General Tips for the Health of Your Dog
With the turn of every year, countless people resolve to improve their health by losing weight, exercising, and more. Below are a handful of both timely and timeless ideas to choose from.
1. Assess Your Choice of Dog Food.
As your dog ages, its nutritional needs will change. “Aging brings with it physiological changes. Some are obvious, others are not,” says Dr. Amy Dicke, a technical services veterinarian for Iams. “Skin and hair coat changes may be obvious, while lean muscle mass loss and digestive or immune system failure may be less evident or hidden.” The science behind today’s dog food has gotten specific enough that there are different blends for almost any situation. Talk to your vet about whether your dog is due for a change.
2. Upgrade Your Dog’s ID Tag.
The classic bone-shaped metal collar charm may help your dog get returned if it wanders away, but technology allows for so much more. Dr. Patricia Joyce of New York City Veterinary Specialists says, if possible, to use a GPS tracker that will enable you to find your dog wherever it is. Another option is a QR code tag. The tags are the same size as a regular ID tag but are not as constrained by space. They point a person to a Web page that can hold as much information as you’d like to give, from contact info to special medical issues your dog has. As your dog ages and your contact information changes, the tag never needs to be replaced.
3. Train Your Puppy.
What do socialization skills have to do with health? “Euthanasia for behavior problems is still a leading cause of death for dogs in the U.S.,” says Lisa Mullinax, a dog trainer for 4Paws University Inc. in Sacramento, Calif. “More people are beginning to realize proper socialization before the age of 14 weeks is an important step in preventing behavior problems, but few truly understand how to do so safely and positively.” She also stresses the importance of training a dog always to come when called — a great accident-prevention skill.
4. Don’t Ignore Dental Health.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal diseaseis the most diagnosed problem in dogs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “Dental disease is one of the most preventable conditions in veterinary medicine,” says Dr. Katy Johnson Nelson, a veterinarian in Arlington, Va., who is also a member of the Iams Wellness Council. Schedule an appointment with your dog’s doctor for teeth cleaning and brush at home as well.
5. Get Pet Health Insurance.
Sometimes even the best prevention can’t stop disease or an accident, and veterinary bills can add up quickly. It can put pet owners in the most difficult positions: You either set yourself up for extreme financial hardship or consent to putting your dog down. Health insurance allows an alternative. Thanks to more modest monthly premium payments, decisions to undergo costly procedures are easier to make.
So this New Year’s let yourself off the hook and make a resolution for your dog. Whether you opt for the tried-and-true or the timely and trendy, following through with just a few of these tips can make a world of difference.
Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill
Our posts on general health care below include facts and information from qualified professionals that will hopefully assist you with the care of the health of your dog.
