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October Is Pet Wellness Month: Five Tips for Dog Wellness

October is Pet Wellness Month, and it is the perfect time to think about your dog’s health. The annual event was established to highlight the importance of pet wellness exams and preventative care. 


Pet parents have the responsibility to look after their pet’s health. Your dog cannot speak, so it is up to you to ensure that you keep them healthy. Several tips will help ensure that your dog is healthy.




A Visit to the Vet



A good way to ensure that your pet is healthy is by taking him or her to the vet. The veterinarian will be able to detect health conditions that need to be treated. It is important to remember that dogs age much faster than humans. 


This means that your pup will reach middle age before you realize it. Scheduling twice-yearly visits to the vet will help ensure that your pet gets a thorough checkup, treatment, or disease prevention. This is especially important for senior dogs. 




Watching Your Dog’s Weight



Research has shown that more than half of all adult dogs taken to the vet are overweight. It is important to watch what you feed your dog. Consult your vet to find out your pet’s ideal weight. 


You can then find out the best diet to make sure your dog remains healthy. A nutritious, well-balanced diet will help ensure that the dog maintains a healthy weight. You should know that overweight dogs are more likely to get sick than those of normal weight. 




Regular Exercise



Physical exercises are very important for keeping your pet healthy. Allowing your dog to play and explore is important, and it helps burn calories. Your dog needs to get adequate exercise from the activities. 


Find activities that your dog enjoys. This can be anything, from running along the beach to playing at the park. Dog training and swimming can provide good exercise. Talk to the vet about the best exercises for your dog.  




Pest Preventive Care



Keeping up-to-date with preventive care will help protect your pet from serious illnesses. Pests such as fleas and ticks can cause serious harm to your pet. Depending on your location, your vet can come up with a preventive plan for your dog. 


There are vaccines and other preventive measures that will help keep your pet safe. Preventive care will depend on different factors, including your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health condition. Your pet can be protected from potentially life-threatening diseases. 




Health Insurance




Pet Wellness Month is a good time to get health insurance for your dog. A wellness plan will help protect your dog without hurting you financially. Accidents happen, and there are unexpected visits to the vet that can drain your pocket. With a good pet wellness cover, you can get the necessary health coverage to protect your furry friend. The good news is that you can find a cover that will fit your budget.  


Ensuring that your dog is clean and well-groomed will help keep him happy and healthy. Make sure that you provide toys and clean sleeping space for your furry family member.




For more on pet wellness, visit Mokena Animal Clinic at our office in Mokena, Illinois. You can call (708) 479-2811 today to schedule an appointment.