Healthcare – routine measures

We are all familiar with the phrase “A healthy pet is a happy pet” – but there is probably also something to be said for keeping your pet happy in order to maintain its health. If you know your dog, you will probably quickly recognize the signs that suggest it is not well.

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A healthy animal will have bright eyes, clean ears, eyes and nose and be interested in what is going on around it. The amount of food an animal eats varies a lot between individuals – if your dog’s weight remains constant then they are eating the right amount of food. You should be concerned if your dog’s appetite or water consumption suddenly changes, or your pet suddenly starts to gain or lose weight.

When in good condition a dog’s coat should be shiny, soft and free of parasites. A dog’s skin ages (just like people) and may become less elastic and drier in an older dog.

To keep your pet in good condition it must be fed a healthy diet and allowed regular exercise. Mental stimulation in the form of an interesting environment and opportunities to play are also important. A regular walk is good for dogs because it provides exercise as well as mental stimulation. Many cats are allowed to range outdoors and so entertain themselves – if you do not let your cat out consider whether the home environment offers it enough stimulation and opportunities to play.

Coat condition can be affected by diet. Fish oils or evening primrose oil capsules may help improve a dry coat. Groom your pet every day with a soft brush.

Regular exercise is important to keep all animals healthy. Most cats are good at regulating their exercise and matching their food intake to their energy needs; dogs are less good at this! Excitable dogs may continue to exercise until they collapse if they are not well, and older dogs put on weight as their appetite remains unchanged despite a reduced energy requirement.

If your dog is showing signs of stiffness when they get up from rest, they may be getting arthritis. If so the exercise program should be altered accordingly. Regular short walks will allow your dog to maintain mobility better if they are arthritic. If your dog is overweight, then a diet may help improve its condition and allow it to exercise better.

A healthy diet is a balanced diet containing all the nutrients your dog requires. Dietary requirements change with age and may also be affected if your pet is suffering from a health condition. As dogs get older, they may lose muscle mass and gain weight more easily. Overweight dogs have a higher risk of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Check your dog’s weight every 6 months to make sure it is not overweight and prevent excessive weight gain by cutting back on calories if your dog’s weight increases.

There are a number of measures that can help prevent your dog from developing diseases. You should discuss these options with your veterinarian to work out the best plan for your pet.

Deworming
All dogs have worms at some stage in their life and many will be re-infected unless they are given regular, routine worming treatment. Except in rare cases, worms are unlikely to cause serious harm. Getting rid of worms is relatively simple and inexpensive, so regular treatment is strongly recommended, particularly as some types of worm can be passed onto humans. Make sure your dog is dewormed every three months against roundworms and tapeworms. Some worms are transmitted by fleas so routine flea control all year round is important.

Flea control
Fleas are the most common parasite in dogs. Almost every dog is likely to be infected at some stage in its life. However, modern flea control products mean that it is possible to prevent fleas from becoming a problem in your household. Working closely with your veterinarian, who will give you advice on how to use these products effectively, you will be able to stop these nasty little insects making a meal of your dog and you!

Neutering
It is a sad truth that the number of puppies and kittens born every year is far greater than the number of good homes that can be found for them. As a result, thousands of healthy animals are destroyed, and many unwanted animals are left to fend for themselves. Having your dog neutered will not only help to reduce these numbers, it is also one of the simplest, safest and most practical ways of safeguarding your dog’s health and welfare.

Vaccinations
There are a number of highly infectious and potentially fatal diseases that can affect our pets. There is no treatment for many of these diseases and young animals who catch them often die. However, for many of these conditions there is a simple protection in the form of vaccination. Ensuring that your pet completes an initial course of vaccinations and then receives regular boosters is important if you want them to stay fit and healthy.

Dental care
Dental disease is very common in some dogs. If left unattended dental disease may cause irreversible damage to your dog’s teeth, gums and jaw bones. Dental disease can be prevented by stopping the build-up of plaque on the teeth.

A fever (increase in body temperature) is often one of the first signs of illness. If your dog has a fever they are likely to be quieter than normal and probably will be off their food. If you check their temperature and find it is raised, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Any changes in your dog’s behavior, altered appetite or water consumption, or the presence of signs such as coughing or diarrhea should alert you to the fact that there may be a problem. Most animals recover from illness in 24-48 hours – if your dog does not seem to be improving in this time or is getting worse, contact your veterinarian.

Most owners can tell if their dog is limping or crying with pain, but it can be harder to see if your dog is suffering from a long-term discomfort like  arthritis. Dogs generally show a change in behavior or temperament when they’re uncomfortable. A normally happy and affectionate dog may become grumpy and avoid human contact, preferring to sit or lie quietly by itself. If your dog can reach the painful area, they may lick, scratch, or bite at it.