WELLNESS VISITS

Annual visits to your veterinarian are an important part of making sure your dog is healthy. Just as it’s important for humans to visit the doctor for an annual physical, taking your dog for an annual trip to the vet will allow your vet to get to know your dog and allows you the opportunity to discuss any changes in health.

MONTHLY PREVENTATIVES

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. Fleas and ticks carry zoonotic diseases – diseases that can infect both us and our dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about which monthly preventatives are necessary in your region to keep your dog safe.

EXERCISE DAILY

Dogs who exercise daily are happy dogs. Whether your routine is a walk, a run, or some quality time in the back yard playing fetch or another game, you’ll both benefit from the time together and from physical activity.

VACCINATIONS

Keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations and boosters. Speak with your veterinarian about vaccinations like Leptospirosis which is not a core vaccine, but recommended in some geographical areas. Just like monthly preventatives, keeping your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations will help prevent diseases and the spread of disease.

SOCILIASE YOUR DOG

Consider having your dog take the Canine Good Citizen test (CGC) where dogs are rewarded for having good manners at home and in the community. Monitor and encourage your dog to have friendly interaction / play with other dogs at a dog park or with friends who also have dogs.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY WEIGHT

Obesity is one of the top issues seen by veterinarians in their clinics. When left untreated, obesity can lead to many other health issues in your dog. Proper exercise and a well-balanced diet are keys to keeping your dog fit and trim.

BRUSH THOSE TEETH

Often overlooked, dental and gum health is just as important for our dogs as it is for humans. Poor oral hygiene in dogs can lead to other health problems. Use a toothpaste specially designed for dogs and consider a professional cleaning if necessary.

PET PROOF YOUR HOME

Become familiar with potential toxins inside and outside your home – plants, medications, cleaning supplies, foods, etc. Be aware of items your dog might like to chew on and potentially ingest. Dogs are curious, and just like toddlers, sometimes they get into things they aren’t supposed to. Keep the numbers to the veterinarian handy.

INENTIFICATION

Be sure your dog is microchipped or wears tags in case she is separated from you. Microchipping is the best way to insure your dog can be identified and returned to you.

MOST OF ALL LOVE YOUR DOG

Dogs enjoy being a part of the family and love us unconditionally. Include your dog in as many activities as you can – both around the house and on the road. Hug and play with your dog every day. It’s good for both of you!

Every dog requires a different balanced diet unique to them, which can be due to changing life stages or a difference in breed type. For example, a senior dog has different needs to puppies, and a Great Dane will have different nutritional requirements to a Pug. To ensure a dog has an excellent healthy diet, there are six crucial nutrients that a dog should consume:

VITAMINS

Vitamins are responsible for a vast range of functions within the dog’s body, such as bone development, eye function, cell structure maintenance, and releasing energy from nutrients.

PALATANTS

Palatants play an essential role in a dog’s diet, and predominantly help to make the food taste great for the dog.

MINERALS

Minerals are vital for a dog’s health as they contribute to maintaining healthy bones and muscle, cell and nerve function.

FAT

Fat is a fantastic energy source and enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6. These essential nutrients help dogs maintain healthy skin and coat and support the immune system whilst also aiding in the development of healthy joints, brain and vision.

PROTEIN

Protein and amino acids are the building blocks of a dog’s body, responsible for forming new skin cells, growing hair, building muscle tissue and much more. Protein also functions as enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are an efficient source of glucose for energy, a source of heat for the body, and can be stored as glycogen. This is also essential for a dog as it helps to control the weight of a dog.