Medical Considerations for Taking Care of Dogs

Taking care of dogs is not a difficult task if certain principles of pet care are followed. Dogs should be given necessary medical treatments and vaccinations on time. In addition, pet owners should understand the nutritional requirements of their pets to provide them with good quality food that will keep dogs strong and healthy for many years.

Medical Considerations of Dogs

  • Pet diet and nutritional supplements
  • Vaccinations
  • Pet hygiene and grooming
  • Vet checks
  • Preventive medication

Pet Diet and Nutritional Supplements

According to various research studies, 50 percent of a dog's diet should be made up of carbohydrates. Dog food should also contain a good animal protein source. Proteins derived from animal sources are easier to digest than those obtained from plants. Dog food should also contain omega 3 fatty acids as it helps to maintain healthy skin and coat. Although vitamin supplements may not be necessary for pets that have a balanced diet, few dogs may require vitamins at certain stages in life, particularly when suffering from an injury. Essential vitamins include A, D, E and K. Dogs deficient in minerals should also be given supplements to maintain optimal health.

Vaccinations

All dogs should be given core vaccines like rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Vaccinations should begin as early as 5 weeks of age. Although non-core vaccinations are not given to all pets, dogs at a risk of contracting Lyme or coronavirus may be given additional vaccinations. Current vaccines are attenuated so that they don't transmit the disease to pets. Vaccinations stimulate the dog's immune system to protect itself from diseases that pets may be exposed to in the future. Vaccines differ in strength as modified-live vaccines are longer lasting and provide rapid protection. However, they cannot be given to pets with weak immune systems or pregnant dogs. Killed-vaccines require more injections but are less likely to become immunosuppressive.

Pet Hygiene and Grooming

Pets should be kept in hygienic surroundings. Pet feces should also be disposed appropriately to prevent contamination and spread of disease. Pet grooming involves bathing dogs periodically, with a pet shampoo. Flea shampoo may be useful for dogs suffering from flea infections. Since dogs commonly contract ear infections, the ears should be cleaned with a prescribed ear solution as prescribed solutions are more effective than over the counter drugs. Pet's ears should also be routinely checked for ear mites.

Pet owners often overlook dental hygiene in dogs. Routine tooth brushing with pet toothpaste is necessary. As part of regular pet grooming procedures, dogs should also be examined for flea or tick infections.

Vet Checks

Pet owners should take their pets for routine vet checks to rule out underlying disease or infection. The vet will conduct a physical examination of the dog. Fecal examinations are also beneficial as they often detect parasite infections.

Preventive Medication

Certain preventive medication is useful to keep diseases such as heartworms and parasite infections at bay. Certain pets are also prescribed monthly topical treatments to prevent flea infections.

Adequate pet care helps pets live longer and reduces the cost of expensive medical treatments.

 

 

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