A Pet Parent’s Guide About Monitoring and Maintaining a Dog’s Health

Has your family pet’s behavior recently changed? He probably scratches more frequently than usual. Does he consume more food than normal or less? Give your vet a call to determine if an examination is needed if you have problems concerning the health or behavior of your dog. Changes from the normal might be a reason for alarm and reveal a deeper problem. Caring dog owners want to provide for their pets. Follow these fundamental canine health recommendations to keep your dog healthy.

Signs of Good Health

These are the common indicators you can use as a benchmark to identify if your dog is healthy:

Ears

Some yellow or brownish wax should be present; however, an excessive quantity is abnormal. Your dog shouldn’t be scratching or shaking its head at its ears, which must be without any thick, dark, or green wax, odor, or inflammation. It may take additional care to keep the ears dry and clean on pet dogs with long, drooping ears.

Eyes

Although clean and little mucus and watery tears are usual, there shouldn’t be any inflammation or yellow discharge on the pink lining of the eyelids. If your pet’s eyes are red, puffy, or runny, or if they appear to be in pain when exposed to light, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Nose

Although a dog’s nose is generally cold and moist, it’s time to visit the veterinarian if there is any bleeding, discharge, or color change. Clear nasal discharge is preferred; it should never be heavy, frothy, yellowish, or smelly. A cold, wet nose does not necessarily suggest the dog is well. And a dry, warm nose does not imply he is ill. The best method to identify his condition is to take his temperature.

Skin

Healthy skin is supple and flake-free, without red or raised spots, scabs, or growths. Depending on the breed, it has a color spectrum from pale pink to brown or black. Spotty skin is typical whether the dog has a solid coat or a coat of spots. But if you look, you shouldn’t see fleas, dandruff, or other problems.

Coat

Although your dog will likely shed hair all year long, with the summer and fall being the seasons when it sheds the most, bald patches shouldn’t ever develop. A healthy coat is glossy and malleable, without dandruff, bald patches, or excessive oiliness, whether short or long.

Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Every veterinarian will recommend to you that prevention is preferable to treatment. So, in addition to healthy, balanced food, you can guarantee your puppy flourishes by providing vaccinations, appointments, and quality dental care.

Nutrition

Never give your dog raw meat, raw eggs, or bones. Animals who eat raw meals risk developing major health problems, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and other organizations.

Vaccination

Vaccines are among the most dependable ways to protect your dog against dangerous illnesses, including parvo, distemper, and rabies. The timing and shots they need will change depending on their health conditions and where they reside. The average puppy should receive their preliminary vaccinations at six weeks old, followed by booster doses every 21 days until they are 16 weeks old. Every one to three years, adult dogs need to have a booster vaccine. Click here for more information on preventative care.

Wellness Exams

A routine dog checkup gives owners an overall perspective of their dog’s health. Skin and fur are examined, along with his teeth. Stool and urine samples may be collected to test for infections and possible parasites. For instance, if he has concerns with weight control, the doctor may discuss dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Dental Care

Your puppy or dog is likewise prone to oral conditions like human teeth. You can maintain your dog’s dental health with a basic brushing regimen. The gums of healthy canines should be pink rather than red or inflamed, and the teeth should be white and free of excess tartar. Use dog toothpaste instead; human toothpaste won’t work as well. An appointment with dentists at least twice a year is vital for your dog’s health; call them now and book an appointment.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Since dogs can not communicate their suffering to their owners, be on the lookout for signs of illness. If you see any symptoms that suggest your dog may have a health problem, for example:

• A discharge from the nose, eyes, or other body parts
• Any alteration to dietary patterns
• Bald spots
• Breathing issues and extensive panting
• Constipation or trouble urinating
• Fainting, stumbling, and losing balance
• If the dog’s gums are white
• Increased agitation
• Limping, clutching, or defending a body part
• Oversleeping or a strange lack of activity
• Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urine
• Shivering
• Sneezing or coughing
• Weight reduction
• Whimpering without noticeable reason