People who don’t own a pet may think it’s easy-peasy to foster their health and wellbeing (afterall, all you have to provide food and shelter, right?) But pet owners know that there is a little more to it than that! Read on for my top 10 ways to maintain your pet's health. 1. Make your Home Healthier
The best place to start is right at home with your living environment. Start by keeping your home clutter-free to reduce the likelihood of accidents, as well as regularly cleaning to get rid of dust and other allergens. There are even houseplants you can add to your rooms that will help purify the air (just make sure you know which ones are toxic to four legged household members.)
2. Feed them a Quality Diet
Diet is critical to the livelihood of a pet. As with humans, your pet should eat high-quality, nutritionally balanced food appropriate for their breed, lifestyle, and age. Be wary of trendy diets and speak with your veterinarian to recommend what your pet should be eating.
3. Get them Regular Exercise
If your pet is an active breed and is not getting regular exercise, it can negatively impact their quality and length of life. Take regular walks with your pet, and look for more intense activities that you can incorporate into your routine. Perhaps you will pick up a backyard activity that you can do each day or leave a few minutes in your schedule for playing ball. Just find something both you and your pet enjoy, and try to do it consistently. If looking for a local option, Posh Pets highly recommends checking out Frolick Dogs Canine Sports Club in Alexandria, VA.
4. Take them to the Groomer
Keeping your pet well-groomed can make a big difference as well. If you have a professional groomer you like, try to take your pet at least once a month. Also look for simple ways that you can promote their hygiene at home. Depending on your pet’s breed, you may be able to bathe them, trim their nails, and cut their fur. Posh Pets is a big fan of Pawsh Dog Wash in Alexandria, VA (tell the owner, Mary, they sent you!)
5. Entrust their care to Professional Pet Sitters
Did you know that you can care for your pet’s health and wellbeing even when you are not around? Whether you’re going to work or out of town, find a reputable pet sitting provider near you so that you can ensure they are adequately cared for. Businesses like Posh Pets, provide hands-on, customized, top notch service for four legged and feathered family members.
6. Keep Up With Checkups
No matter how old your pet is, taking them to the vet is essential. Younger and middle-aged pets can get away with going for annual checkups, but if your pet is older, you may want to take them every six months. This will help you stay in front of any potential health problems and allow you to ask the vet about any lifestyle modifications that can help your pet live more healthfully.
7. Brush their Teeth
Any pet owner can tell you that brushing an animal’s teeth requires patience and perseverance. But your pet’s dental health is critical to their overall health, so it is worth the effort to brush their teeth each day. There are plenty of tools and tutorials you can find online to help your cause!
8. Take Basic Safety Precautions
There are many simple steps you can take to keep your pet safe at home and when they're out. Make sure they have a collar and ID tag, and consider getting them a microchip if they don’t already have one; these devices make it easy for strangers to reconnect lost pets with their families. Also, be mindful of any toxic chemicals or vegetation in or around your home so that you can keep them out of reach from your pet, and be sure to secure any exposed wires or cables that can harm your pet.
9. Prevent Parasites
Helping your pet avoid parasites is simpler than ever these days. Give your furry companion one dose of a prevention medication each month to fight off fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease.
10. Identify Behavioral Changes
Finally, be on the lookout for any indications that your pet is dealing with a health issue. No one knows your pet better than you, so pay attention to any abnormal behavior (e.g., anxiety, extra clinginess, excessive drinking, etc.) that warrants a vet visit.
Make 2022 a year of health for your pet. Consider these tips for promoting your pet’s health and wellness, and keep researching other practical steps you can take to help both you and your furry family member get the most out of life.
About the Author A lifelong pet owner and animal advocate, Penny Martin dedicates her time to educating folks on the proper treatment of pets, recognizing signs of abuse and is a resource in helping find pets find forever homes. For further information, you can connect with Penny at Furever Friend.