Here Are the Best Tips from a Veterinarian to Keep Your Dog Healthy All Year Round

Essential Vet Visits: Key to Your Dog’s Long-Term Health

Similar to annual physicals for humans, regular veterinary visits are important as they play a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s health. If a dog is overdue for vaccines, they can become susceptible to various preventable diseases, notes Dr. Jacobi.

In addition to annual check-ups, she recommends routine bloodwork appropriate for your dog’s age to monitor their health status, which can reveal issues not apparent from a physical exam alone.

“We can detect some health conditions at an early stage, before the animal is showing clinical symptoms or overt signs of being severely affected, and address them for better outcomes,” she explains. “If bloodwork results are normal, these establish baseline parameters for your pet, which can be valuable for comparison should a health complication arise later.”

Common signs of illness or distress pet owners should observe include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Changes in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Wounds or sores
• Regurgitation
• Excessive drooling
• Weight loss or gain (unintentional)
• Anxiety
• Bad breath
• Skin or ear odors

Seek veterinary attention if you notice any symptoms that are unusual for your dog, particularly if they persist for more than a day or two.

Year-Round Parasite Protection: Why Monthly Preventatives Are Crucial for Dogs

Flea and tick activity is commonly associated with warmer seasons like spring and summer. However, Dr. Jacobi highlights a frequent misconception: that monthly preventatives are unnecessary during colder months. While tick activity may lessen in cold weather, the specific temperatures at which they become inactive or perish can differ annually and by region, and fleas can often survive indoors year-round.

Therefore, using a monthly flea and tick treatment along with heartworm prevention medication is recommended to help protect your dog from parasites throughout the year.

“Heartworm prevention medication often helps prevent common intestinal parasites, to which dogs can be exposed through contact with contaminated feces,” she explains. “It also eliminates heartworm larvae, protecting dogs from infection if bitten by a carrier mosquito.”

Proactive Dog Care: Preventing Common Canine Health Problems

Although some health issues in dogs cannot be prevented, proactive measures can be taken against several common conditions.

Dr. Jacobi identifies five common dog health problems and outlines preventive measures for each:

1. Obesity: This can often be prevented with regular exercise and a complete, balanced diet fed in appropriate portions. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out at all times).
2. Dental diseases: Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, providing dental-appropriate dry kibble, and offering safe chew toys can help reduce tartar buildup and prevent dental diseases. Your veterinarian might also recommend professional dental cleanings and X-rays.
3. Ear infections: Some dogs are more prone to ear infections. To help prevent them, regularly clean your dog’s ears with a veterinarian-approved product, which may include a drying agent. Consult your vet for recommendations on suitable ear cleaning products and guidance on how and how often to clean your dog’s ears based on their specific needs.
4. Soft stools or Diarrhea: To help prevent digestive upset, avoid giving your dog high-fat human foods, which can contribute to conditions like pancreatitis. Since some gastrointestinal parasites can cause soft stools or diarrhea, maintaining year-round heartworm and flea/tick preventatives (which often cover certain intestinal parasites) is advisable.
5. Seasonal allergies (atopy): While allergies themselves cannot be prevented if a dog is predisposed, their symptoms can be managed. Depending on the severity, consult your veterinarian about options such as immunotherapy or symptomatic treatments to alleviate itching, skin infections, or other secondary issues related to allergies.

Fueling Your Dog’s Health: The Importance of High-Quality Dog Food

Providing high-quality dog food is fundamental for ensuring a dog receives appropriate nutrition, which supports a long and healthy life. However, the wide array of available options and diets can make choosing the right food challenging.

“Each dog is an individual, and their nutritional requirements vary based on factors like age, breed, activity level, and overall health,” says Dr. Jacobi. She advises selecting dog food that is appropriate for their species, life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior), and any specific health conditions. “The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides valuable resources for pet owners, including guidance on interpreting pet food labels to ensure a product is complete and balanced for your pet,” she adds.

To determine the most suitable food for your canine companion, consult your veterinarian. They can offer recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs and help identify if any underlying health conditions necessitate a prescription diet.

In addition to providing a complete and balanced dog food, it is advisable to limit human food given to your dog, even items considered safe for canine consumption. Excessive treats or human food can contribute to unwanted weight gain and other potential health risks.

Active Paws, Healthy Life: The Benefits of Regular Dog Exercise

“Similar to humans, if pets do not receive regular exercise and mental enrichment, it can contribute to obesity and behavioral issues,” says Dr. Jacobi. Identifying forms of exercise and enrichment that your dog enjoys is important for preventing potential health and behavioral problems associated with inactivity and boredom.

Regular exercise helps manage weight and prevent obesity-related health problems. An overweight dog may experience difficulty or fatigue with routine activities, such as walking or jumping. Furthermore, insufficient mental stimulation can lead to boredom, potentially resulting in destructive or other undesirable behaviors as dogs attempt to entertain themselves.

Dr. Jacobi suggests some methods for providing physical and mental stimulation suitable for dogs with varying energy levels:

• For low-energy dogs: A short walk around the block or a leisurely stroll in the backyard can provide adequate exercise. Hiding their favorite toy in an accessible location indoors can offer excellent mental stimulation.
• For medium-energy dogs: Beneficial exercises include twice-daily walks and playing fetch in a safe park or yard. Alternating their toys regularly can help keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom.
• For high-energy dogs: Longer walks, running, or supervised play with other compatible high-energy dogs are effective ways to ensure sufficient exercise. Additionally, using treat-dispensing puzzles and introducing new toys periodically are enjoyable methods for mental stimulation.

Essential Dog Grooming: Mastering Proper Hygiene for a Healthy Pup

Practices such as bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning constitute good hygiene, which is vital for keeping dogs clean and contributes significantly to their overall health. Whether grooming at home or using a professional service, desensitizing your dog to these procedures can help reduce their stress and make the experience more manageable for everyone involved.

Dr. Jacobi notes that key aspects of proper hygiene for dogs include:

• Brushing to maintain a healthy coat, prevent matting, and reduce skin irritation.
• Nail trimming to prevent overgrown nails, which can cause pain, discomfort, and postural problems.
• Bathing as needed to keep your dog’s skin clean and help manage allergen load.
• Teeth cleaning, including regular brushing at home and professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet, to prevent dental disease which can lead to pain, tooth loss, infections, and potentially impact systemic health.
• Cleaning their ears regularly with appropriate solutions to prevent excessive wax buildup and reduce the risk of ear infections.

Since grooming requirements vary depending on breed, coat type, and individual needs, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations on the frequency and methods for each grooming routine.