Bringing up a dog is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. However, there’s a lot that needs to be taken care of to ensure their good health. In fact, your pooch who keeps running around your yard can have underlying health issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. This is exactly why preventive care is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health and overall well-being. If you’re new to dog parenthood and unsure about the importance of preventive care, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re happy to discuss the health risks involved in skipping preventive care in dogs.

Let’s get started!

What is Preventive Care in Dogs?

Preventive care in dogs is the practice of maintaining their health to prevent diseases. According to veterinarians, preventive care is easier, safer, and more affordable than treating diseases. It helps ensure a longer and healthier life for your dog.

Health Risks in Skipping Preventive Care in Dogs

The following are the major health risks that dogs are vulnerable to if not provided timely preventive care.

1. Flea & Tick Infestations

Besides causing immense itching and discomfort to dogs, fleas and ticks can transmit a variety of diseases. While fleas can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and transmit tapeworms, ticks can cause Lyme disease. Though flea and tick infestations are treatable, it can take weeks of consistent effort to eliminate them completely. Thankfully, there are several flea and tick preventives on the market that work effectively to keep these pesky parasites at bay. The most popular flea and tick preventives include Simparica, NexGard, and Credelio.

2. Intestinal Worm Infections

Dogs and puppies of all breeds are vulnerable to intestinal worm infestations. Worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms live in the gut of your furry baby and feed on their nutrients, affecting their growth and overall well-being. Certain intestinal parasites can also pass to humans, especially children, making them a threat to your entire household. However, these parasites can be effectively controlled and prevented with the help of effective dewormers designed specifically for dogs. Some of the commonly used options include Paragard Allwormer, Triworm-D, and Milbemax.

3. Heartworm Infection

Heartworm infection is a potentially fatal disease in dogs caused by Dirofilaria immitis. It is transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. The deadly worms can grow up to a foot long and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs, causing serious damage to these organs. Treating heartworm infection is challenging for dogs and their human parents as it involves multiple veterinary visits and painful procedures. However, preventing heartworm disease can be achieved with the consistent use of year-round preventives. Commonly used options include Heartgard Plus for Dogs and NexGard Spectra.

Why New Dog Parents Tend to Skip Preventive Care?

Most new dog parents are caught off-guard while providing their dogs with preventive care, not because of carelessness but because it is not on their radar. They are mostly not aware of the health risks that their canine babies are susceptible to. Also, on many occasions, they get overwhelmed while figuring out which products to go for.

According to studies, the prices of treatments and preventives also play a vital role, as parents also spend a considerable amount on food, grooming, and other pet essentials. However, platforms like CanadaPetCare offer an impressive range of preventive care products for dogs at discounted rates and delivers them right at your doorsteps.

Building a Routine to Ensure Preventive Care

The following can help you ensure an effective preventive care schedule for your doggo.

1. Start Monthly Preventives

Administering monthly preventives to your furry baby is the most effective way to keep pesky parasites at bay. You may seek your vet’s advice to decide on appropriate preventive care products for your dog.

2. Go for Regular Veterinary Visits

Within the first few weeks of adopting your dog, you must take them for regular veterinary visits. This will ensure regular check-ups and help your vet guide you on effective preventive care. Veterinary visits also result in the early diagnosis of illness and diseases and help in their timely treatment.

3. Provide Year-Round Protection

Contrary to popular belief, parasites do not disappear in winter. While many parasites may become less active in winter, they can still remain hidden inside your home and become active again when conditions become favorable. Therefore, year-round parasite prevention is crucial to keep your dog safe and protected throughout the year.

Wrapping Up

Skipping preventive care for dogs can increase the risk of severe health complications and medical emergencies. By prioritizing preventive care, you will not only be able to protect your pal from silent diseases but also help improve their quality of life.