Preventative Care for Your Canine Companion

Part of being a good dog owner is preventing health trouble before it begins. Preventative care is the secret to doing just that! Below, your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian tells you about five easy ways to make sure your dog’s health stays in top form throughout their life.

Veterinary Visits

Your veterinarian should examine your dog regularly (most vets recommend at least two check-ups per year). This way, any health concerns can be caught and diagnosed early on, allowing your veterinarian to treat your dog and fix the problem before it gets worse. Your vet can also give you great advice on maintaining your dog’s good health as time goes on.

Vaccination

Distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, calicivirus, influenza, Lyme disease, rabies… there certainly is no shortage of harmful diseases out there that can harm your dog! The trick is keeping your dog safely vaccinated to ward off illness before it can take hold. Typically, a puppy can receive the core vaccines as early as eight weeks of age or so, and booster shots every year or every few years will keep vaccines effective over time. Talk to your vet right away if your dog is in need of vaccines or booster shots.

Parasite Prevention

Have your dog wear monthly topical preventatives, or give him monthly chewables, to prevent the danger of pests like ticks, fleas, heartworm, and roundworm. It’s far easier—and less expensive—to keep your dog up-to-date with these medications rather than eradicate an infestation after the fact. Call your vet’s office if your canine companion is in need of monthly preventatives.

Quality Diet

One of the easiest ways to keep your dog healthy in the long-term is by feeding him a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a great diet choice that’s appropriate for your dog’s particular age, weight, and breed. Also be sure to ask about the proper portion size for your pooch; overfeeding is one of the leading causes of obesity amongst today’s dogs!

Regular Exercise

Combined with a great diet, exercising your dog regularly is sure to keep him healthy for years on end. A dog who exercises keeps all body systems in peak condition, and they’re likely to behave better when they receive proper stimulation and fun! Does your dog need vaccinations, pest-control medicines, or a veterinary exam? Make an appointment with your Ellicott City, MD animal hospital today.