PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE FOR HEALTHIER, HAPPIER DOGS
by Rachael Feigenbaum, VMD

We all know that good health is the foundation of a long and happy life. This holds true for humans and canines alike. The best way to keep your beloved animal companion healthy is to take measures that can prevent illness before it occurs. Here are some guidelines for conscientious pet guardians.

Have a relationship with a veterinarian who knows your pet and can make recommendations that are specifi c to his/her needs. During regular examinations, your vet will do a physical work-up and may recommend additional testing to look for abnormalities. This way, you can catch any potential problems early and have a good chance of addressing them effectively.

Provide a high-quality diet to maintain optimal health. Stick with diets that use high-quality ingredients like meats, meat meal, and vegetables and contain minimal preservatives. Homemade diets can be a great choice as long as you use a recipe that is designed to meet all of your pet’s nutritional needs. Commercial diets that are low in fat and sodium can be supplemented with fresh meat and vegetables. Include some crunchy foods for healthy teeth and gums. Animals with specific health needs may require special diets. There are lots of different options and opinions out there when it comes to dog food. If you are confused, ask your veterinarian for advice about what to feed your pet.

Train your dog. A dog that responds to a few basic commands is much less likely to be injured in an accident or to get into trouble with people or other dogs. Doing training exercises with your dog also contributes to his mental health by challenging his brain.

Make sure your pet gets regular exercise, to maintain good physical condition and keep him happy. A daily bout of vigorous activity is ideal. Limit extremely strenuous exercise for puppies, whose bones are not yet fully developed, and for older animals who may have arthritis or other limitations. Romps in the park, walks, and athletic programs like agility training are also great opportunities to bond with your dog – and to improve your own health, too.

Consult your vet about vaccinations to minimize your pet’s risk of contracting disease. Veterinarians differ in their opinions about whether to vaccinate, which vaccines to give, and how often to give them. There are risks associated with some of the products, and over-vaccination can be harmful. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is appropriate for your pet, given his age, lifestyle, and medical condition. For some diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper, it is possible to test the antibody levels in the blood to determine whether a booster shot is really necessary.

Be proactive about preventing fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. Your veterinarian may suggest testing for these parasites and can recommend the best prevention plan for you and your pet.

Remember dental hygiene. Many pets develop tartar, gingivitis, and other dental problems as they get older. These problems can create infections, cause discomfort, and compromise your pet’s overall health. Developing good strategies for dental hygiene when your pet is young, such as teeth brushing, can help prevent such problems later in life. Your veterinarian can give you special toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste that will make the job easier. Dental treats and chew toys can be helpful as long as there’s no risk that they can splinter into sharp pieces or cause digestive problems. Ask your vet which treats are most appropriate for your particular dog.

Respect your elders. As animals get older, their medical needs often change. If your dog or cat starts to show signs of pain or stiffness, or is prone to arthritis due to his/ her size or breed, consider glucosamine or another joint supplement to keep the joint fluid healthy, which may slow the progression of arthritis. Your vet can recommend a product to suit your animal’s needs and may also recommend safe, effective, and minimally invasive options like acupuncture, herbs, and supplements.

“Love me, do.” One of the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy is to provide him with plenty of love and affection. Petting, brushing, and massaging are just a few ways to do this. Besides making both of you happy, attending to your pet in this way makes you very familiar with his body so you know what is normal. It’s a good idea to check regularly for any new lumps or bumps and report them immediately to your veterinarian. Also, monitor changes in appetite or behavior, which may indicate illness. Pets are delightful companions and add immeasurable love and joy to our lives. Investing time and money in preventative care can help your pet live a longer, healthier life, as well as lowering your veterinary costs over his lifetime.

Rachael Feigenbaum, VMD, is a holistic veterinarian who treats dogs, cats, and exotics in her private practice in San Francisco, Lotus Veterinary House Calls (www.lotusveterinary.com). On Thursdays, she sees patients at Pets Unlimited, 2343 Fillmore St., SF. (Any opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pets Unlimited.)