As a dog owner, it’s up to you to provide your canine companion with a lifetime of health and happiness. A big part of that is preventative care! Below, your Frisco, TX veterinary professional tells you about five fundamentals of preventative healthcare for dogs.

Vaccination

All dogs need the core vaccinations that protect against diseases like parvovirus, distemper, leukemia, parainfluenza, and rabies. Most dogs receive this batch as puppies. Your pet may also need other vaccinations depending on exposure risk, location, and other factors; these may include vaccines like the Bordetella vaccine or Lyme disease vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian to get more information on your dog’s vaccination profile.

Pest Control

Is your dog protected against the dangers of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms like heartworm and roundworm? It’s much easier to prevent these issues with monthly medicine applications, rather than get rid of an infestation after the fact. If your dog isn’t already wearing seasonal or year-round pest preventatives, set up an appointment at your vet’s office.

Diet and Exercise

Don’t forget about a healthy diet and regular exercise as preventative care fundamentals! By feeding your dog an age-appropriate, premium food throughout his life, you’re giving him the nutrients he needs to stay healthy in the long-term. Coupled with regular exercise to keep the body in top form and the mind properly engaged, you’re doing the absolute best you can for your canine companion. Call your vet with questions about your dog’s dietary needs and exercise routine.

Spay and Neuter Surgery

If your dog isn’t already spayed or neutered, it’s time to act. Spaying and neutering is about more than preventing unplanned litters and controlling the homeless pet population. It offers a myriad of health benefits to your dog, including cancer-risk reduction and others, that serve as fantastic preventative healthcare measures. It also improves most dogs’ behavior drastically, saving you a lot of hassle. Does your dog need the spay or neuter surgery performed? Call your vet’s office today to schedule an appointment.

Veterinary Visits

Regular visits to the vet’s office are another great way to keep your dog’s health in tip-top form over the years. When your vet sees Fido regularly, he or she can catch any health issues early on and treat them accordingly. Your veterinarian can also keep you up-to-date with the latest on canine healthcare and wellness. Come see your Frisco, TX veterinarian today!