Here at CVCA, our team is all about keeping your pets healthy, especially dogs. We see a lot of heart failure in dogs, but there are so many little things you can do for your pet before they get to that stage. The best part? Doing these ten things for your dog regularly can help keep them healthier for longer, and you can possibly even avoid health problems in dogs down the road.
Your doctor will likely tell you to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in a day, so why not take your dog for a walk as well? Your pets can become overweight or even face joint issues without proper exercise, so a walk will go a long way in avoiding that. Plus, exercise is a great way to avoid heart failure in dogs since it keeps the blood pumping. Your pup will thank you for it!
When you’re feeding your dog, do you grab any old dry kibble off the shelf? While kibble is not necessarily bad for your dog, make sure you’re looking at all of the ingredients to ensure they’re getting a well-balanced diet. Consider adding in a few vitamin supplements to their daily breakfast routine, or even fresh vegetables. Using vegetables like carrots or green beans as treats are also great for their dental health!
An annual visit to your primary care vet is necessary to keep shots and vaccines up to date and to check in and see if there are any underlying health issues with your pooch. The earlier you catch any potential heart problems in dogs, the better!
Even if you don’t think your dog needs a checkup, you should at least make sure that all of their vaccines are up to date. These shots are essential for helping your pup avoid fatal illnesses such as distemper, rabies, parvovirus, and much more. Ask our veterinarians about heartworm vaccinations and more!
Did you know that mouth problems can eventually lead to heart problems in dogs? Your dog’s dental health is essential, so we always recommend brushing their teeth as often as you can.
If your dog has dandruff or oily fur, likely, they’re not being brushed or groomed often enough. Their fur should be glossy and soft, so make sure you brush your pup as often as you can to help them shed unwanted fur and dander. Also, grooming means keeping their nails trimmed, so they don’t grow in painfully, as well as keeping their ears clear of any build-up.
Trust us when we say you don’t want a flea infestation—not only is it irritating for your dog, but it can be challenging to get rid of. Instead, make sure you have your dog on a regular flea and tick treatment that you administer monthly. Fleas are itchy and can be very uncomfortable for your pet, and ticks can lead to harmful diseases like Lyme disease.
No matter whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, making sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times is essential to their health. Dogs can easily become dehydrated or overheat in the summer if they don’t have enough water. So any time you see their water dish running low, make sure you fill it with clean water to keep them refreshed.
While going on walks or playing fetch are great forms of physical exercise that help reduce heart failure in dogs and keep them healthy, you should also be mentally stimulating your dog at the same time. This means taking some time throughout the day to do some command training to make them think or put small treats in a puzzle toy to make them figure out how to get to the food. You’d be surprised how engaged they’ll be!
It should go without saying, but make sure you show your dog the love, affection, and attention that they deserve. Whether that means playtime or simply cuddling on the couch, sharing any kind of bond with your pet will only make both of you happier.
