As a pet parent, ensuring your dog is healthy is important. That means giving him the right diet, exercise, and veterinary care. Making sure he gets all three is easier said than done, especially if you’re still learning the essentials of pet care. You don’t know what an ideal diet might be for your pet or how often to take him in for checkups.
In this post, I’ll outline some basics of each of these things and how you can prioritize them when caring for your dog’s health.
The Most Common Diseases That Your Dog Is Vulnerable To
According to a study, The U.S. veterinary market size was valued at USD 11.03 billion in 2021. This is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2022 to 2030. The growth is owing to the increasing number of animals, pet insurance, and expenditure on pet healthcare.
The report suggests that many pet parents give their pets the best healthcare by regularly checking them at the vet. But it is also helpful that the parents know what diseases threaten their pet’s valuable health. So, here are some of the most common diseases that your dog is vulnerable to:
Heartworm disease: This is an illness transmitted through mosquitoes and fleas. The disease can lead to heart failure and even death in severe cases. In addition to being a serious health threat, it’s also extremely uncomfortable for dogs who suffer from it. They often cough, have trouble breathing, and experience other painful symptoms. Heartworms can also prove fatal in many cases.
Medicines like Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs are extremely effective in preventing heartworms. They work by killing the heartworm larvae present in your dog’s blood. Make sure you get these medications every month or two as per your vet’s recommendation.
Distemper or Canine Distemper: This highly-contagious virus causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It is extremely contagious among animals and humans who come into contact with distemper-infected feces or urine.
The symptoms worsen over time until they eventually go away independently. But if left untreated for too long, the illness could result in pneumonia or death.
Parvovirus or Parvo: This virus affects young puppies and kills them quickly if left untreated. Fortunately, an effective vaccine against this deadly disease is available at any veterinary clinic.
Leptospirosis or Lepto: This bacterial infection causes fever and sudden kidney failure that may require emergency surgery if left untreated. So make sure your furry friend gets treated right away when showing signs like lethargy after exercise.
Rabies infection: This virus is transmitted by the saliva of infected animals. It can be prevented with a vaccine given to your dog when they’re still young.
There Are Several Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy.
Fortunately, there are several different ways to provide your dog with what they need to stay healthy.
A good diet is essential. Many different kinds of food provide your dog with essential nutrients. Food products like Dry Kibble and Canned Food can highly supplement their energy and growth.
If you want to provide your dog with a healthier alternative to these two types of food, we recommend freeze-dried or dehydrated raw diets. This is a great way to give them all the nutrients they need while providing them with an enjoyable mealtime experience.
Regular exercise is also important. You can help ensure that your dog stays fit by taking him on daily walks or having him run around in an enclosed space at home. Some dogs enjoy playing fetch or tug-of-war with their owners. Other dogs prefer going on hikes in nature, where they can smell fresh air while running free.
If you have a puppy, it’s important to begin training him as soon as possible. This way, he’ll learn to obey commands. Behaving properly will also earn him praise from you.
The Pet Care Industry Has Exploded in Recent Years.
Over the past few decades, there’s been a boom in the pet care industry. According to Fortune Business Insights, The global pet care market is expected to grow from USD 223.93 billion in 2021 to USD 325.74 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.6%.
More products are available than ever, and more ways to care for your dog’s needs. You can get everything from flea control products to prescription medications for your dog through online retailers. You can find information about your dog’s health on websites like WebMD and VetStreet.
And if you want advice from other pet parents, there are special pet parent groups on social media. In these groups, people discuss their experiences with different brands and types of food, toys, and treats for their dogs. There has never been a better time for responsible pet parents who want to ensure that their furry friends live long, healthy lives.
Diseases Are Preventable.
Many diseases are preventable. You can prevent some diseases by vaccinating your dog and others by keeping their immune system strong. Good nutrition and regular vet visits will help keep their health strong and prevent many problems from occurring in the first place.
It’s Important to Take Your Dog for Regular Checkups and Blood Tests.
Regular checkups can help you spot problems early on. It prevents them from developing into something serious later on. Blood tests let us know about the health of your dog’s internal organs, which are crucial for its overall well-being.
You’ll want your dog vaccinated against common diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. You should also have your veterinarian test your dog for heartworm, Lyme disease, and other conditions if you live in an area where these are common pet problems.
If you live in a warm climate where fleas or ticks are prevalent, like Florida or southern California, then talk with the vet about flea and tick treatments that are safe for your pooch.
Conclusion
The truth is, it’s easy to let important dog healthcare issues slip through the cracks. But the best way to be a responsible pet parent is to pay attention and be proactive in looking out for these health issues.
As you now understand a dog’s healthcare better, you can make the best decisions to ensure his health.
