Your Dog's Health
Life with a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in this world, but caring for these animals comes with a large amount of responsibility. That said, caring for your pup's health doesn't need to be complicated, simply focus on lots of love and follow these 6 easy steps to help prevent health issues from developing.
Ensure Your Dog's Nutritional Needs Are Met
The quality of food that your dog eats will have a great effect on your dog's quality of life. To help keep your dog healthy, speak to your St. Louis veterinarian about the best foods for your dog based on age, breed, and lifestyle. Your vet will be happy to offer tips for finding just the right food to meet your pup's nutritional needs. Whether you want to feed your pooch the best food to achieve optimal health or to treat existing conditions through diet, a nutritional consultation with our veterinarians at in St. Louis can help.
Provide Your Dog With a Balanced Diet For Weight Management
If your dog's weight isn't managed properly it can lead to obesity. If your dog suffers from obesity it can lead to various other conditions such as 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.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Opportunities For 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. Be sure to ask your vet or breeder about the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog. Walks, backyard games, and social time at dog parks are all great ways to ensure your pooch gets plenty of exercise.
Annual Wellness Exams Are Key to a Long and Healthy Life
Diagnosing and treating conditions in the very earliest stages helps to ensure the very best treatment outcomes. Annual veterinary exams even when your dog seems healthy, are all about prevention, monitoring your pet's overall health, and checking for early signs of developing issues. Your vet will discuss your dog's diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors with you, ask if you have any concerns about your pet's health or behavior, then perform a comprehensive physical examination. Once the exam is complete your veterinarian will discuss any findings with you. If anything concerning has been detected your vet will make recommendations regarding diet, diagnostic testing, or treatment.
Ensure Vaccinations Are Always Up-To-Date
Our St. Louis animal hospital veterinarians 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.
Focus on Preventive Care With Parasite Protection
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. Preventive care is key to protecting your dog from parasites that could potentially cause serious harm to your canine companion. Speak to your St. Louis animal hospital veterinarian 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.