Dogs truly are a ‘man’s best friend’. Any dog lover will understand the importance of keeping their four-legged friend happy and healthy. It’s extremely important to fully understand your dog’s general habits, including eating, drinking, and sleeping, as even a slight change in certain behaviors may indicate that your dog is unwell. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, get in contact with your registered veterinarian straight away.
The good news is that there are various ways you can independently manage your dog’s wellbeing to enable them to live a longer and improved lifestyle. Take a look at these helpful tips below:
Keep a look out for symptoms
Unlike humans, dogs cannot communicate how they are feeling in relation to pain or discomfort, so it is essential to keep an eye out for common symptoms that could indicate signs of illness. Some of the tell-tale signs that indicate your dog may be in poor health include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
One of the most common illnesses that all dog owners should be aware of is parvovirus. This is a highly infectious disease that can affect dogs at any age, but it is most common in young, unvaccinated puppies. Understanding parvovirus in dogs is crucial so that the illness can be handled quickly with the correct medication. If left untreated, the risk increases of the disease becoming life-threatening.
Don’t underestimate dental care
One of the major oversights regarding a dog’s health is dental care. Despite mistaken belief, bad breath is not typical of a healthy dog and could be a sign of periodontal disease, which can lead to chronic pain and tooth erosion. Regardless of your dog’s age, it’s never too late to manage your dog’s oral health. You can purchase dog toothbrushes to eliminate plaque build-up, in addition to oral rinses and dental chews. If you require any further information, it would be best to consult a veterinarian.
Pay attention to their diet
Ensuring your dog has the correct nutrition is vital to your dog’s health. The appropriate diet will be heavily dependent on your dog’s age, weight, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If in any doubt, always ensure that the packaging provides the Association of American Feed Control Officials logo as an indication that it has been certified as nutritious and well-balanced. It may be the case that you have to try many diets before you discover one that is suitable for your pooch. Be cautious not to switch over the food too quickly as it may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Maintain regular grooming
Grooming is typically believed to be just for aesthetic purposes, but it can also have a knock-on effect on your dog’s general wellbeing. Grooming will typically depend on your dog’s breed. Long-haired or curly-haired dogs should be brushed daily and may require a cut every six weeks or so. Shorter-hair dogs require far less maintenance but should be brushed weekly to keep their skin and coat well-nourished.
