Some human health problems are shared by dogs as well. But there’s no reason to let your dog’s quality of life suffer because of a disease you can treat for a fraction of the cost. You can ensure your dog always has access to care if you take him to the vet regularly and invest in the best pet insurance policy.
Also Read: 5 Common Dog Health Issues
The Value of Veterinarians
Every year, an adult dog should get a full checkup at the vet. Pet should visit the vet every 3-4 weeks until they are about four months old. Dogs above the age of seven or eight should visit the vet at least twice a year, if not more often, so that you can catch any signs of illness early. Your vet may suggest periodic blood work to check for diseases like kidney and liver disease in your pet as part of a wellness program.
Warning Symptoms
You know your dog better than anyone else, so keep a close eye on it for any signs of disease that might go unnoticed by a stranger or even a professional. Losses of appetite or reduced activity are common symptoms of sickness. Besides general symptoms like nausea and fatigue, more specific symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, increased or decreased urination, coughing, sneezing, or a discharge from the ears, nose, or eyes. Hair loss, rashes, and itchy spots on the skin or in the ear canal are all symptoms of illness. Stiffness or lameness, such as refusing to place weight on a leg, are common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
Drug administration
Pills are well-tolerated by dogs. Most dogs will ingest a pill disguised as a treat. Closing the dog’s mouth may help it swallow. Dogs often receive liquid medications. Place the syringe tip near the dog’s back teeth on each side of its mouth to deliver liquids. To avoid mishaps, raise the dog’s head. Spot-on and other topical products are applied on skin or fur. Your vet will show you how to give your dog eye and ear drops. No of the kind or route of administration, read and follow all label instructions.
Vaccinations
As with humans, dogs need immunizations for preventative care. Vaccines prime the immune system before an individual is exposed to a disease. Vaccination is the primary line of defence against deadly infectious diseases in dogs (for example, distemper, parvovirus, rabies). Many more (noncore) are important in certain scenarios (for example, Bordetella, Lyme disease). Contact your veterinarian to know which vaccines are required in your area.
Historically, dogs receive annual booster vaccines to maintain protection. People have questioned yearly revaccination in recent years. Some data suggests that it may not need booster immunizations after the first year of life. The debate continues. Your vet can recommend a vaccination schedule based on the latest research.
Insecticides and Other Methods of Parasite Control
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are canine parasites. These worms affect the digestive tract and hinder nutrient absorption. Heartworm is a mosquito-borne parasite. Inflammation from worms in the lung’s main arteries can injure the heart and cause early death.
Heartworm treatment has several potentially catastrophic health risks, making prevention crucial. Companion Animal Parasite Council, an organization of veterinary medicine and parasitology professionals, recommends administering your dog heartworm preventive medication year-round. Most heartworm preventives tackle year-round intestinal parasites. A yearly blood test can detect heartworm disease.
External parasites include fleas, ticks, and mange mites. You can prevent fleas and ticks with monthly sprays or “spot-on” treatments in the armpits. Scraping infected skin reveals mites and eggs. Mange causes bald patches or red, scaly skin.
Help for Your Teeth
Dogs need regular dental care even when their teeth have stopped growing. If you feed your dog a dry food diet, give it particular toys, brush its teeth regularly, and have your vet do regular dental cleanings and oral care, you can help keep its teeth and gums in good shape. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque builds up and can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Extraction is frequently necessary in cases of advanced dental disease.
Grooming
Brush your dog will remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming in their coat. Dogs with long, thick, or scruffy hair are more likely to get mats or tangles without regular grooming. In addition to making the skin more irritable, the damp, stuffy environment under a mat can increase the risk of bacterial or parasitic infection. Use dog clipper instead of scissors to avoid nicking the skin while removing the mats. Bathing your pet regularly with a pet shampoo is essential to keep the skin and fur in good condition. The skin and hair might become irritated and dry from too many baths. Depending on the season and the climate, most dogs only need a bath once a month.
Dangers in the Home
it would help if you kept household dangers such as chemicals, pesticides, cleaning supplies, antifreeze, electrical cables, drugs, alcohol, and toxic plants out of your dog’s reach. All dogs, but especially curious puppies who want to explore their surroundings by chewing on unfamiliar objects, should be kept away from these goods. It’s common practice to spray dangerous objects (particularly electrical wires) with an unpleasant flavour to deter chewing. Stairs that are too steep, floors that are too slippery, and windows that are left open all provide hazards for pets (and people) and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Spaying/Neutering
Unless they are utilized for reproduction, dogs should all be sterilized. The practice of spaying and neutering animals has been linked to a considerable improvement in demeanour. Around the age of six months, just before the first heat cycle, females are often spayed. Let a female go through her menstrual cycle or have a litter is not required. Surgery is safer and has the most long-term medical benefits if performed before the first heat (estrus) has begun. Spaying or neutering male pets is common, beginning at around five months and continuing through 10 months, depending on breed and size.
