Simple Health Tips for Your Dog

As pet parents, one of our primary concerns is keeping our animals healthy and happy, and helping to extend their lives as long as possible so they can enjoy all the fun life has to offer, and we can enjoy them for years to come.

Here are some simple health tips for your dog that can help keep your beloved canine happy and in tip-top shape.

Regular Veterinary Checkups

This is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to maintain your pet’s health. Routine vet visits not only allow you to keep your dog’s shots up to date plus prevent overpopulation by spaying or neutering, it also means potentially catching any health issues early on. Not only can early detection lead to better, more successful treatment, but it can also save you money because the longer you wait to treat your pet’s health problem, the more expensive and intrusive the treatments can become.

Good Quality Food

Just as with human food, not all dog foods are created equal. Unfortunately cheaper foods full of byproducts and fillers can be the pet equivalent of eating at a fast-food burger joint. By using high quality dog food you can help your pet have healthier skin, brighter eyes, and a shinier coat. In addition, nutrition-packed food boosts his immune system and mental sharpness, and makes for a more comfortable, healthier digestive tract. There are a few brands in particular recommended by Deborah Shores, DVM, including:

• Blue Buffalo – Blue dog food is a very popular choice for all natural and holistic food for your pet
• Wellness Natural Food for Dogs – for those who prefer a whole foods diet for their pet but don’t have the time to make the food from scratch, this is a good, reasonably affordable alternative
• The Honest Kitchen – another option for health-minded pet parents, The Honest Kitchen produces freeze-dried dog food, including some low-allergen choices with non-traditional proteins like duck and healthy grains such as quinoa

Appropriate Feeding

Also as with humans, eating too much and not getting enough exercise can result in a variety of health problems. Obesity is a leading cause of nutrition-related conditions seen in pets, and can actually reduce your pet’s life span by up to two years. Potential issues caused by being overweight include heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. Check here for proper feeding amounts.

Constant Supervision

Even though your dog may seem happy to run free every now and then, reserve this treat for the dog park. Roaming around unrestrained, and worse yet, unsupervised, can have a number of undesirable outcomes – your dog could be hit by a car, attacked by another animal, consume something poisonous (including plants, as many types of vegetation can make animals sick), exposure to disease, and more. In addition, your neighbors probably won’t be too thrilled with you if Rover relieves himself in, or digs up, their garden.

Oral Health

Dental care is just as important for your fur-babies as it is for your human children. Oral disease and other health issues of the mouth and teeth can cause your dog a considerable amount of discomfort, and impact his eating ability. Untreated, these problems can even cause heart or kidney disease. Your dog should have regular oral checkups, and you should brush his teeth at home. If getting your beloved pet to cooperate with this routine proves a challenge, there are various treats and toys that can help clean their teeth. Consult your vet for ideas.

Regular Grooming

Grooming your dog may seem it’s for superficial purposes only, but your dog will need regular baths and grooming.  If you have a long haired or thick coated dog, their hair or fur grows fast and needs to be kept neat and clean.  Regular brushing or de-shedding is helpful to avoid shaving your dog.  Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, grooming appointments can vary from every 4-8 weeks.  This also included nail clipping as you should never let your dog’s nails get too long.  They can curl and dig into your pet’s paw pad.  Your vet or groomer will typically do this without an appointment.  If you hear your dog’s nails tapping the floor, it’s time to get them clipped!  Consult your groomer for advice.

By following these simple tips for dog health care you can ensure your pet the longest, happiest possible life.

Please note that you should always consult you veterinarian for your dog’s healthcare advice and if you have any questions or concerns.