It’s a common myth that you should take your dog to a vet for vaccinations and diseases only. Preventive care and wellness go a long way in keeping your fur baby healthy and happy. You probably know the type of food your dog should eat, but how much do you know about preventive care? Consider visiting an animal hospital in Roanoke, VA, for personalized advice from a vet, but here is a guide that will come in handy. 

Neuter your dog

Spaying (for female dogs) or neutering (for males) is highly recommended for avoiding the risks of many diseases, including breast, prostate, uterine, and testicular cancer. Neutering your dog also helps tame their aggressive tendencies and makes them a better pet for the entire family. The procedure doesn’t take long, and the recovery time is limited. While there are anesthesia-related risks, an experienced vet can resolve most concerns. 

Focus on vaccinations

Many canine diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper, can be lethal, but the good news is vaccinations can help prevent many of these illnesses. Besides the rabies vaccine, your dog also needs vaccination for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenzas. These are core vaccinations, and even adult dogs need yearly booster shots. 

Discuss the diet from time to time

What you feed your puppy in their early months isn’t enough for an adult dog. With age, diet habits should change, and if you are unsure of what to feed your dog for their current age, consult the vet. Focus on including a lot of homemade foods with plenty of meat, veggies, and fruits. If you are more geared towards commercial dog food, ask your vet for recommendations. Knowing when and how to feed your fur baby is critical. 

Get enough exercise 

Dogs need plenty of exercise, regardless of their breed and size. You need to make sure that you take the dog for long walks and runs, where they expend the extra energy. Older dogs may not be able to run, but even a brisk walk is good for their heart and overall health and keeps many concerns like diabetes and obesity at bay. Get your vet to do a complete physical exam to know how often you can include exercise in the pet’s lifestyle. 

Look for ticks and fleas

Ticks and fleas are not only irritating but can spread a wide range of infections, including tick fever, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tapeworms. Parasite-related infections can have overlapping symptoms, but check with a vet if you suddenly find your dog has lost appetite and weight and is more lethargic. After every walk, check their paws, and you should ask the clinic whether you can consider periodic treatment. 

Regular checkups 

Preventive care also includes regular checkups with the vet. Most clinics recommend annual wellness exams, where the staff will check for possible signs and symptoms of a health concern, and if required, the vet may order a few blood tests. Annual physical exams are great for identifying issues that can otherwise cause problems later. For instance, if your dog has a mild buildup of tartar, your vet may recommend scaling. 

Final takeaway

Sadly, dogs don’t live as long as humans, but as long as you offer proper food, care, and love, you can prevent many diseases. Make sure to select an animal clinic in Roanoke that offers comprehensive care, and schedule the first visit to know the veterinary staff and doctors. You can ask some of the basic questions about preventive care, and the job of the vet is to educate and inform you about every aspect that matters, including how you can keep the dog healthy.