of regular food you feed your dog. If your puppy is overweight, talk to your vet to determine the best course of action.
8. Weekly health checks
One of the best ways to prevent health problems is to check your dog weekly. First, check your dog’s coat and skin for swelling, flakes, or scabs. Then look inside your dog’s ears and eyes for signs of redness or discharge. Finally, monitor any changes in eating or drinking habits. If anything is different from what is normal for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
9. Stay away from unsafe foods
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has compiled a list of foods that can be dangerous, even poisonous, to your dog: alcoholic beverages, chocolate, avocados, coffee, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, spoiled, moldy foods, onions and also onion powder and grapes and raisin, salt, garlic, yeast dough and products sweetened with xylitol. Post this list and make sure your family and all caregivers know about it.
