Keeping your dog healthy is one of the most important things you can do for him. A well-fed, happy dog will live a long, happy life. It’s not always easy to keep a pup in top shape. Many factors come into play when it comes to ensuring he stays healthy and strong. However, it’s not impossible either.
Here are some tips to help protect your furry baby from common ailments:
Keep Up With Flea and Tick Prevention
A big concern for all pet parents is keeping their furry babies healthy and happy. Fleas are one of the biggest threats to your pet’s health, so you should always ensure that you’re using the best products to prevent them from taking over your home. Many fleas and tick prevention products are available, including sprays, drops, collars, and chewable tablets, like Credelio for dogs.
Credelio is a monthly preventive and ideal for dogs and puppies who are at least 25.1 pounds in weight and 8 weeks old. It takes only four hours for this drug to begin working, and it has a 100% monthly efficacy against fleas and more than 97% efficacy against ticks. Additionally, since Credelio comes in a chewable form, you may simply conceal it in your dog’s favorite meal to administer it easily.
While fleas and ticks can be a problem in most areas of the country, they’re ubiquitous during warmer months when they can spread quickly among pets. If left untreated for an extended period, these parasites will cause serious health issues like tapeworms or anemia in dogs because they feed off the blood cells inside their bodies.
Vaccinate on a Regular Basis
It’s essential to vaccinate your dog regularly. The first round of vaccinations should be given at six weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks. After that, your puppy will need their rabies vaccine before they reach 16 weeks old.
Vaccinations can be purchased at any good veterinarian’s office or pet store. The cost varies depending on where you live and what kind of dog you have but typically ranges from $30-100 per dose. Most veterinarians recommend annual vaccinations for diseases such as distemper and parvo for puppies. However, some may also recommend bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines during this time if your puppy has been exposed to other dogs recently.
Protect Your Dog From Harmful Products
You should be aware of the harmful products your dog might come into contact with. For starters, everyday household items such as bleach, antifreeze, and paint can be fatal if ingested by your furry friend. To ensure you’re not exposing your animals to toxic chemicals, always read product labels before buying new cleaning products or pet food, and toss out anything containing harmful ingredients.
Also, remember that some brands are safer than others for certain breeds of dogs. For example, wheat gluten is a common ingredient in many dog treats but can cause health problems for poodles and other breeds with allergies to grains like wheat or cornmeal.
Similarly, grapes are an essential source of antioxidants in human nutrition but can be harmful to dogs because they contain small amounts of alcohols called terpenoids which act as sedatives when consumed in large quantities.
Feed a Quality Diet
According to Statista, pet food was the best-selling pet market product category in the US in 2021, with around $50 billion worth of pet food sold. To ensure your furry friend gets the best food possible, you need to know what makes a quality diet.
The first step is finding a high-quality brand of food. Many pet food companies put out products that meet the minimum requirements, but why settle for less when you can have more?
You’ll want to look at the ingredients list on any dog or cat food package before purchasing it. Look for meats and other protein sources as the first several ingredients. The closer they are to being listed alphabetically, the better.
Feed a Species-Appropriate Diet
You may or may not have heard of the term “orthorexia,” a word used to describe an unhealthy obsession with eating only healthy food. Many people have jumped on this bandwagon and tried to convince others to follow their diet. It includes vegans and vegetarians claiming that dogs don’t need meat protein.
According to The Vegan Society, 45% of dog parents said they were interested in vegan food for their pets. Additionally, 24% of dog parents stated that they had purchased vegan dog food in the past, and 16% declared that their dogs loved it.
However, that doesn’t change the fact that dogs are descendants of wolves and are primarily carnivorous. They need the bulk of their diet to be meat and protein to lead a healthy life.
Taking Care of Your Dog’s Health Can Help Ensure That Your Pet Lives a Long, Happy Life
Your dog is your best friend, and they deserve to be healthy. By taking care of their health, you can protect them from common ailments like fleas and ticks, which can cause severe discomfort or even death. In addition to helping your furry pal live a long life, taking care of their health will also help you live longer. After all, who wants to spend their retirement years worrying about their pet?
These tips will help you keep your furry babies happy and healthy for many years. Remember that regular veterinary visits are essential in maintaining a balanced diet and keeping an eye out for any potential health issues. And if something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to consult your vet immediately.
