What are the Five Common Mistakes Veterinarians See Dog Owners Make?
A lot has changed in terms of the way we care for our dogs. And, despite appearing more sophisticated, it has benefited our canine pals. Better pet care has not only extended the lives of dogs but has also dramatically enhanced their quality of life.
Veterinarians recommend semi-annual physical checkups so that we can educate pet owners and address issues before they become major. Without these visits, a lot goes undetected, which can harm your connection with your dog. What are some of the more prevalent issues veterinarians see in these cases?
Dogs are Not Socialized Properly
Most puppies should receive their first preventive care around the age of six to eight weeks, and by then, they should be learning to socialize. Owners who take a more hands-on approach to puppy care are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. These puppies will mature into adult dogs that are less likely to be afraid of strangers and other animals. Other harmful behaviors, such as violence and anxiety, can be reduced by early socializing.
It is critical to note that your puppy should avoid regions where new canines and other animals have been until he has had at least two or three of his first vaccinations. This is because infections such as parvovirus can survive in the open air for up to six years! Puppies that have not received all of their shots and are taken to a neighbor’s yard or a local dog park are at a higher risk of catching the sickness.
Not Keeping Their Dog’s Vaccinations Updated
When it comes to parvovirus, annual immunizations are crucial. Because a dog’s immune system differs from that of humans, yearly vaccinations are required to maintain adequate immunity against some infections. In the case of the rabies vaccine, however, some doses can provide immunity for up to three years.
It is simple to start your puppy on a routine vaccine schedule and then fail to repeat the vaccines once he is an adult. Many of the diseases included in your dog’s vaccine series can cause severe sickness, and some of these diseases can be fatal.
If your dog gets the go-ahead from his veterinarian, boosting your dog’s vaccinations yearly can also help provide herd immunity for animals in your area, even pets. There may be some situations where your dog can no longer receive vaccines, for example, immune-mediated diseases and severe anaphylaxis. One such instance is the difference between the availability of leptospirosis and influenza vaccinations for dogs and cats. The numerous dog diseases are equally contagious in cats.
Overfeeding Their Dogs
It is not uncommon for a dog to grow overweight or obese. What appears to be a harmless delight from our own plates can bring a lot of trouble! Compared to the conventional 2,000-calorie diet for people, dogs require many fewer calories per day: large breed dogs can get away with half of that, while toy breeds may only need 100 to 150 calories per day. So, if you give your 10-pound dog a slice of your hamburger, you’ve given him nearly his whole daily calorie allowance in one bite!
Dogs who are overweight are more likely to develop illnesses like diabetes mellitus. Additionally, they are more likely to experience high blood pressure, heart disease, and joint conditions like arthritis. You can lengthen your pet’s life expectancy by one or two years by assisting him in losing excess body weight! The two main factors that go into helping your dog lose weight are nutrition and exercise, and your veterinarian can assist you in coming up with a safe and efficient weight loss strategy.
Dogs Not Getting Enough Exercise
Most dogs adore playing or going for walks with their owners, considering they are highly social. However, leading a miserable existence as a “couch potato” can raise your risk of weight gain. Schedule a play session for ten minutes or less once or twice daily, if possible. Tug-of-war or fetch matches are examples of this. Some dogs may even enjoy a laser pointer toy.
The ideal exercise for energetic dogs is a long walk, but if your schedule does not allow for this, you can ask a relative, neighbor, or friend to take your dog for a walk. Doggie daycare facilities also permit interaction with people and other dogs. The opportunity to mingle and have fun with other dogs is greatly enhanced by taking your dog to a dog park.
Ignoring Their Dog’s Oral Health
It’s crucial to take care of your dog’s mouth. He uses his mouth to play with toys, pick up objects, and chew and swallow food. Your dog may more likely acquire periodontal disease if you neglect his oral health. This will result in bad breath, dental discomfort, and tooth loss. Dogs can suffer from jaw bone infections in severe cases, and the circulation can carry bacteria from the mouth to the heart. The number of dogs in the US with periodontal disease is thought to be greater than 67%.
It would be best if you ideally brushed your dog’s teeth every day. If this is not feasible, think about brushing their teeth at least three times weekly. Any soft-bristled toothbrush will suffice, but make sure the toothpaste you choose is for dogs. Enzymatic toothpaste is exceptionally efficient and available in savory flavors like chicken or peanut butter. Plaque can be removed and tartar buildup reduced with dental chews and rinses.
Most veterinarians also advise yearly dental prophylaxis to get rid of plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This is impossible without total anesthesia, and awake dental cleanings are ineffective because of the disease left below the gum line. Before a painful tooth root abscess develops, dental x-rays can detect the early stages of tooth illness.
Pet owners who take an active role in their dog’s care enjoy a happier dog and lower vet expenditures. Preventive medicine, exercise, proper nutrition, and socialization can all dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life.