When your dog is healthy and happy, you can see it in everything they do, but just like us, they’re under constant attack from parasites, viruses and bacteria - all of which can cause major problems if allowed in. So, naturally, as a vet nurse or an owner, it’s important to do what you can to keep their immune system strong to protect them against it.
That’s something we provide some advice on here in this blog, as we look at some tips on how to support their natural immunity to everyday illnesses. By implementing what you read here, you’ll ensure that when disease hits, they’re able to fight it off effectively and decisively.
Cleanliness Is Key To Animal Health
As any good vet nurse will be able to tell you, an important part of staying healthy is keeping clean. The same thing applies when talking about dogs, and as we all know, they’ve got a habit of seeking out dirt and filth and rolling about in it!
Sure, a dog’s body can cope with more bacteria than your average human, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be clean and hygienic. Maintaining a good bacteria balance by regular washing and once every other week is about the right frequency, as overwashing can cause issues too.
Maintaining A Healthy Canine Weight
Another key element that contributes to a strong immune system for your dog is a healthy weight. The further above the ideal weight they are, the more the immune system has to cope with, so as a vet nurse or owner, you need to control their intake.
If you’re not sure what the ideal portion sizes and frequency should be, talk to your local animal care professional who’ll be able to work out the perfect calorific intake for your pet - which you can then use to guide you when feeding.
Keep Dog Feeding Bowls & Toys Clean
Something you don’t need to take a vet nurse course to understand is that dogs love sniffing and licking things when they’re out on their daily walks. What this means is that they often bring the bacteria they pick up during this time back with them on their snouts and in their mouths.
This then gets transferred to their personal toys and feeding bowls, which builds up and if it’s not removed, it can make your pooch ill. A quick rinse is usually enough, but this is the minimum you should be doing on a daily basis, along with adequately drying said items, as moisture provides the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. These are all things you would learn in a vet course if you are still unsure.
Learning Animal Care Skills Is Easier Now Than Ever
These are basic tips, sure, but they’ll go a long way to keeping your dog full of life and vibrancy, as they’ll have a super-strong immune system to help them. If you’d like to learn more as an owner or as someone looking to train to become a professional vet nurse, we’re here to tell you that getting the skills you need has never been easier. Perhaps an online dog training course is of interest to add to your resume?
At OCA, our Vet Nursing Career Sampler is just one of a range of CPD-approved, video-based animal care courses that make learning simple and engaging. Created with the help of industry experts and able to be paid for in manageable instalments, our full range of online training covering 20+ sectors can be found by visiting us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
Alternatively, if you’re after guidance on any of these short courses discussed here prior to enrolment, all you need to do is call our education support workers on 1300 611 404. Or you can see our entire course category of animal health courses here. Enquire today about our vet courses!
