A Guide to Preventive Care for Dogs 

If you are like many pet parents, you want to enjoy many years of loving companionship with your dog. Your priority is helping your pup live a happy, healthy, and active life. Maintaining good dog health starts with a preventive care plan. Having a preventive care plan for your dog can help you keep your pet’s health at optimum levels, extending their life and giving them the quality of life they deserve. 

Do you want to spend countless hours pampering and loving your forever friend? Start down the road to good health with a preventive care program. The team at Pure Peak can help you get started.

What Is Preventive Care for Dogs?

When your doctor wants to see you for regular checkups, vaccinations, and health screenings, that’s preventive care. Preventive medical care for people seeks to find and address health concerns before they become significant health problems. The same is true of preventive care for dogs. A preventive care program includes veterinary visits and routine health screenings meant to keep your dog healthy and active from puppyhood to when they hit their golden years. 

A good preventative care program for your dog helps extend your pet’s life and detect medical conditions before they become serious health issues. Another big plus to investing in preventive care exams for your dog is that it’s cheaper and less invasive to catch minor medical issues before they become major health crises. Catching health issues early can reduce the stress and pain your animal experiences.

If you are concerned about the cost of implementing a preventive care plan, consider looking into pet insurance options. Pet insurance plans are becoming more popular and affordable than ever. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses the concept of pet health insurance. These policies can offset the cost of routine medical care and emergencies. Do your research. Reputable insurance companies and animal care organizations back many programs and offer free quotes.

What your preventive care program looks like depends on the age, size, and breed of your pup. Different dogs have different needs. Some preventive care plans include semi-annual veterinary examinations, while others only require annual exams. Many preventative care plans include: 

• Regular veterinary office visits 
• Core Vaccinations 
• Nutritional counseling 
• Lab tests
• Dental care
• Parasite control (heartworm and flea and tick control)
• Educational materials focusing on the health of your dog at its unique stage of life
• Environmental modifications that can improve the health of your pet 
• Behavioral modifications that can improve the mental health of your dog 

Preventive care should include education on ways to keep your dog healthy. This care may include potty training tips for puppy parents or pain management and supplement recommendations to help older animals cope with age-related issues such as joint pain or arthritis. Any quality dog healthcare plan should also include information on nutrition and giving your dog a balanced diet. Your vet may even offer food and supplement recommendations backed by scientific research to help you choose the proper diet for your dog’s size and activity level. 

Signs of Dog Health Issues 

It can sometimes be challenging for pet parents to recognize the signs that something is wrong with their furry companion. Dogs practice some pain-masking strategies, which can make it hard to tell if they are suffering. Routine wellness exams can help catch potential issues before they impair your dog or cause significant health complications. However, there are signs you can look for that may indicate you need to get your dog to the vet immediately. 

Common signs of dog health issues can include: 

• Loss of appetite 
• Changing in drinking habits
• Behavioral changes 
• Shaking of the head
• Bad breath
• Drooling
• Sudden change in usual behaviors  
• Limping 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Lack of energy or lethargy 
• Hair loss
• Sores or lumps
• Cloudy or red eyes
• Swelling 
• Excessive licking or scratching 
• Excessive drooling 
• Excessive urination
• Excessive drinking
• Seizures 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or suspect something is wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately for help. You should always mention small changes in your dog’s behavior or activity level at your pet’s annual or semi-annual wellness examination so your vet can compare the issues to your dog’s established health baseline. 

Common Health Issues in Dogs 

Dogs can experience a range of health issues as they grow and mature. Some of the health issues that are common in dogs that your vet may screen for as part of a regular preventive care monitoring plan can include: 

• Heartworm
• Flea and tick infestations
• Parvo
• Eye / Ear infections 
• Seizures 
• Cancer
• Kennel cough 
• Hip dysplasia 
• Arthritis
• Gum disease
• Dental issues 
• Fungal infections 
• Allergies
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Gastrointestinal issues 

How to Develop a Dog Preventive Care Plan with Your Veterinarian 

The best way to develop a dog preventive care plan with your veterinarian is through good communication. Start a conversation with a trusted pet care provider about your dog. Share your concerns and outline your dog’s specific and unique needs. With your input, your veterinarian should be able to set up a proactive preventive care plan for you and your beloved dog that focuses on your pet’s needs and considers the age, breed, size, and lifestyle of your furry friend. 

Remembering to keep your annual or semi-annual preventive care appointments is essential to ensuring your pet’s health is at its best. Work with your vet’s office and ask if they can keep the details of your pet’s plan in their system and remind you of upcoming appointments and your dog’s vaccination status. 

Many offices have electronic systems that can call, text, or email you pet health reminders. Take advantage of the technology available so you never miss an appointment or reminder about important steps in your dog’s health care. 

Quality veterinarians aim to help you and your pet, improving the quality of your four-legged friend’s life. Discuss your need for a preventive care plan with your vet, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A compassionate vet should always listen and create a comprehensive and customized care plan for your dog. Consistently adhering to the details of a well-formulated preventive plan for dogs is key to your pet’s good health and happy future.

Pure Peak Focus 

At Pure Peak, we dedicate ourselves to serving pet families. That’s why we focus on creating and providing quality solutions for your pet. We are also committed to sustainable, eco-friendly practices and products that help keep your pet and the planet healthy. 

You and your vet can create a preventative care plan for your pet that will help them live a long and active life from puppy to senior. At Pure Peak, it’s our mission to deliver products that are meant to enhance your pet’s comfort and health. 

FAQs 

How often should a dog go to the vet?

The answer may depend on your furry friend’s age, size, and breed. Most veterinarians recommend that you take your dog to the vet for a routine examination at least once per year. As dogs age faster than humans,  it is important to keep up with your dogs’ vaccinations, medications, parasite prevention, dental, and overall health. Senior dogs may require semi-annual vet visits to monitor conditions such as arthritis, hearing and vision loss, and cognitive disorders and to screen for additional conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. 

What are the risks of failing to provide preventive care for your dog?

Failing to provide preventative care can cause significant heartbreak for you and your family. Preventative care is essential for catching the early signs and symptoms of potentially fatal conditions like cancer and other illnesses. Routine vaccinations also keep your dog healthy and can prevent conditions like rabies, parvo, leptospirosis, and respiratory diseases, which are all illnesses that can compromise your pet’s health. Dogs without preventive care may experience pain, parasitic infestations, infections, and other treatable and preventable conditions. 

Should a conversation about spaying or neutering be a part of a preventative care plan?

Yes! Reproductive health should be a part of any preventative care plan for your dog. Spaying or neutering can have several health and behavioral benefits. It also helps cut down on unwanted dogs in overcrowded shelters. Discussing the benefits and timing of reproductive intervention with your veterinarian should be integral to any preventative care dog program.