Caring for your dog's health does not have to be difficult. These 6 tips from our Staten Island vet team can help you keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time with lots of love and attention.
Your Dog's Health
You adore your dog, but caring for his or her health is a huge responsibility. It does not, however, have to be difficult. These are only suggestions, but they will get you well on your way to having a happy, healthy dog.
1. Meet Your Dog's Nutritional Needs
The quality of your dog's diet has a significant impact on their health. Speak with your veterinarian about the best foods for your dog based on age, breed, and lifestyle to help keep him healthy. Your veterinarian will be happy to give you advice on how to find the best food for your dog's nutritional needs.
2. Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity in dogs has been linked to a number of serious conditions such as diabetes and joint pain, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight for their breed and size is critical. Your vet will be able to calculate the ideal 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 at each meal from there.
3. Make Sure Your Dog Stays Active
Different breeds require different amounts of exercise. While some dogs can get by on a quick 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 it can also help to prevent mental boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior or anxiety. Inquire with your veterinarian or breeder about the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all excellent ways to keep your dog active.
4. Don't Skip Your Dog's Annual Wellness Exams
Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions help to ensure the best treatment outcomes. Even if your dog appears to be in good health, annual veterinary exams are all about prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and detecting early signs of developing problems. Your veterinarian will discuss your dog's diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors with you, as well as any concerns you have about your pet's health or behavior, before performing a thorough physical examination. When the exam is finished, your veterinarian will go over the results with you. If anything concerning is discovered, your veterinarian will make recommendations for diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
5. Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Our Staten Island vets believe that vaccinations are essential for helping your pet live 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. Provide Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that cause a variety of diseases that endanger your dog's health and longevity. If your dog is not protected, a bite from one of these parasites could cause serious illness. Speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your dog from a variety of tick-borne diseases, heartworms, and other parasitic conditions 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.