Anyone who owns a pet knows that they deserve the best love and care, but it can be hard to truly understand a pet's needs when they can't tell you directly what's wrong. That's why it's so important to be proactive in your pet's health and make sure you're doing all you can to take care of them.
However, keeping your pet healthy goes far beyond just taking them to the vet. There are plenty of things that you can do to help keep your pet safe and happy while you're at home and in between vet visits. Follow these simple steps to make sure you're giving your pet the best life possible.
Diet
A healthy and well-balanced diet should be implemented for any pet. Depending on the breed of your pet, size, age and any medical needs, their diet may vary.
It's important to consult a veterinarian to figure out what type of diet is best for your pet and make sure they're getting all of the nutrients they need. In general, look for food that has high-quality, easy to pronounce ingredients.
If your pet is lacking in any nutrients, your veterinarian may provide a supplement such as Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Thrive. Dietary supplements may become more necessary as your pet gets older, such as giving them fish oil for joint health.
Exercise
A healthy amount of exercise for your pet should accompany their well-balanced diet. Depending on the type of pet you have, the exercise needs will vary. If your pet doesn't get enough exercise, it could lead to weight gain, which will make them higher-risk for certain diseases.
If you have a dog, try taking them on daily walks or playing fetch; for cats, set up toys for them and play with them often throughout the day.
Smaller animals often need exercise wheels and other toys inside their cages to keep them active.
Exercise will also keep their mind sharp and healthy and keep them stimulated throughout the day.
Grooming
Grooming isn't just for appearance purposes. Regularly grooming your pet will help keep them healthy, too.
It can involve a number of different things depending on your pet. You may need to keep their nails trimmed, fur clean and cut to an appropriate length, brush their teeth or brush their fur.
While you're grooming your pet, it is also an ideal time to check for any changes in your pet's fur or skin such as dandruff or bald patches. You should also make a habit of checking for any lumps or bumps on them at least once a month.
Grooming can also prevent things like fleas or ticks, which can carry diseases.
Preventative Medicine
Vaccinations and other preventative medicines will keep your pet healthy and happy. Things like heartworms, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites can put your furry friend in a lot of pain and may even cause life-threatening illnesses.
Depending on your pet, your veterinarian may prescribe different types of preventative medicines, such as a tick and flea collar or rabies vaccination.
Beyond medications, keep your pet's teeth healthy to prevent tooth decay and oral health issues. Be sure to brush your pet's teeth if possible or give them dental chews to promote good oral health.
Emotional Health
Keeping your pet happy goes beyond physical health; their mental health is just as important. Establishing a bond with your pet you have will help them have positive interactions with other pets and humans and will build trust. Socializing them with other pets, when possible, can also help promote good emotional health.
Keeping their mind stimulated and caring for their emotional health will also help reduce behavioral issues and make sure they feel loved and cared for.
There are many ways to keep your pet healthy at home. Health goes beyond just going to the vet bi-annually, so make sure you're fulfilling all of your pet's needs both physically and emotionally.
About the Author:
Mia Morales is a loving wife and mother of twins from Colorado. She is a self-described “DIY addict”, and loves to decorate her house and office with her creations. As a mother, Mia is really passionate about health, nutrition, and what she puts in her body. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing with her little dog and kids. Who says moms aren’t superheroes?
