Dogs bring a lot of love and joy into your life, but their health is entirely dependent on you. Begin with the fundamentals to keep your pet safe for years to come.
Make Your Home Dog-Proof
Check to see if your home is safe for your pet – ideally before you bring them in. Secure any electrical cords they might chew on, close toilet lids, and make sure they can't get into any medication or household cleaners.
Do you have a pool in your backyard? If your dog cannot or has not learned to swim, consider installing a pool fence or a motion detector system that will alert you if they fall into the water. Also, make certain that your pet cannot access any human food, as some of it is toxic to dogs. If they are particularly inquisitive, use childproof latches to secure cabinets and trash cans.
Put Yourself on a Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines, like vaccines for humans, are one of the most reliable ways to protect your dog's health. They protect against potentially fatal diseases such as parvo, distemper, and rabies. The schedule and shots they require will vary depending on their health issues and where you live, so consult with your veterinarian about what you should get.
Most puppies should get their first set of shots around 6 weeks of age, and then every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every one to three years.
Choose the Correct Food
When it comes to what your dog eats, their age, weight, health, and activity level all play a role. In general, look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials on the label of the food you choose. That is, it is nutritionally "complete and balanced." Feeding your dog bones, raw meat, or raw eggs should be avoided.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other organizations warn that raw foods can cause serious health problems in animals, such as E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Bones have the potential to tear a dog's stomach or intestines.
Declare Flea and Tick War
Fleas can cause more than just itchy skin. They can cause allergies, anemia, and tapeworms. Fortunately, there are numerous flea control products available, including two of the most popular, Advantage and Frontline. Monthly applications should be given based on your dog's weight. When preparing for your flea wars, keep in mind that you must treat all of your pets, not just the ones with visible fleas.
You must be especially vigilant during the warmer months, and as global warming continues, those warmer months seem to last longer and longer, which means you may need to extend those summer treatments.
Heartworm can be treated by preventing it.
Heartworm is extremely difficult to treat and can be fatal to your dog, so prevention is essential. Giving your dog a monthly dose of a tablet, such as Heartguard, can prevent heartworm from developing.
Every day, take your dog for a walk.
Not just a quick stroll around the block. Walking and playing with your dog will keep your little buddy physically fit and mentally healthy, as well as reduce the likelihood of belligerent and destructive behavior. Regular exercise also assists your dog in maintaining a healthy weight and heart, as well as increasing muscle mass. Your dog's exercise needs will vary depending on breed, gender, age, and health.
Keep an eye on your dog's weight.
Pets, like people, suffer from a lack of exercise and overfeeding. Your dog cannot decide how much exercise he or she requires or what type of food is best for him or her; only you can do so. Arthritis, liver disease, and coronary artery disease are just a few of the health problems that an overweight dog faces. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of exercise and switching to a low-calorie brand of food, or gradually reducing the amount of regular food you feed your dog. If your dog is overweight, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Health Checks Every Week
Checking in on your dog on a weekly basis is one of the best ways to prevent health problems. First, look for swelling, flakes, or scabs on your dog's coat and skin. Then examine your dog's ears and eyes for signs of redness or discharge. Finally, keep an eye out for any changes in eating or drinking habits. Consult your veterinarian if anything out of the ordinary occurs with your dog.
Avoid Consuming Dangerous Foods
alcoholic beverages, chocolate, avocado, coffee, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, spoiled or moldy foods, onions and onion powder, grapes and raisins, salt, garlic, yeast dough, and products sweetened with xylitol, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Make a copy of this list and make it available to your family and any caregivers.
Brush Your Teeth!
Bad breath can be an indication of tooth or gum disease. Plaque, which is made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria, can accumulate on the gums and teeth and cause infection. If you don't treat it, the infection can cause tooth decay and even spread to your pet's heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, and joints. Examine your dog's teeth and gums once a week, and follow your vet's instructions for regular brushing with canine toothpaste.
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