Keeping Your Dog Happy & Healthy
Like us humans, dogs get sick, too! For all of us that love our dogs, the last thing we want is to see them sick or in pain. Some of the most common types of dog medication are preventative, and rightfully so. After all, prevention is always better than the alternative.
In this blog post, we’ll cover common dog medications that can be regularly administered to your pup, from vaccinations to flea and tick prevention.
1. Vaccinations
Right on top of the list are vaccinations, which should be mandatory for all dogs if it isn’t already. Not only is it protecting your dog from severe and often deadly diseases, but it is also protecting other dogs, like young puppies with undeveloped immune systems.
Vaccinating your dog is integral to responsible pet ownership, and all dog owners must keep up with the vaccination schedule.
The core vaccines for a dog include distemper, canine parvovirus, and rabies. Depending on factors specific to your dog, such as age and lifestyle, additional vaccinations may be recommended, including leptospirosis, Bordetella and coronavirus.
Talk to your vet about the right vaccination plan for your pet and ensure it is kept up-to-date as per their advice.
2. Heartworm Medication
Heartworm is a severe and potentially fatal parasitic infection that affects dogs, cats, and other animals. Regularly giving your dog heartworm prevention medication is an easy way to protect them from this terrible disease.
By taking just a few minutes a month to give them their chewable medicine, you’re protecting your companion against potential infestation and its health risks. This medication helps prevent immature worms from developing into full-grown adults by helping keep heartworms’ introduction into your pet’s system at bay.
Heartgard is the safest and most effective way to protect your pup from heartworm disease. Its key ingredient, ivermectin, is a very potent yet safe anti-parasitic agent that effectively kills the adult worms that cause heartworm disease. It also helps to prevent infections caused by other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
3. Flea and Tick Treatment
Regularly using flea and tick treatments will prevent them from feeling the discomfort of fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs, which can be very difficult to get rid of once an infestation has occurred.
Not only do fleas and ticks bring various skin irritations to dogs in the form of hair loss, scabs, and lesions, but they can also pass on several diseases like Lyme disease. Regularly treating fleas and ticks will protect your dog from these parasites and their associated health issues.
Simparica Trio is an innovative flea and tick preventative that offers owners long-lasting protection against parasites. Unlike other flea and tick treatments, Simparica Trio starts killing parasites within hours of application and continues to protect throughout the month.
In addition, it's fast-acting, easy to administer, and well-tolerated by most dogs. With a trusted safety profile backed by years of clinical research and testing, Simparica Trio has quickly become one of the most reliable preventatives available today.
4. Anxiety Medication
Have you got an anxious dog? Doggy anxiety is real and not fun for either the dog parent or the dog. Before embarking on medications, you can try calming supplements first. Not only are non-prescription natural supplements an effective way to battle your pup's anxieties, but they also come with little to no side effects.
With ingredients like chamomile and passionflower, you can find the perfect supplement to help fight any acute or chronic anxieties in your pup while also knowing they are getting only the safest and most natural ingredients available.
5. Joint Supplements
Dogs age, just like us, and when they do, their joints can start to bother them. Joint supplements can play a significant role in preserving mobility, especially in aging or injured dogs. Moreover, they are known to reduce pain and swelling associated with joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Furthermore, these natural products contain additional vitamins and minerals that can bolster the immune system and support overall joint health. Joint supplementing is a safe way to prevent painful conditions that can impact physical activity, especially among older pets undergoing degenerative changes.
Plenty of top-rated joint supplements designed specifically for dogs can provide your dog with high-quality nutrients and necessary components like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help strengthen and protect those precious joints. Taking preventive steps now will ensure that your pup has optimal joint health in its golden years.
6. Pain Medications
No one likes to see their dog in pain, so keeping a small stash of pain meds can help your dog through some acute pain or decrease its suffering through the worst chronic pain. Pain medication for dogs can take many forms, from topical solutions to oral treatments and beyond.
But no matter the form, be sure to consult a trusted veterinarian when deciding how best to care for an animal in pain. Doing so will ensure that the dog receives the proper dosage and that the drug is specifically tailored to its medical condition.
At the same time, established pharmaceutical brands are often the safest option when it comes to choosing essential medications.
Understanding Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a type of coverage that helps pet owners manage the costs of veterinary care for their beloved animals. Just like human health insurance, pet insurance provides financial protection and helps ensure that your pet receives the necessary medical treatment when they fall ill or get injured.
Here are some key points to consider when it comes to pet insurance:
Coverage: Pet insurance typically covers a variety of medical expenses, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostic tests and medications. Some policies may also include coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations, flea control and annual check-ups. It's important to carefully review the policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions or limitations.
Premiums: Pet insurance policies require regular premium payments, typically on a monthly or annual basis. The cost of premiums depends on factors such as the pet's age, breed, location and the coverage options chosen. Some policies have a deductible (an amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in), co-pays (a percentage of the costs you're responsible for) and annual or lifetime coverage limits.
Choosing a Policy: When selecting a pet insurance policy, it's essential to consider your pet's specific needs, any pre-existing conditions and your budget. Compare different insurance providers, their coverage options, reimbursement rates and customer reviews to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Some medications can have unpleasant side effects, so consult your veterinarian before administering anything to your dog. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action and the proper dosage.
Check out some calming treats for anxious dogs.