Understanding Your Dog’s Health in September
In September, as kids are back in school, it’s a good time to delve into important health considerations for your dog. That includes nutritional tips and blood pressure awareness.
Did you know that your dog can get high blood pressure or systemic hypertension? This “describes high blood pressure throughout the body: a sustained elevation in systolic pressure of 140mmHg or greater, in diastolic pressure of 90mmHg or greater, or both,” according to the article, “Systemic Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Dogs” at VCA Hospitals. The article says that the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine suggests that treatment should occur “when systolic pressure remains over 160 mmHg persistently.”
According to the article, some signs of hypertension in dogs include:
• Sudden blindness
• Detached retina
• Blood in urine
• Nervous system signs such as depression, head tilt, and seizures
Hypertension in dogs can be managed, and treatment “depends upon the underlying cause, if any,” the article said.
Also important for your dog’s overall health is good nutrition and a balanced diet. “Nutrients are substances obtained from food and used by an animal as a source of energy and as part of the metabolic machinery necessary for maintenance and growth,” according to the article, “Dog Nutrition Tips” at ASPCA.
As per the ASPCA article, the following nutrients are significant for maintenance and growth.
• Water. “Essential to life, water accounts for between 60 to 70% of an adult pet’s body weight,” the ASPCA article said.
• Proteins, from chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, etc.
• Fats, which “are the most concentrated form of food energy, providing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates,” the ASPCA article said.
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Minerals
Keeping your dog healthy is priority No. 1. Speak with your vet and ensure your dog’s health is on the right track.
Tick Talk: Preventing Fall Parasites
Parasites on your pets can be a nuisance. Parasites are around no matter the time of year, so it’s important to keep up with prevention in all the seasons.
“Despite the widespread availability of safe and effective treatments, internal and external parasites remain common in dogs, particularly in those who do not receive routine veterinary care,” according to the article, “Parasite Control” at American Animal Hospital Association.
Today, treating and controlling external parasites is easy due to advanced breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. “Besides being extremely irritating, infestations can cause serious skin problems or even disease,” according to the article, “External parasites” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
There are ways to manage external parasites. The AVMA lists some of the top tips, including:
• Use parasite preventives. Additionally, “promptly treat any infestations—to avoid or lessen your pet’s discomfort, disease transmission, and home infestation from external parasites,” the AVMA article said.
• Check your pet “for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities.”
• If you notice your pet scratching, chewing, or licking more than normal, get to the vet.
• Talk to your vet about products that can help.
Help prevent parasites in dogs by doing simple things around the home. It’s easier and cheaper than you think, according to the article, “Prevent your dog from getting parasites” at VCA Hospitals.
The VCA article recommends the following:
• Be quick to clean up after your dog. Dog waste in the yard allows parasite eggs to spread.
• Keep your dog from standing water and contaminated areas.
• Wash your dog’s bedding and vacuum your home on a regular basis.
• Check your dog for fleas and ticks before he enters the home.
• “Regular checkups, fecal tests and screenings help catch parasites early,” the VCA article said.
The best way to keep parasites at bay is by using preventive medications.
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