Owning a dog comes with significant responsibilities. As the primary caregiver for your beloved companion, prioritizing your dog's health and well-being is paramount. Regular preventive care emerges as the optimal strategy to ensure a long and thriving life for your dog. Let's dive deep into these preventive actions and why they are so important for your dog.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care encompasses proactive measures aimed at averting or minimizing the risk of various health conditions. This involves scheduled visits to the veterinarian for routine health check-ups, vaccinations, and routine hygiene and wellness care such as baths, ear cleanings, and more. All these measures together play a vital role in your dog's overall health and well-being.

Routine Hygiene and Wellness

One type of preventive care for your dog is routine hygiene and wellness care such as bathing, teeth brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and more. This type of care enables you and those caring for your dog to identify and address potential health issues at an early stage, preventing them from escalating into more severe or challenging conditions. In your day to day, you may not notice small things like plaque buildup or redness in the ears but through the action of routine care, it is much easier to spot these issues. Seeking prompt assistance enhances your dog's quality of life and can even extend their lifespan.

Veterinary Care 

Preventive veterinary care is crucial for maintaining your pet's health and happiness. Regular check-ups enable early detection and treatment of potential issues, ensuring they are addressed before becoming more serious. Quick tip! Scenthound members can easily ask questions to a veterinarian with our 24/7 Virtual Vet feature through the Scenthound app! 

Vaccinations

Vaccinations prevent infections from diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. They also safeguard your dog from contagious diseases that could be transmitted to other animals or even humans. Keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date reduces the risk of disease and its spread. Additionally, parasite prevention guards against fleas, ticks, and worms, averting health issues that could become severe if left unattended.

Why is preventive care so important?

Regular preventive care can positively influence your dog's overall health and enhance their quality of life. It can also positively benefit their behavior by alleviating discomfort and pain. Much like in humans, feeling unwell can impact mood, and the same holds true for our dogs. Providing consistent preventive care can prevent these health-related issues from adversely affecting your dog's overall behavior. Also, investing in preventive care ultimately translates into long-term cost savings by diminishing the need for more expensive treatments. Serious illnesses that require intensive care can incur substantial expenses. However, regular preventive care significantly reduces the likelihood of your dog developing severe health issues, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Embracing preventive measures is such an important part of your dog’s health and well-being. From regular vet care, vaccinations, and routine hygiene care, it all adds up to a happy and healthier dog.