Essential Tips for Monitoring Your 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 concerns regarding the health or behavior of your dog. Changes from the ordinary might be a reason for alarm and reveal a deeper problem. Caring dog owners want to provide for their pets. Follow these essential canine health suggestions to keep your dog healthy.
Signs of Good Health
These are the usual indicators you can use as a benchmark to identify if your dog is healthy:
Ears
Some yellow or brownish wax should be present, but an excessive quantity is abnormal. Your dog shouldn’t be scratching or shaking its head at its ears, which should be without any thick, dark, or green wax, odor, or inflammation. It may take additional care to keep the ears dry and clean on 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. Call your vet immediately if your pet’s eyes are red, puffy, or drippy or if they appear to be in pain when exposed to light.
Nose
Although a dog’s nose is usually 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 always suggest the dog is well. And a dry, warm nose does not imply he is ill. The best method to diagnose 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 regular whether the dog has a solid coat or a coat of spots. However, 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 shiny and malleable, without dandruff, bald patches, or excessive oiliness, whether short or long.
Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy
Every veterinarian will advise you that prevention is preferable to treatment. So, in addition to healthy, balanced food, you can ensure your puppy flourishes by giving it vaccinations, appointments, and quality dental care.
Nutrition
Never give your dog raw meat, raw eggs, or bones. Animals who eat raw meals risk developing significant health concerns, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and other organizations.
Vaccination
Vaccines are among the most dependable ways to safeguard your dog against dangerous ailments, including parvo, distemper, and rabies. The timing and injections they need will change depending on their health and living conditions. The average puppy should receive their first round of vaccinations at six weeks old, followed by booster doses every three weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Every one to three years, adult dogs need to have a booster vaccine. Book your dog to reputable facilities like Northside Animal Clinic for vaccinations and other needs.
Wellness Exams
A visit to the vet gives owners an overall perspective of their dog’s health. Skin and fur are checked along with his teeth. Stool and urine samples may be collected to test for infections and possible parasites. For instance, if he has issues with weight control, the doctor may discuss dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Click here to learn more about wellness exams.
Dental Care
Your puppy or dog is likewise prone to dental diseases like human teeth. You can maintain your dog’s dental health with a basic brushing regimen. The gums of healthy dogs 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. Seek appointments with a dog dentist at least twice a year.
Watch Out for Red Flags
Because pets can not convey their suffering to their owners, be on the lookout for disease indications. 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 modification to dietary patterns
- Bald spots
- Breathing troubles and extensive panting
- Constipation or trouble urinating
- Fainting, stumbling, and losing balance
- If the canine’s gums are white
- Increased agitation
- Limping, clutching, or protecting a body part
- Oversleeping or a strange lack of activity
- Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or too much urine
- Shivering
- Sneezing or coughing
- Weight reduction
- Whimpering without obvious reason
