Two tips for keeping your dog healthy
If you're a dog owner, here are some things you can do to ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy.
Don't ignore seemingly minor injuries
If your dog sustains an injury, it is absolutely vital to have your vet examine them, even if the injury appears to be quite minor. The reason for this is as follows; many seemingly small injuries can either cause major, life-threatening illnesses or can be an indication of a serious underlying condition.
For example, if your dog cuts their paw on a piece of broken glass that's been left on the ground, you should take them to the vet to have the wound inspected and properly dressed.
If you don't do this, there is a chance that bacteria could enter the open wound and cause an infection. If this infection is not treated promptly with antibiotics, your dog could end up becoming seriously ill.
Similarly, if your pet develops a slight limp in one of their legs, you should arrange for your vet to examine and x-ray the affected leg, as a limp can be an indication of osteoarthritis or ligament disease, both of which need to be treated with prescription medication. If you simply assume that it's a minor sprain and hope that it will heal of its own accord, your dog will not get the treatment they require and may end up experiencing a great deal of pain as a result of this.
Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date
Making sure that you keep your pet's vaccinations up to date is one of the best ways to ensure that they stay healthy. Dog vaccinations can drastically reduce the chances of a dog developing diseases such as leptospirosis, coronavirus, parainfluenza and distemper.
These illnesses can cause major health problems which could not only affect your pet's quality of life but could also result in extremely expensive veterinary bills.
Coronavirus, for example, can lead to blood poisoning, respiratory failure and enteritis (inflammation in the intestine) Likewise, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure and liver disease, both of which can significantly shorten a dog's lifespan and leave them in constant pain.
As such, it is important to never postpone your dog's vaccination appointments, as to do so could endanger their wellbeing. If you tend to be quite absentminded and are worried that you might forget to book these appointments, it might be worth asking your vet for a copy of your dog's vaccination schedule and sticking it to your fridge door or onto your notice board, so that you have a constant visual reminder of this important activity.
