Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Identify Signs of Sickness

Has your pet dog’s behavior recently changed? He probably scratches more frequently than usual. Does he consume more food than normal or less? Give your vet a call to determine if an examination is required if you have issues with the health or behavior of your dog. Changes from the normal might be a reason for alarm and reveal a deeper problem. Caring dog owners want to provide for their pets. Follow these fundamental canine health recommendations to keep your dog healthy.

Signs of Good Health

These are the usual indicators you can use as a benchmark to determine if your dog is healthy:

Ears

Some yellow or brownish wax should be present; however, an excessive quantity is abnormal. Your dog shouldn’t be scratching or shaking its head at its ears, which should be without any thick, dark, or green wax, odor, or inflammation. It may take additional care to keep the ears dry and clean on canines with long, drooping ears.

Eyes

Although clean and little mucus and watery tears are usual, there shouldn’t be any swelling or yellow discharge on the pink lining of the eyelids. Call your vet immediately if your pet dog’s eyes are red, puffy, or drippy or if they appear to be uncomfortable when exposed to light.

Nose

Although a dog’s nose is commonly cold and moist, it’s time to visit the vet if there is any bleeding, discharge, or color change. Clear nasal discharge is preferred; it should never be heavy, frothy, yellowish, or smelly. A cold, moist nose does not always suggest the dog is well. And a dry, warm nose does not indicate he is ill. The best way to diagnose his condition is to take his temperature.

Skin

Healthy skin is supple and flake-free, without red or raised spots, scabs, or growths. Depending on the breed, it has a color spectrum from pale pink to brown or black. Spotty skin is regular whether the dog has a solid coat or a coat of spots. However, if you look, you shouldn’t see fleas, dandruff, or other issues.

Coat

Although your dog will likely shed hair all year long, with the summer and fall being the seasons when it sheds the most, bald patches shouldn’t ever develop. A healthy coat is shiny and malleable, without dandruff, bald patches, or too much oiliness, whether short or long.

Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Jackson vets will recommend that prevention is preferable to treatment. So, in addition to healthy, balanced food, you can guarantee your puppy flourishes by giving it vaccinations, checkups, and quality dental care.

Nutrition

Never give your dog raw meat, raw eggs, or bones. Animals who eat raw meals risk developing major health issues, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and other organizations.

Vaccination

Vaccines are among the most reliable ways to protect your dog against dangerous illnesses, including parvo, distemper, and rabies. The timing and injections they need will change depending on their health conditions and where they reside. The average puppy should receive their first round of vaccinations at six weeks old, followed by booster doses every three weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Every one to three years, adult dogs need to have a booster vaccine.

Wellness Exams

A visit to the veterinarian gives owners an overall perspective of their pet’s health. Skin and fur are checked along with his teeth. Stool and urine samples may be collected to test for infections and possible parasites. For instance, if he had issues with weight control, the doctor may discuss a dietary and lifestyle change. Read about wellness exams here.

Dental Care

According to a vet dentistry specialist, your puppy or dog is likewise prone to oral diseases like human teeth. You can maintain your dog’s dental health with a basic brushing regimen. The gums of healthy dogs should be pink rather than red or inflamed, and the teeth should be white and free of excess tartar. Use dog toothpaste instead; human toothpaste won’t work as well.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Since pets can not convey their suffering to their owners, be on the lookout for disease indications. If you see any symptoms that suggest your dog may have a health problem, for example: