Simple steps to keep your dog healthy and out of the vet’s office

Ask the vets

Story by Bailey Gilliam

Keeping your furry friend out of the vet’s office is a goal many pet owners strive for, not just because it always seems to be at least $500 a visit, but more to ensure their pet’s overall well-being. Preventative care, proper nutrition and a proactive approach to health can go a long way in maintaining your dog’s happiness and health. We asked several local veterinarians what they thought were the most common problems seen in dogs and how they could be prevented. Discover how a few mindful practices can make a significant difference in your dog’s health journey (and your wallet), from dietary choices to regular exercise.

Obedience training

Has your dog ever gotten into something it shouldn’t? Maybe it jumped up on the counter for a chocolate cookie or chewed up a bottle of lotion. Many problems stem from a lack of training, more specifically, obedience. “Training is the best way to prevent accidents from happening,” said Dr. Matthew Tenwold, CEO and veterinarian at Carolina Veterinary Critical Care. “Whether it is an emergency recall cue or a ‘leave it’ command, these two obedience training commands have saved even my dog from ingesting or getting into things that could have otherwise meant a trip to the ER.”

Socialization

Along with training, socialization is also important. Having seen many bite cases over his expansive veterinary career, Dr. Matthew Dixon of Hilton Head Humane said, “One of the biggest issues I observe with animals is the lack of socialization and basic command training by their owners.” While command training is essential for keeping your dogs out of things at home, socialization adds an extra layer of protection: security and confidence in public settings. “Proper training is essential for pets to safely interact with strangers and behave appropriately in public settings,” said Dixon. “Enrolling a pet in a basic obedience class can be extremely beneficial. These classes teach pets to walk well on a leash and follow commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’ Additionally, owners can help reduce their pets’ stress in public by safely introducing them to unfamiliar people and other animals while they are still puppies. This early socialization helps prevent aggressive behavior towards strangers, such as veterinarians, neighbors and children.”

Preventatives

All of the reasons we take our pets to the vet every year are for preventative measures. Like humans go to the doctor every year for a checkup, we take our pets to the vet. They need shots to protect against different diseases, tests to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues and prescriptions for their heart worm, flea and tick medications, which can be a bit pricey. But these things are crucial to your pet’s overall health –  and probably cheaper in the long run than running into serious problems. “Staying on heart worm control is a big deal,” said Dr. Rebecca Latham of Heritage Animal Hospital. “It’s costly to treat heart worm disease. And it’s also excruciating for the animals to be treated for heart worm disease.”

Dental hygiene 

One preventative measure that’s gaining more awareness is pets’ dental hygiene. Latham explained that there’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to dental upkeep in dogs. Regular cleanings are great for your dog, but doing that alone won’t fix the problems. “If you clean the tartar off of something and make it look good, but you didn’t take any x-rays, you don’t know if there’s an abscess in there, and if you leave an abscess in there, you haven’t made the mouth healthy,” she explained. “And then the more people can do as far as dental upkeep goes, you know, brushing and greenies – there are a lot of products that can help with dental health.” She also warned of specific toys. To avoid dental issues, pet parents should avoid hard plastic nyla bones, antler tubes, actual bones or any tough toys. “You want to be able to bend it, break it or indent it with your thumbnail,” she said. “Otherwise, there’s potential for fracturing the big teeth in the back when your dog chews on them. If you can hammer a nail on the wall with the bone or toy, it can break their teeth.”

Diet and exercise

Food and exercise are an essential part of human and pet health. And like many people, obesity is a massive problem in pets. It’s especially hard when your dog gives puppy dog eyes for a bite of dinner. However, overfeeding is one of the most prevalent issues in pet health. “Just like us, our weight is dependent upon calories in versus out,” said Dr. Douglas Cifranick of WoofDoctor on Wheels. “You can’t outwork excessive calories just as your dog can’t burn off excessive kibble, treats or table food with a couple of short walks a day. Diet is 80-90% of the battle.” Consider the treats you plan to give your dog, and cut the calories from their mealtime. 

By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you’re enhancing your dog’s quality of life and potentially reducing the number of vet visits and associated costs. Obedience training, proper socialization, regular dental care and a balanced diet are all essential components of a comprehensive health strategy for your pet. Each of these practices helps address common issues before they become serious problems, contributing to a healthier, happier and more resilient dog. With a proactive approach, you can enjoy more playtime and fewer vet trips, making your and your pet’s lives much more enjoyable.