Prevention is better than cure - the adage never once failed to ring true!
In providing our dogs with top-notch healthcare, we often forget that the crucial thing is helping them avoid illness altogether.
With these preventative care tips, you can potentially save yourself some hefty vet bills in the future and ensure your pooch has a long and happy life!
1. Obesity
According to a study in 2011, it is said that 53% of canines are overweight or obese. The best way to find out if at all your dog is overweight is by touching the rib cage or spine and making sure you can see all their ribs yet not have them prominently protruding.
Always check with your vet on your dog’s ideal weight. Anything more than 15% above the ideal weight is considered obese, while 0% to 15% is overweight. Regular exercise and a healthy, controlled diet are crucial to maintaining the perfect weight, so don’t fall for those gorgeous puppy dog eyes and treat excessively!
Joint pain or arthritis is common in dogs, especially in large breeds as they age and the cartilage gets damaged or weakened.
Several factors can contribute to the risk of arthritis, including age, weight, size, preexisting injuries, and genetics.
Check your dog’s weight frequently with each vet’s checkup and maintain a healthy weight. Make your home dog-friendly, and avoid any slippery surfaces that can cause a fall and subsequent injury.
As your dog ages, supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM can help delay the onset of arthritis and give their joints that extra “oomph”!
3. Stomach Upset - Vomiting or Diarrhea
While some mild stomach discomfort is natural throughout your dog’s life, chronic digestion issues should be medically looked at to rule out food intolerances, allergies, or a deeper underlying problem.
Feed high-quality food filled with nutritious goodness like probiotics, fiber, and superfoods like pumpkin to ensure proper gut health.
The fiber content in pumpkin is excellent, and the food is rich in vitamins like vitamin A, C, E, potassium, and iron.
All fiber adds density to the stool as it absorbs water. It also encourages the growth of healthy bacteria (probiotics) in the intestines while prohibiting harmful bacteria development in the body.
4. Dental Problems
One of the most common problems in canines is gum or periodontal disease, with as many as 85% of dogs suffering from the disease by the age of three.
Untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and complications in other organs such as the kidney, liver, and heart.
Good dental habits like brushing your dog’s teeth with meat-flavored toothpaste and a doggy toothbrush will help keep plaque and tartar at bay.
In addition, giving ozonated water to your dog will flush out the harmful bacteria, and along with that, ozonated oils can be applied to the teeth and gums of the dog, which will help maintain dental health.
5. Allergies
Allergies in dogs are typically seasonal and can cause discomfort and suffering. Symptoms include raw or irritated skin, itching, and gummy eyes.
You can also give your dog supplements like Omega 3a, probiotics, and apple cider vinegar to treat seasonal allergies.
Food allergies might indicate an intolerance or sensitivity to a particular food, so try an elimination diet with the help of your veterinarian to investigate and find the offending ingredient so you can avoid it.
6. Ear Infection
Another common infection is that in the ear. Due to bacteria or yeast, ear infections can happen in dogs and cause pain, inflammation, irritation, and discomfort.
If you see your dog rubbing the sides of his head against the walls or furniture, exceedingly shaking his head, or scratching, you might want to go to the vet.
While you can use commercially available ear cleaners to care for your pooch’s ears, several home remedies can also treat ear infections in dogs, like Witch Hazel Hamamelis Virginiana, a plant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops of liquid coconut oil will also work!
Conclusion
Caring for your dog is a lifelong journey and can be extremely rewarding. By nipping these problems in the bud before they escalate into full-blown illness, you can help prevent the onset of the significant symptoms!
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