Pets become cherished members of your family, and you want to do everything you can to keep them healthy and safe. There are dozens of ways to ensure your beloved pet is healthy, from proper nutrition and exercise to affection and preventative medications.
These five tips will keep your dog or cat in great health.
1. Feed your pet well
Proper nutrition is essential for your pet’s health. You must feed your pet the right type and amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. This will help to prevent obesity-related illness and increase your pet’s lifespan.
Feed your cat or dog high-quality pet food and make sure they get a balanced diet. If you are worried that your pet is not getting the right nutrients, then speak to your veterinarian as they might be able to recommend supplements to boost their daily nutrition.
2. Avoid too many treats
Giving your pet a treat can be a great way to reward them and build a closer bond. The odd treat is fine, but you should avoid giving your pet excessive amounts of treats, or you risk them becoming overweight and developing health issues.
According to advice from the Clinical Nutrition Service, “treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calorie needs.”
3. Keep your pet physically active
All pets need some physical activity to keep them fit and healthy. The amount of exercise your pet needs will depend on its breed. For instance, some larger dog breeds require several long walks a day, whereas a smaller or older dog may only need a 30-minute walk a day. Puppies also require frequent amounts of exercise, or they can become restless and destructive.
Take a look at this article by the American Kennel Club for advice on how much exercise your dog needs. Most pet owners do not walk cats, but you can encourage your cat to be more active by playing with it or buying it toys like a motorized mouse or a climbing post. Regular exercise will keep your dog or cat in good physical shape.
4. Book regular vet check-ups
Regular vet check-ups are the key to helping your pet enjoy a long and healthy life. Veterinarians at kellycrossinganimalhospital.com recommend that you arrange an annual check-up appointment for your pet. This will allow your vet to detect early health issues and recommend an appropriate course of treatment before they become something more serious. You should also take preventative measures like giving your pet yearly worm and flea treatments.
5. Give your pet plenty of affection
Pets like cats and dogs require lots of love and affection. You can establish a strong bond with your cat or dog by playing with them and giving them plenty of strokes, cuddles, and attention. Showing your pet love and affection will build your emotional connection, and it will also encourage your pet to socialize with other animals and humans.
These tips will keep your pet fit, healthy and happy!
