Ruby McKenzie
Your dog is a part of your family. That’s why it’s important to keep him healthy, just like you would any other member of your family. As per The Zebra, there are 471 million pet dogs in the world, and 90% of households in America consider dogs as part of the family.
This guide will walk you through the most essential preventive medications that every dog should be on. Let’s get started.
Vaccines
Vaccines are an essential part of preventive care. They help protect your dog from disease and are safe and effective.
The vaccines that you’ll need to give your pet depends on several factors, the risk of exposure to a particular disease, the age at which you acquire your pet (puppies will require different vaccines than adult dogs), whether or not he is going to be boarded or groomed, etc. The veterinarian who sees your dog will determine the best course of action for him based on his lifestyle and environment.
In addition to these factors, it’s important to note that vaccinations can be given at any age, so it’s never too late.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can cause heart failure and death in dogs. It’s spread by mosquitoes, so keeping your pet on a monthly heartworm prevention medication is important.
Heartgard plus chewables prevent heartworm disease and are easy to administer in your dog’s routine care plan. It is given once a month like other medications such as flea and tick preventatives.
Deworming
Dogs can get worms from other dogs, from an infected mother during pregnancy, or by eating contaminated food. Some types of worms can cause serious health problems for your pet if left untreated. In addition to causing digestive issues and other complications, some parasites can even lead to long-term organ damage.
Deworming is essential for both puppies and adult dogs. However, depending on the type of worm that’s present in your region and the severity of any potential problems, it may be necessary for you to administer dewormer more frequently than once per year.
The most common types of worms are roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These particular parasites are commonly found together in one animal’s intestinal tract because they have different life cycles that allow them to reproduce at different stages in their development cycle.
Flea and tick control
The most important preventive medication you can give your dog is flea and tick control. This will help prevent flea and tick bites, which can be dangerous to your dog’s health.
Flea bites are itchy and may cause infections if left untreated. Ticks that attach themselves to your dog can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, which they transmit through their bites. Unfortunately, not all dogs are equally susceptible to flea or tick infestations. Some breeds are more likely than others to get these pests very easily. As a result, these dog owners need to take measures against them.
Flea/tick control products aren’t cheap, and neither is the vet bill if you don’t use protection for your pet.
Neutering
Neutering is a surgical procedure to remove the testicles of a male dog. Testicles produce sperm and testosterone, which can lead to aggressive behavior, marking, and some cancers. Neutering also reduces the risk of prostate cancer and perianal tumors by 90%.
As published on Petkeen, 85% of dogs in the US are neutered. This increases the lifespan of a male dog by 14%.
Neutering can also be used as a preventative measure in dogs who have not yet been diagnosed with any health issues. You must make sure your male dog has been neutered before he reaches 6 months of age. After that, it becomes difficult for veterinarians to remove the testicles without causing damage or other complications to your pet’s anatomy.
Dental Health
As per AVMA, periodontal disease is very common in dogs, and by the age of 3, most dogs show some sign of it.
It is important to keep your dog’s teeth clean, as they’re prone to build up tartar and plaque. These can cause gum disease and tooth loss, so it’s best to start brushing their teeth early. You should brush at least once a week for larger dogs and twice a week for smaller ones.
For best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride or antibacterial paste. If you want to go all out with the fancy stuff, electric toothbrushes are available now that help clean your pup’s pearly whites.
Takeaway
The most important preventive medication for your canine is the one that keeps him or her healthy. These medications help to protect your dog’s health by preventing common diseases you may not want to deal with, like heartworms or intestinal parasites.
If you have never had a pet before, consult your veterinarian about what preventive care is best for your dog’s lifestyle and budget. You may need more than one type of medication if you live in an area where certain diseases are prevalent.
And even if something doesn’t appear to be working well enough for your pet’s needs on its own, do not discontinue the use of all other medications until speaking with a vet about switching things up.
