7 Tips For Keeping ‘Pup’ With Your Dogs Wellness
Goblins, ghosts and ghouls aren’t the only thing pet parents should worry about in the month of October. It’s National Pet Wellness Month and your dog’s health can be a tough topic for pet parents because you seem to be pulled in all different directions when it comes to advice. While it can be a bit scary of a topic, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) promotes its wellness campaign to help educate pet owners about the importance of preventative care and positive lifestyle choices for dogs and cats to create a long, happy and healthy life. If you’re looking for somewhere to start when it comes to dog wellness, try our seven wellness tips!
1. Annual exams are a must. Just like humans need to see the doctor, it’s important for your dog to have yearly checkups with their veterinarian. Annual exams are an opportunity to check your dog’s overall health and to be proactive with any health issues that may start to arise.
2. Dental care shouldn’t be overlooked. Teeth and oral care should be evaluated annually. Dental disease that goes unchecked can lead to kidney problems or nutritional issues if the pet can’t adequately chew and digest food. Maintaining their teeth and fresh breath can help prevent oral pain, tooth loss and organ damage caused by plaque entering the bloodstream.
3. Keep up with regular grooming. Regular brushing doesn’t just help their coat look and feel good, it’s a great opportunity for pet owners to examine their dog’s body for any skin issues, unusual skin growths or lumps that might be of concern for your veterinarian to look at further. Brushing on a regular basis can also help remove dead hair while also distributing their natural oils for a clean, healthier looking coat. Don’t forget nail trimming and regular baths for their grooming as well!
4. Keep up on vaccinations and year-round treatments. Ensuring that your dog’s core vaccinations are kept up to date is another important checklist item for pet parents. Vaccines help to protect your dog from a range of life-threatening diseases and illnesses. Year-round treatments should also stay that way: year-round. Parasites can cause irritation and discomfort but can also transmit harmful diseases to your dog. Heartworm disease can be especially dangerous to your pet if left untreated.
5. Never underestimate behavioral changes. Sometimes behavioral changes are a way for your pet to let you know that something isn’t quite right. Never assume that changes in your dog’s behavior are just a fluke; it’s not normal for a friendly, outgoing dog to just become aggressive. Stressful environments and underlying health issues can sometimes trigger behavioral changes, which can come in the form of anxiety, irritability, confusion and aggression. Take note of when these behaviors begin so you can consult with your veterinarian.
6. Weekly health checks can be a game changer. One of the best ways to be proactive with your dog’s health is to check up on them weekly. Inspect your dog’s coat and skin for swelling, flakes or scabs and look into your dog’s ears and eyes for any signs of redness or discharge. You can clean their ears with a cotton ball soaked in warm, soapy water if there is any dirt or discharge, but stay away from Q-tips because they could damage the eardrum. Watch for any changes in eating or drinking habits. If anything differs from what’s normal for your dog, consult your vet.
7. Your pet’s diet is no joke. 59% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Obesity in dogs can cause health problems like diabetes and heart disease, so diet plays a huge role in their weight management. Try to avoid feeding them food scraps from the table or too many treats. When it comes to their regular food, make sure they are getting their proper serving size and check food labels to see what types of ingredients are in the food you’re feeding them. Their food should have plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight.
Your dog’s wellness should be as high of a priority as your wellness if you want them to live a long and healthy life exploring with you. Taking those first steps and researching what your dog needs to stay healthy is a great way to be proactive. Remember, your veterinarian is always a great resource for direction when it comes to your pet and their health.
One opportunity you as a pet parent can jump on right away is daily dog walks with a local dog walker. Exercise is a great way to keep your dog active and healthy while you’re away and Going Mutts Pet Services wants to be your peace of mind while away from your pet. We offer daily dog walks, check-ins for cats and dogs, potty breaks and lots of belly rubs and snuggles! Contact us to see how we can customize an experience for your pup.
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