We all love our dogs, and we would do anything for them. However, if we can, we would all like to avoid those expensive vet’s bills that can come with a health condition that we should have spotted sooner.
A lot of dogs are born people-pleasers and they can often try to hide any issues that they are struggling with. As a result, we sometimes don’t notice that something is wrong until it’s got quite serious…and that’s where those expensive vet’s bills can come in. You can’t put a price on your dog’s health, after all.
But we can do more to keep an eye out for some of these problems before they arise. Of course, we are constantly watching out for our pets and doing our level best to keep them healthy and happy and out of harm’s way by feeding them good food and supplements like those at Perfect Poop.
However, with a little extra research and preparation, you can make sure that you are one step ahead and that your faithful companion stays in top shape for both those long rambles through the park and those long snoozes on the sofa afterwards.
Here are a few of the most common health issues that face dogs and some simple, cost-effective ways that you can help to avoid them.
Obesity
Obesity is a huge health issue in dogs and it is entirely preventable. It’s estimated that around 25-30% of all dogs in the USA are obese, and between 25-40% of all dogs in the UK.
That is a frightening number given that it can lead to so many different serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and various different orthopedic problems such as arthritis. Simply put, if your dog is obese, then they are looking at a shorter life expectancy. However, as we mentioned, obesity is an entirely preventable disease with the right exercise and nutrition.
Talk to your vet about how to reduce your dog’s calorie intake without sacrificing nutrition, and try to make sure that you stick to a regular feeding schedule and cut out those extra snacks.
Don’t rush them into a high-level exercise program too quickly, instead make a schedule for regular walks that cane help them start to shed the pounds gradually. Remember that if they have been used to an extremely lethargic lifestyle, it may take some time before they find their feet but rest assured: they will be happier and healthier.
Dental Issues
We are all familiar with the joys of doggy breath, but dental problems in your dog are not something that should be taken lightly. As with canine obesity, dental diseases are a very common health issue for dogs and can cause them serious pain and discomfort. If you notice that your dog seems to be showing less appetite than usual or they are losing weight, then there may be something wrong with their teeth or gums. Eating on one side of their mouth is a dead giveaway, as is excessive drooling while they are eating.
The causes for these dental issues are often the same as dental issues in people: an uncontrolled build-up of plaque that causes inflammation around the gums and surrounding areas. It’s really important to make sure that your dog has a good dental hygiene routine, and there are plenty of canine toothpastes and toothbrushes on the market.
You should be brushing your dog’s teeth regularly as part of their grooming routine, and it’s recommended that you start when they are at puppy age to get them used to it. Talk to your vet about the best method for brushing. It’s also important to keep an eye on how much sugar is in their diet, for the same reasons we need to be careful about how many sweets we eat! This will help cut down on any expensive vet’s bills later on.
Joint Pain And Swelling
Our dogs are never happier than when they are charging around outside, running at full pelt after a thrown ball and executing perfect (well, sometimes perfect) sharp turns before cannoning straight back to us. However, many dogs will start to experience joint pain and swelling around their joints as they get older as a perfectly natural sign of aging.
More serious conditions include canine arthritis, which can come about perfectly naturally after years of an active lifestyle. However, dogs being dogs, it won’t always be particularly easy to tell if they’re suffering from joint pain, especially as they get older and naturally start to slow down and take things a little easier.
If you want to try and stave off these symptoms before they arise, then there are steps you can take with both exercise and nutrition to help. Regular exercise will keep those joints and muscles moving, and will help to cut down on any problem weight gain that will put additional unwanted pressure.
Speaking of weight gain, keeping an eye on what they’re eating and cutting out fatty and sugary foods and snacks will also make a difference. However, it’s not all about cutting things out. Mineral and oil supplements that include Omega 3 help the body’s inflammatory response that aids in supporting those stiff joints. YuMOVE has created a hip and joint supplement formula that helps to support, strengthen and maintain joints and muscles, as well as maintaining mobility by helping to cushion and lubricate joints. For more information on the health benefits as well as more ideas for how to keep your dogs active and healthy, visit their website.
Parasites
If you are a new dog owner, the idea that your pup could pick up a parasite is probably pretty scary. However, while there are some parasites that do present serious health issues and require immediate treatment, there are many that are extremely common and can be dealt with relatively easily.
A parasite is simply an organism that that is living opportunistically on, or inside, your pet, and it’s a term that covers everything from fleas to ringworm. Internal dog parasites are definitely a greater cause for concern, as heartworms require expensive treatment to remove. Others, such as hookworms or tapeworms, require tablets and other medication to get rid of. External parasites, such as fleas, ticks and mites can cause nasty skin problems and real discomfort for your dog, and can require everything from medicated shampoos to skin treatment from your vet.
Now, if you suspect that your dog has picked up a parasite, the first port of call should, as ever, always be your vet. And while there is only so much that you can do to stop your dog picking up a tick passenger, there are several every day, cost-effective steps that you can take to help prevent them from finding a foothold. First, make sure that your garden and any areas around your house where your dog goes digging are clean and cleared of any rubbish.
Make sure his food, water bowl and bedding are cleaned regularly. We all know that dogs can’t resist fascinating smells coming out of big piles of dirt or garbage, but it’s important that you rein him in. If you are living in an area where any of these parasites are particularly common, then you should ask your vet about regular preventative medication.