How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

I had a long jam session last night, so this article is a guest post by our neighborhood dog walker. Enjoy!

Every dog-owner will agree that their pets are an integral part of their families and that they cannot imagine their lives without them. These animals are so adorable and affectionate, that their wellbeing becomes such a priority that cannot be compromised at any cost. Needless to say, a pet dog has nobody else to rely on apart from its owner to take care of its health. A balanced diet, regular grooming and exercise, and routine checkups at the veterinarian are necessary to ensure that your dog’s physical and mental health is taken care of.

Keeping your dog’s heart healthy can make your heart healthy too. According to a study titled Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, owning a dog is linked to better human well-being and longevity. That said, if you notice that your dog is suddenly having difficulty breathing or experiencing fatigue, they may have a heart problem. You should schedule an appointment immediately with a Cardiac Veterinarian.  

Furthermore, it is very important for you to carefully analyze your doggy best friend’s habits in terms of their activities, such as play, eating, drinking, and sleeping. Variations in these patterns are the clearest sign that their health may be in questionable condition.

Record their weight 

A dog’s weight, much like a human being, is dependent on a balance between nutrition and physical activity. For instance, if your dog has been fed nutritious meals and is yet underweight or overweight, then you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to suspect that they might be struggling with health issues. Overfeeding a dog to keep him strong and healthy is a common mistake, as obese dogs are more vulnerable to developing serious health issues. According to experts, the best way to tell whether or not you are feeding your dog more than you should is by feeling the area around its rib cage. If you can feel their ribs under their skin without much padding, then they are likely in good shape.

Wash your dog regularly 

There is no better feeling than petting the soft coat of your dog after a long, hard day. That said, you should check your dog’s skin frequently, as it can explain a lot about their health. Common causes for concern include scabs, white flakes, and red patches. As an owner, you should check your dog’s skin for fleas, lice, ticks, and any other such external pests that are capable of wreaking havoc. Spotted early, it can be controlled before it is too late. If there is a spot that looks like black dirt clumping their coat against their skin, it could be flea droppings. Therefore, in order to steer away from the possibility of your dog developing any such condition, they should be washed often.

Closeup Photography of Adult Short-coated Tan and White Dog Sleeping on Gray Textile at Daytime

Schedule routine veterinarian appointments 

Vaccinations can prevent the dog from contracting serious illnesses that might be irrevocable or even fatal. Getting your dog shielded from ailments like hepatitis and rabies through vaccination will give you peace of mind, sparing you of the headache that comes with constantly worrying about their health.

The Accident

The Accident

This story comes as I was taking a hot tub soak in my San Diego abode overlooking the sea, deep in contemplation over the many scars I’ve accrued over the years. Not from any fights, mind you, or any feats of valor, but from the incredibly dumb escapades I’ve had with my good friend ‘Al’ (cohol). Hands wrecked from punching through walls, TV screens, and windows, burns from late night belligerent cooking, and all manner of scrapes and slashes from falling from various heights.

Then my eyes landed on one set of criss-crossing scars I got from before my music career took off – the one from the accident I had as a young kid just out of high school. The one that almost ended my music career before it got off the ground.

There isn’t some great story behind it – some moron who was drunk at noon decided to do some donuts in a cul-de-sac as I was passing by. Once a neighbor yelled about calling the cops, he burned rubber in an escape attempt, losing control and clipping me in the process. I was sent flying, my leg now bent in a direction it was very much not supposed to be in.

I landed, dazed, and remember only the sounds of yelling before waking back up in a hospital the next day. My knee was absolutely shredded, the bones broken and the ligaments torn to the point that they didn’t know if I was going to ever be able to walk without a crutch.

I decided that this was not an acceptable state of affairs, so I began many months of grueling rehabilitation and physical therapy, all at my and my family’s expense. The guy in the truck was thrown in the can for reckless endangerment, but walked away no worse for wear, while I was stuck on my butt for the better part of a year.

Lucky for me I had my music to keep me comfortable, but my family was in dire straights for a long time while I was getting back on my feet. If we had access to a good personal injury lawyer at the time way out in our corner of nowhere, we’d have avoided a lot of heartache.

So, while ruminating on all of this, I decided I’d help my local San Diego readers find an auto accident attorney if they find themselves in a similar situation. A local guy who comes very highly recommended by some friends is Chris Villasenor and his office, Villasenor Law offices.

There’s a ton to like from what I’ve heard about the firm. Patient, conscientious, and highly communicative, they have everything you want in a PI lawyer. Checking out their Yelp page, Jonathon S. testifies to this in writing:

Great attorney in all respects. Chris and his staff are very helpful and communicative, contributing to a fluid experience from the onset. Moreover, with his expertise and thoroughness, Chris was able to secure an excellent resolution for my personal injury case. I highly recommend his services.

Villasenor’s offices also do a bang-up job with contract law. A peek at their Google reviews has a number of good things to say about their work in the field:

“Over the last 10 years, Chris Villasenor has created several contracts for my company that protect me in case a dispute with a client or contractor crops up. He has also reviewed contracts from my potential clients or partners and made recommendations on ways they needed to be revised in order to protect my best interest. Chris was also very helpful and informative when my husband & I were faced with a real estate dispute while purchasing our current home. Chris is trustworthy, professional and a great legal resource in times of need AND he’s become my attorney of choice!”

So, if you’re in the Mira Mesa, Poway, or the greater San Diego area and need a personal injury lawyer or business attorney, these are your guys. Don’t get stuck with a bill that might crush your dreams and do the smart thing – sue the pants off the guy who had the temerity to crash into you.

Villasenor Law Offices

(858) 707-7771

12396 World Trade Dr Ste 211, San Diego, CA 92128