Opening your home up to a new furry friend is an exciting time for the whole family, particularly if it is the first time you’ve owned a dog. There are a lot of things to consider to make sure that you are as well prepared as possible, such as making sure you have the correct food, organizing a daily walking routine, and ensuring that your new friend has plenty of toys to play with; however, one of the most imperative considerations to make is signing your new dog up to a veterinarian and organizing any inoculations and ongoing medications. To help make it easier, here are three health issues your dog could suffer from and what you can do to help them.
- Parasites
Perhaps the most health issue to afflict dogs is an infestation by some breeds of parasites, from fleas and worms to ticks and heartworms. This is because dogs are naturally very active and curious, and as such, regularly come into contact with common environmental parasites during their daily activities and interactions with other dogs. Getting fleas and worms is not only uncomfortable for the dog, but it is also a nuisance for the owner, and could potentially lead to a flea infestation of the home if left untreated. As well as this, some parasites, such as the deadly heartworm, can lead to death. Prevention is the key to dealing with these issues; make sure that your pet receives a regular dose of flea and wormer treatment and consult your vet for further advice.
- Anxiety
You’re probably aware of anxiety in humans – you might even suffer from it yourself – but did you know that dogs are susceptible to this debilitating condition? This is something to particularly look out for when you first bring your new friend home, the sights and smells of a new setting, and people being a time of great stress for a dog. Their anxiety could manifest in various different guises, such as an attempted escape and excessive licking or biting of themselves and other objects. To help your new dog deal with his anxiety, make sure that you create a calming home environment, including a safe space for him to hide in when things get overwhelming. You might also consider having a ready stock of calming treats, such as those available on ceebeedoo.com, on hand when your dog requires a quick calming fix.
- Obesity
Like humans, too many treats and too little exercise can lead to obesity in your dog. To prevent this, make sure that you monitor mealtimes to ensure that your dog is fed the correct amount and type of food – and don’t feed him human food off your own plate! Make sure that you incorporate a daily walk into your routine to allow your dog to run around and burn some energy. You might find that your dog is not the only one to shed the pounds by doing this!