How Being a Proactive Dog Owner Is Essential

Most dog owners spend so much on veterinary care, with much money on treating existing problems rather than preventing them. Traditionally, veterinary treatment has been more reactive than proactive, addressing problems only after they become apparent. To shift this perspective, dog owners should concentrate on preventive care, such as wellness screenings, vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition, and emergency preparedness.

Moreover, being hands-on can be helpful for animals just like it is for people, potentially lowering the need for professional intervention.

Look at these proactive measures to ensure that your dog remains healthy.

1. Wellness Screenings

Proactively adopting preventative measures ensures dogs have comfortable and fulfilling lives. Owners of dogs like Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels should get routine EKGs and chest X-rays in their senior years to spot early abnormalities in their hearts.

To identify their dog’s propensity for splenic tumor development, owners of elderly Golden Retrievers may wish to investigate abdomen X-rays. Inquire with your vet if they have any particular recommendations for preventative care, wellness screening exams, or other procedures to help keep your dog safe and healthy. Plan your dog’s appointment with a trusted All Creatures Great and Small vet.

2. Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention

Preventive treatment involves routine vaccines and parasite control to avoid canines getting infections. This involves routine disease screening, which can guard them against illnesses, including organ degradation and injury. While certain illnesses may be managed such that a dog still lives a happy, active life, others can be prevented before they manifest. Your pet will live its best life and won’t experience the worry of contracting a sickness if it is prevented. Learn more here for your dog’s welfare.

3. Balanced Nutrition

Commercial dog food should satisfy their minimum nutritional needs. However, some animals benefit from additional supplements or don’t require particular components to survive. Make sure your dog is eating the appropriate amount of food for their size and level of exercise by bringing these concerns to your veterinarian.

Pet owners should avoid items like chocolate, garlic, and other foods that are bad for dogs, and extra treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. And lastly, ensure that your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.

4. Emergency Preparedness

Emergency veterinary services are valued for their ability to address serious problems that need urgent attention. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to distinguish between discomfort and possibly dangerous medical conditions. Watch out if your dog exhibits any of the symptoms listed below.

Bleeding lips, noses, or eyes
Breathing difficulties, choking, or persistent coughing
Excessive panting
Having difficulty standing, wobbling, or dragging one’s legs
Lack of cause for whining, shaking, or restlessness
Squinting, puffy eyes
Struggling to defecate or urinate
Suddenly collapsing, becoming unconscious, being confused, or having seizures
Swollen or limping limbs
Vomiting, diarrhea, not drinking water, or unproductive retching regularly

Before bringing your pet in, if you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian to see if you can do anything to aid your pet at home. Using your phone to capture a video of your pet’s behavior or organize a video conference with your veterinarian may be helpful. Once at the facility, the emergency vet will perform a complete physical examination and undertake tests to identify the origin of your pet’s illness.

Conclusion

Being proactive helps you save much money compared to addressing advanced problems if you think taking your pet to the veterinarian while healthy is too expensive.

Also, vets will ensure that your dog has as little pain or discomfort as possible due to any health problems they may be dealing with. A medical condition can be identified and treated more quickly the earlier it is discovered. Remember, good results depend on early treatment. Being proactive is beneficial to both you and your cherished pet.