It doesn't have to be complicated to provide for your canine companion's health requirements. In addition to lots of attention and love, our Riverbank vets share 6 tips that you can use to help your dog stay happy and healthy.
The Health of Your Dog
Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility, but caring for your dog's needs doesn't have to be hard, all you need to do is follow these 6 simple steps that can help you prevent your pooch from developing any health problems.
1 - Meet Your Dogs Nutritional Requirements
The health and well-being of your dog largely depends on the quality of their food. To help your pooch stay healthy ask your vet which food they recommend feeding your dog based on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Your veterinarian at River Oak Veterinary Hospital in Riverbank can provide you with tips for choosing the best foods that meet the nutritional requirements of your dog. Whether you are looking for food that can help your pooch achieve optimal health, or to help treat a medical condition through diet we are here to help.
2 - Help Your Dog Stay a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to a number of serious conditions in dogs including diabetes and joint pain, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is essential for optimal health. Once you have chosen nutritious food for your pooch, your vet will be able to calculate the optimal number of calories your dog should consume each day. Once you know how many calories are appropriate for your dog, you will be able to easily work out exactly how much you should be feeding your dog each meal.
3 - Provide Your Dog With Lots of Daily Exercise
Different breeds have different exercise requirements. While some dogs can stay healthy with a quick walk around the block, high-energy breeds may need an hour or more of vigorous exercise once or twice a day. Adequate physical activity not only helps to keep your dog's body in good condition, but it can also help to prevent mental boredom which can lead to destructive behaviors or anxiety. Don't forget to ask the breeder or your vet how much exercise your pup will need to get every day. Some great ways to help your dog get the excise they need every day are to take them for walks, play games in the backyard, and take them to the dog park for social time.
4 - Bring Your Dog For Annual Wellness Exams
Diagnosing and treating conditions in the very earliest stages helps to ensure the very best treatment outcomes. Taking your dog to the vet for routine wellness exams, when they appear to be healthy, is about disease prevention, checking for early signs of arising health issues, and monitoring the overall health of your pup. Your vet will talk to you about your dog's exercise, diet, and other lifestyle elements. They will also ask you if you are worried about your pet's health or behavior, then conduct a complete physical assessment. Following your dog's exam, your vet will talk to you about their findings and may recommend diet adjustments, additional diagnostic tests, or any required treatments.
5 - Keep Your Dog's Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Our vets in Riverbank, California believe that vaccinations are important for helping your dog achieve life-long good health. Regularly scheduled vaccinations help keep your dog safe from extremely contagious, possibly life-threatening illnesses and diseases. By law, many states require every dog to receive the rabies vaccination but, there are various other serious conditions that vaccines can protect your dog from including parvo, distemper, and panleukopenia.
6 - Provide Them With Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes can all carry organisms that lead to a range of diseases that seriously threaten the health and longevity of your dog. 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.