Dog Preventative Care Tips
Dogs should visit the veterinary on an annual basis for checkup. However, some dogs may require frequent visits. Essentially, a dog’s individual needs will determine the frequency of visits. Prevention is better than cure and hence avoiding the risk of illnesses is better than seeking treatment. So let’s discuss how you can keep diseases at bay.
How frequent should your dog visit the vet?
Since dogs normally age faster than humans, it is advisable to take them to the vet regularly. A dog’s calendar year is equal to about 4 – 10 human years easily depending on the breed and how dogs mature. As dogs have a rapid aging process, preventive health care is more important than ever before.
Preventive health care stipulations
An elaborate preventive health care plan typically revolves around the integration of scheduled exams to maintain the dog’s optimum health levels. And to create a standard wellness plan, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) gathered pertinent medical information from other pet specialty organizations and formulated guidelines in regards to preventive health care for dogs and cats.
Why these recommendations are important
Here’s an outline of some of the recommendations formulated by AAHA for preventive health care for dogs.
History – Your dog’s general home life can give the vet a good idea of whether his overall health is optimum. For example, you may not be able to explain your dog’s change in demeanor until the vet asks you a few questions.
Does the dog ever experience shortness of breath? Does he have any problem when urinating? Or does he drink plenty of water? Your answers will help your vet recommend an appropriate coarse of action that will enhance your dog’s overall health.
Examinations – Healthy dogs should also be examined annually by the vet. But if the dog has pre-existing medical conditions, frequent visits might be necessary. Comprehensive physical exams are helpful and can detect abdominal tumors, heart murmurs, skin tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or shrunken liver, or kidneys that might instigate systemic disease.
Treating dog disease
Of course, since dogs lack the ability to communicate, the vet cannot ask them what is ailing them. And dogs typically have innate survival instincts that make them hide illness to avoid appearing vulnerable or weak to predators. Therefore, after thorough physical examination including urine and blood tests, the vet will know your dog’s overall health. And early diagnosis will make treatment more easier and less costly.
Conclusion
To ensure you dog lives a healthier and longer life, you should observe all the guidelines mentioned above. Take your dog to the vet at least twice a year for check up to prevent the onset of diseases.
References: VCA Hospitals, Apah24, Pet Health Network
Copyright: Local Value
