When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, there are simple steps you can take to prevent diseases. Dental disease, kidney failure and Lyme Disease can all happen if you don’t keep a close watch on your dog. Check out these 10 steps to disease prevention for dogs to keep your canine companion happy and healthy for all their years to come.
1. Healthy Diet
One of the easiest things you can do is regulate your dog’s diet. Most U.S. pets get a high-calorie and high-carb diet that leads to obesity and diabetes. Your dog is a carnivore, and they should eat like one. Try to make sure they have a moisture-rich diet that is appropriate for their species. Limit carbohydrates and grains, and make sure your dog is getting the right amount of food for their size.
2. Good Oral Health
Keeping up with your dog’s oral health is another easy way to avoid disaster. While it might not seem like a priority to clean your dog’s teeth, dental disease can spread to their kidneys if you’re not careful. Try feeding your dog a raw diet, especially raw meat which can act as a toothbrush and floss. Brush your dog’s teeth every day or several times a week and invest in high-quality dental chews that control plaque.
3. Regular Eye Care
Another step is to keep up with your dog’s eye care. Eye problems can sneak up on you before you know it, so try to give your dog regular eye exams at home. Look for any tearing, cloudiness or inflammation that looks like a problem. Proper eye care can minimize eye irritation and reduce dryness while helping wash the dirt and other debris away.
4. Vaccines
Your dog should get or already have the core vaccines that all puppies get — including the Parvovirus vaccine. Dogs that don’t get these crucial vaccines can get a disease just from coming into contact with a dog who does. While it’s essential to protect your dog, don’t over-vaccinate. Giving your dog shots that they’ve already had can result in an immune-mediated disorder.
5. Preventative Tick Medicine
Lyme Disease is another problem for dogs. The best way to prevent it is to use flea and tick medication that kills summer ticks quickly. Also, use a flea and tick comb to brush your dog after you go through a walk in the woods. If your area is particularly dangerous, try changing some parts of your yard to get rid of ticks.
6. Grooming
You can prevent many different diseases by regularly and grooming your dog. Not only will it help you spot ticks, but you’ll keep your dog away from flea infestations. Whenever you bathe your dog, look for fleas on their skin or fur and use a flea comb if there’s a problem. Plus, your dog will look and feel great after regular baths.
7. Stop The “Gobble”
Your dog can have stomach problems just like you. Sometimes when dogs eat too fast, their stomach can enlarge and turn. This prevents air and fluid from escaping, so your dog can’t burp or vomit. Try to help your dog eat slower by putting food inside of a toy or buying a feeder that releases food at specific time intervals.
8. Regular Exercise
Keep your dog healthy by taking them on daily walks or runs. Some dogs are more active than others, but that doesn’t mean any dog wants to sit inside all day. Getting your dog out into the sunshine won’t just make them happier, it’ll keep them fit and reduce the risk of obesity. Combine this with a healthy diet and your dog will live a long and happy life.
9. Fenced Yard
If you don’t already have a fenced-in yard, consider adding one or getting a giant playpen for your dog. Then your dog can’t sneak away and chase a car or get bit by another dog. Also make sure your they have a proper leash or harness that you can use on walks. You never know what distractions can get in their way and a leash will help.
10. Clean Inside
While you’re fixing the backyard, also clean your home. It’s as simple as vacuuming your floors, cleaning your furniture and window coverings. This will keep fleas that make their way into your house from getting on you, your family or your dog.
Make Simple Changes
Keeping your dog safe from diseases isn’t complicated. Start by grooming them regularly and make sure they’re up-to-date on all their vaccines. Giving your dog the care they deserve will help them live a happy and healthy life by your side.
