Our pets rely on us for exercise, fun, emotional bonding, and, of course, keeping them healthy through proper diet. Providing your dog with the right nutritional balance can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about what your dog needs to live a happy, healthy life.
Your dog’s diet should be monitored and changed as needed, and as decided upon by collaborating with your trusted veterinarian. One of the most important things you can do for your pet to avoid common illnesses is make sure they’re eating the right food for their particular needs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common nutrition-related dog illnesses to look out for, and what you can do to prevent such illnesses from occurring in your own pet.
There are many reasons why proper nutrition is important for your dog. Of course, the main concern is to avoid common health-related issues that can occur if your dog isn’t receiving the right nutritional balance and maintaining a healthy diet. We’ll go over some of these common health issues in a moment.
Proper pet nutrition can:
As you can see, the benefits of proper pet nutrition are immense, and worth looking into.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it includes some of the most pertinent and most common nutrition-related dog illnesses that veterinarians encounter and most frequently diagnose in Simi Valley patients:
Digestive problems can take many different forms, and it’s important to remain aware of your dog’s digestive health to alert you of any problems that might arise.
Of course when dogs don’t have the right balance in their diet, or aren’t receiving enough exercise, their body weight can climb and lead to obesity, which causes a slew of other health problems.
Especially in pets that have genetic predisposition to heart issues, maintaining a healthy diet is essential. You may also schedule routine teeth cleanings which can act as a preventive measure to avoid heart decay.
There are many types of bladder stones, and some of which can be treated through special dietary restrictions or regimens. Bladder stones are painful and debilitating, so it’s important to contact your veterinarian to find out what you can do to avoid them if possible.
Besides consulting with a veterinarian for more specific tips on your pet’s nutrition, here are a few more things to consider that can help keep your dog healthy and avoid diet-related illnesses:
Many dog breeds are allergic to specific ingredients and fillers found in common dog foods, which can cause symptoms to occur.
Routine vet visits can help you stay on top of your pet’s diet and monitor their weight and vital signs to ensure they’re healthy.
If your pet takes certain medications, they could interfere with some pet foods. It’s important to let your veterinarian know what you typically feed your dog so they can ensure the medications are appropriate.
It’s essential for your dog’s digestive system and overall health to provide them with clean water throughout each day. Dehydration can lead to serious health risks, which can usually be avoided.
The “right” dog food for your pet often includes finding out more about your pet’s breed and genetic makeup. To learn more, please feel free to get in touch with Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency, serving the areas of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and other areas nearby Ventura County. We are happy to help you find a nutritional balance that’s appropriate for your dog.