Your Dog's Health is Important
Salomi Odendaal
Freelance Copywriter. Dog and Pet Industry. Newsletters, Blogs, and Articles.
A dog only lives for a relatively short time - a sad truth that many dog owners try not to think about. However, this gives owners an extra incentive to make sure their dog is as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
?Whatever your special friend’s age, you can take steps to ensure she has the best life you can give her. And happy, healthy dogs mean proud and satisfied owners!
Physical health
(This week’s Newsletter looks at a dog’s physical health. The mental health of a dog will be next week’s topic.)
Your dog’s physical health is determined by several factors – these include breed, age, the food he eats, his activity level, history of accidents, and other health problems. Some of these, like breed, age, and pre-existing conditions, you can’t control. But there are still many aspects of your dog's health that you can control, and these are the things you should focus on. Let’s see where and how you can help your dog to be in top physical condition.
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Dogs come in different shapes and sizes, from the purebred to the dog with a rather interesting and uncertain background…
Some breeds are more likely to have health problems. It pays to know about issues the dog you have your eye on may have in the future, and then decide if you're willing and able to deal with them. For instance, if you get a Rottweiler puppy, you need to know that this breed, like many other large breeds, is prone to hip displacement. If the puppy is from a reputable breeder, he should've been tested for hip displacement. And when you take the puppy home, avoid slippery surfaces. Struggling to walk or run on a tile floor can hamper joint development and lead to problems later in life. Keep her weight under control, adjust her food, and add joint treatments if needed as she gets older.
There are other breeds with possible health issues that future owners should be aware of.
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Dogs go through different stages as they age and they can encounter health problems as they get older. This doesn't mean that an older dog can't have a good quality of life. How well the dog ages depend on factors like breed (larger breeds generally have shorter lives than small dogs), the food he’s been eating, and how he’s been treated. If you get a puppy, you’ll have control over these issues, but if you adopt an older dog, he may already have health problems.
But please, don't overlook older dogs. There are many advantages to giving an older dog a home if your lifestyle and family permit it. If you think he is the right dog for you, don't be put off by his age. After all, “age is just a number”.
Dogs change as they get older. You need to be prepared for this and then manage it as best as possible. You may need to adjust your exercise program and ask your veterinary professional about supplements for problems like arthritis.
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The food you feed your dog plays a crucial role in his health. The right food for his age, breed, activity level, and allergies can be the difference between a healthy, happy dog and an obese dog prone to diseases. Or a dog with constant allergies and joint issues in his later years.
So, what is the right food for your dog? What seems like a simple question, has become a minefield of opinions, do and don'ts that can leave you more confused than enlightened!
Should your dog eat kibble? How much protein should she eat? What about carbs? Is wet food bad for your dog’s teeth? What about frozen dinners? Is home-prepared meals just the thing to keep her healthy? Or should you order meals that are professionally prepared and delivered? And then there's food for the allergic dog or those with chronic diseases – you get the picture…
?Choosing the correct eating plan for your dog is almost as tough as choosing one for yourself! So where do you start? The best is to get the relevant information for your specific circumstances. She may be a young and energetic dog that suffers from allergies. Or he may be a large elderly dog beginning to suffer from arthritis. Lots of information are available on the Internet and forums on social media. While these can help you to educate yourself and point you in the right direction, it's a good idea to ask your veterinarian or another professional for advice, particularly if your dog has a serious issue.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides these practical tips and information to help you choose the best food for your special dog. This article contains information about the terms used in pet food marketing.
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Exercise is important for all dogs, from puppy playtime to quiet walks with the senior dog. How much exercise he needs will to a large extent depend on his breed and age.
A dog needs sufficient exercise to get rid of excessive energy (particularly certain breeds and young dogs), to keep her weight in check and minimize the chances of developing serious health issues.
The desirable activity level ideal type of exercise for your dog will depend on several factors. The activity level of the dog should be in line with that of the owner. A frisky, hyperactive Jack Russel will need a different owner than a quiet older Great Dane… If you’re an active person who loves walks and the outdoors, a sedentary dog will frustrate you; and the same applies if a more inactive person has a lively young dog. ?
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?Just like people, dogs can have health issues. She may be obese, suffer from allergies, or he may have to use medication for liver or heart problems. Chronic diseases need constant medication to keep it under control. These can all be treated by veterinarians, so be sure that you are prepared to bear the cost.
If you have a young or healthy dog without any health issues, it's important that you look after his health to prevent him from needing expensive veterinary care and medication when he gets older. The best you can do is to feed him a healthy diet, let him get enough exercise, and keep his weight in check.
An obese dog will be more inclined to have health issues, so if your dog, or the dog you adopt, is overweight, it’s a priority that he should lose weight. Prevention is of course best, so keep your dog’s weight under control. Once it's gained, it can be very tough to get rid of the extra kilos!
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Talking about a dog’s health inevitably makes one think of visiting the veterinarian, and the expense thereof. You need to be prepared for these sometimes-unexpected expenses and may want to look at the possibility of getting pet health insurance. There are several different types to choose from, and it pays to do your research so that you find the right one for your circumstances. The topic of Pet insurance will be covered in a future issue.