Dogs are some of the most popular pets around. They warm their way into your heart and become a member of the family before you know it. With the consistent love and loyalty that they bring to the table, it is no surprise that they are referred to as “man’s best friend” by so many.
When you decide to adopt a dog, you are taking on the responsibility for caring for them. Unfortunately, some people don’t take the time to do the necessary research on how to properly care for a dog before bringing one home. The fact of the matter is, though, that there are specific things that you need to do to keep your dog as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible.
The good news is that understanding how to keep a dog healthy doesn’t require a degree in veterinary medicine. It does, however, require the recognition that dogs have their own set of needs that are different from those of people. With shorter life spans and susceptibility to diseases that don’t affect humans, dogs need to be provided with a certain level of preventative care and regular attention.
Here are just a few things that you can do to keep your own dog healthier for longer.
Preventative Care
So much about the health of your dog is going to depend on whether he or she receives the necessary preventative care that they need to ward off harmful and even fatal illnesses. The first thing that you should look into involves the necessary vaccinations required for your dog. There is an entire list of vaccinations and booster shots that every dog should receive based on their age.
These vaccinations prevent against such harmful illnesses as rabies and distemper. If you are unsure about the vaccinations that your dog needs to have, you should consult your veterinarian right away. You can do so by visiting veterinarianjohnsoncitytn.com. It is also a good idea to contact the organization from which you adopted your dog to see what vaccines they administered before you brought them home.
Preventative care doesn’t end with vaccinations, though. You will also need to keep you dog on a regular schedule of heartworm prevention medication as well as flea and tick prevention. Typically given every four to five weeks, these medications can prove to be lifesaving for your dog.
A Healthy Routine
The key to helping your dog live a long, healthy life is to keep them on a healthy daily routine. This will involve the right amount of exercise for their breed, quality food choices, and enough opportunities for downtime and rest.
The type of food that you choose to give your dog is going to majorly factor into their quality of life. Be wary of some dog food companies that use clever marketing and branding techniques that might be masking some less than desirable ingredients. Do your research to find the best food
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