Mary Allen
Your dog accompanies you in your everyday life. It supports you in family life or in sports, offers you support with mental and physical worries, and enriches your life many times over. So that this is also the case in the future and your dog stays fit and alert, health prophylaxis is the order of the day. Your dog needs some help from you, both physically and psychologically.
Health Prophylaxis is the Be-All and End-All
Visit the veterinarian or animal healer
In order to maintain your dog’s health, it is important to see the vet if symptoms of an illness appear or if your dog is injured. Alternatively, an animal naturopath can also provide you with advice and assistance in many cases. If your dog has musculoskeletal problems, an osteopath or physiotherapist can often help you get your four-legged friend on the right track. However, an animal healer or veterinarian can not only help in an emergency but also in preventive health care. That means you can get products for your dog there that protect it from parasites. These include not only ticks but also fleas or grass mites. You can also send in fecal samples, give him worming treatments or work preventatively by feeding him.
The fur also needs care
Long-haired dogs tend to need more grooming than short-haired dogs. You can use a brush to brush your dog’s fur at regular intervals so that it doesn’t become matted or twigs, burrs, thorns or similar unloved things can get stuck. You can also use a flea comb to find out whether your dog is infected or not.
The claws must not be too long
If you walk your dog a lot on country lanes or in the woods, your dog’s claws will not wear out as quickly as if you walk him a lot on asphalt. For you, this means controlling your dog’s claws, especially the wolf’s claw. The latter cannot even wear out. If it grows too long, it can twist into itself and your dog can get caught in it and injure itself. If your dog’s claws are too long, you should also trim them. If you are unsure about this, you can also have them cut at the vet. Cutting or clipping claws is very uncomfortable for many dogs. The sooner you train something like this with your dog, the calmer and more relaxed he can deal with the topic and have his claws cut without “fumbling around”.
The teeth also need attention
Plaque can build up on your dog’s teeth very quickly, which can develop into tartar. If this becomes too much, the gums can become inflamed and your dog will eventually experience pain.
There are a number of dogs chewing on the market to help get rid of plaque. Plaque can be rubbed off by friction. However, you should brush your dog’s teeth regularly, regardless of chews. You can get the right equipment from any well-stocked pet shop. In addition, there are also various powder or gel variants to protect the teeth.
If the tartar is too much, the only option is to go to the vet. This removes the tartar under anesthesia. It should be mentioned that dental care is an important point. Tartar is not just a cosmetic problem, it can quickly become a health problem for your dog.
The ears should be checked regularly
The shape of the ears is as different as the breeds. Regular checks are important, especially when it comes to drooping ears. Because that is where there is usually a special environment and mites can accumulate in addition to dirt. This can result in a very painful ear infection. If you are unsure to what extent you should clean your dog’s ears, you can consult your veterinarian or alternative animal practitioner.
Movement and Utilization are Essential
In addition to the health aspect, your dog also needs sufficient exercise and mental and physical exercise. Depending on the breed of dog, sometimes more, sometimes less utilization is required. However, all dogs need exercise and not just a few steps to be able to loosen up. From a health point of view, your dog needs enough exercise to keep its musculoskeletal system fit and strengthened.
When it comes to utilization, the level and intensity must be adapted to the respective dog – in other words, a St. Bernard needs a different challenge than a Chihuahua. It doesn’t matter what you do exactly, whether nose work, lunging, dummy work, or the like. It has to suit your dog and you should enjoy it too.
Nutrition – an Important Foundation
Your dog’s diet plays an important role in ensuring that it can keep you company in the future. A puppy needs a different diet than an adult dog. A growing young dog also needs different feeding than a senior. If you and your dog do a lot of sporting activities, it will burn more energy than if you don’t do as much. If your dog suffers from certain diseases, the diet must also be adjusted. You realize how extensive the topic of nutrition is. A canine nutritionist can help you and determine exactly what your dog needs.
Obesity in dogs
More and more dogs are affected by obesity. The increased weight can lead to many chronic and serious diseases, such as heart and breathing problems, diabetes, a reduced immune system, or cardiovascular diseases. Dogs also often suffer from a lack of energy and motivation to exercise enough during the day and enjoy playing.
If your own dog is overweight, you should act immediately. In order to determine how overweight the dog is and which weight loss measures are most suitable, it is essential to visit the veterinarian. This can recommend an appropriate feeding and diet plan.
Digestive problems in dogs
Dogs can be more prone to digestive problems. However, this can be counteracted with the right diet consisting of the right mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers. It is important that the dog is only fed food that is explicitly suitable for dogs. Snacks that are actually intended for human consumption can affect the dog’s digestion. So that the dog can digest the meals properly and absorb the nutrients, it should be fed in smaller portions. Too large portions at once can overload the digestive system. You should also pay attention to a certain feeding routine, i.e. the dog food should not be changed too often.
Adapt Health Prophylaxis to the Seasons
Depending on the season, different care is required.
Spring
In the spring, you are accompanied by a change of coat and this can demand a lot of energy from your dog. The diet must be supported accordingly, and the fur must be brushed out regularly.
Summer
In summer you are not only plagued by insects, but also by the heat. Long walks on the asphalt, shopping trips, or vigorous physical activity should definitely be avoided at lunchtime and postponed to the early morning or late evening hours. And don’t forget to never leave your dog in the car when it’s hot!
Fall
In autumn, the molt starts again and the weather gets worse. Immune-boosting agents can also support your dog.
Winter
Winter, the cold season, can also demand a lot from you. As beautiful as he is, your dog needs a lot of care. On the one hand, road salt and ice bother your dog’s paws, on the other hand, your dog can freeze if it has a very short coat, for example.
Every Second Dog is Affected by Health Problems
Nobody knows your dog better than you do. You notice even the smallest changes like weight gain, a dull coat, decreasing appetite, or the first signs of a slight skin irritation long before anyone else notices.
Based on extensive internal studies and more than 50 texture analyses, there is a special food for small, medium, and large dogs that are tailored to their very specific needs.