What is Preventative and Proactive Healthcare? How Can We Use It to Help Our Dogs Live Their Best Life?

As dog owners, ensuring our dogs live long, healthy, and happy lives is a top priority. One of the best ways to achieve this is through preventative and proactive healthcare. These approaches focus on preventing health issues before they arise and detecting problems early to ensure prompt treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes.

While taking our dogs to the vet when they’re sick is important, preventative and proactive care is all about staying ahead of potential health problems and helping your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their life.

So, what exactly does preventative and proactive healthcare consist of? and how can we incorporate it into our dog’s routine?

1. Regular Vet Visits and Check-ups

Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for keeping your dog in top health. These visits give your vet the chance to monitor your dog’s weight, body condition, and check for any signs of illness or disease. At WagWorks, we believe in proactive care, which is why we offer quarterly health checks. By regularly assessing your dog’s health, we can catch any issues before they become more serious and harder to treat.

2. Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the cornerstones of preventative healthcare. They protect your dog from dangerous diseases like parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, and kennel cough, all of which can be life-threatening. While puppies receive their first round of vaccinations, booster shots are necessary throughout adulthood to maintain their immunity.

3. Parasite Prevention

Parasites can have serious consequences for your dog’s health, leading to discomfort, skin problems, and even more severe conditions. At WagWorks, we use Simparica monthly to guard against a wide range of parasites, including fleas, ticks, mites, and Lungworm. We also administer Droncit every three months to protect your dog from tapeworms.

4. Proper Nutrition and Weight Management

Nutrition is critical for maintaining your dog’s health. A balanced diet helps support their immune system, strong bones and joints, and a shiny coat. Weight management is also key—obesity is a common issue that leads to joint pain, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Feeding your dog the right food and monitoring their weight regularly ensures they stay in optimal condition.

5. Mental Stimulation and Exercise

Physical exercise isn’t just about keeping your dog fit; it’s essential for their mental well-being too. Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and keeps their cardiovascular system functioning properly. Mental stimulation is just as important—providing puzzle toys, Kongs, chews, and regular training sessions can keep your dog’s mind sharp and happy.

6. Dental Care

Dental health is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as other aspects of care. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even infections that can affect other organs, such as the heart and kidneys. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste is the best preventive measure. Canine chews and toys can also help reduce plaque, but they should be used as a supplement, not a replacement for regular brushing.

7. Wellness Testing

To take proactive healthcare to the next level, WagWorks is introducing Proactive Wellness Testing. This service offers comprehensive diagnostic bundles that provide deeper insights into your dog’s health. These tests, which include blood, urine, and fecal testing, help detect subtle changes in seemingly healthy dogs that could indicate underlying issues. Early detection allows us to treat diseases promptly, improving their prognosis and quality of life.

Why Prioritise Preventative and Proactive Healthcare?

By focusing on preventative and proactive healthcare, you’re giving your dog the best chance to enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, proper nutrition, and mental stimulation are essential elements that contribute to your dog’s overall wellbeing. And with the addition of Proactive Wellness Testing, we now have even more tools to help ensure that your dog’s health is in peak condition.