Keeping Your Dog Healthy & Safe

Our furry friends are a great addition to our life, but they are also a great responsibility. They rely on us to stay healthy. Below are some tips from Sit Means Sit so that your dog can live a long, happy, and healthy life with you.

Dog-Proof Your Home

Ideally, you want to take this tip into consideration before you bring your new pup home. Some ways to dog-proof your house are to:

• Secure any electrical cords they may chew on
• Keep toilet lids closed
• Make sure cabinets with medicine and household cleaners are out of reach and secure
• If you have a pool, consider putting a fence around the pool or a motion detector that can detect if they fall in
• Keep doors and cabinets that contain human food closed or make them inaccessible to your dog
• Consider using child-proof latches on trash cans or other cabinets that contain items that may be harmful to your dog

Get On A Vaccination Schedule

This tip should also be followed at the beginning of your journey with your four-legged friend. In general, most puppies get their first round of shots around 6 weeks and then every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Once all of the puppy shots are received, your dog will need to be vaccinated every 1-3 years. Depending on their size and breed, this may vary, so make sure to consult with your vet. It is helpful to have regularly scheduled visits to your vet so they can inform you of any changes and make sure you do not miss necessary vaccines.

Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

If you are not planning on breeding your dog, getting them spayed or neutered is an important tip to follow. This will help prevent overpopulation in shelters and increases in homeless dogs. In addition, getting spayed/neutered can have health benefits throughout your dog’s life. Spayed females have a lower risk of getting breast cancer and uterine infections, and neutered males have lower odds of prostate disease and testicular cancer. If you have any concerns about these procedures, you can discuss it with your vet.

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Just like people, dog’s need to keep their teeth clean in order to remain healthy. Not only does it help with bad breath, but it prevents gum disease, which can lead to other health issues down the road. The are many types of dog toothpastes and dog toothbrushes available for you to choose from. Check with your vet to see if they have any recommendations for you to use.

Keep You Pet Cool & Warm

Depending on the time of year and where you live, your dog could need extra care during certain seasons to make sure they stay healthy.

In the hotter months, make sure to walk your dog in the shade and off pavement to keep they paws safe. Also make sure they always have plenty of water. If your dog has thinner fur, you may need to apply sunscreen to keep them from burning. Finally, never leave your dog in a car during warmer months.

During the colder months, some breeds of dogs may need a sweater or booties when going on walks. Make sure to clean off their paws when they come inside. You don’t want them ingesting any anti-freeze products that could be sticking to them. Even a small amount could be toxic to a dog.

Watch For Warning Signs

Dogs can’t talk, so it can be difficult for them to communicate when they are not feeling well. Make sure to always keep an eye on them and contact your vet if you dog is experiencing any of the following:

• Changes in urine or feces
• Vomiting
• Discharge from the eyes, nose, or other places
• Changes in eating habits
• Bald patches
• Bad smells
• Excess licking or biting to a spot on their body
• Coughing
• Weight loss
• Behavioral changes

Keeping these things in mind throughout the course of your dog’s time with you should help ensure that they have a healthy and safe life.