Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Veterinary Care

It is recommended that your pet visits the veterinary clinic at least once every year for a check-up to check for any underlying health or weight concerns. Even if your pet looks and acts like they’re in great health, that check-up is important for catching any problems early.

In addition to their annual care, when any health concerns arise at home, your pet should see a vet as soon as possible. Preventative care from your vet, such as making sure your furbaby is up-to-date on their vaccinations and receiving a year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medications.

Healthy Weight and Diet

While the Internet loves photos of chunky cats, it is crucial to monitor your pets weight and diet to make sure they are healthy and reduce the risk of obesity-related medical conditions. Pets who are overweight tend to have a shorter lifespan and face medical issues later in life. To determine what is a healthy weight for your pet, schedule a check-up and talk to your vet.

To manage your pets diet and weight, be sure to measure how much food you’re giving them and follow the guidelines on your pet food packaging in addition to following your vets recommendations. They should be fed based on their ideal weight rather than their current weight. While treats make us and our pets feel good and reward good behavior, limit the amount of treats they’re getting each day.

Staying Active

Keeping your cats and dogs active is a major component for maintaining their mental and physical health.

For dogs, an active lifestyle might look like taking them for regular walks in addition to having outside time to run in a backyard or dog park if those are available. It is recommended that your dog go out at least once a day, but certain breeds require more outside time. These daily walks are beneficial to your dogs mental health as well as the outside provides a brain-stimulating environment for your dog to explore.

For cats, an active lifestyle includes taking time each day to play with them using lasers, feather chasers, and other hunting toys. They should have an enriched environment as well that includes scratching posts to claw or cat trees to climb for mental stimulation. Be sure to reward them for playing with the occasional treat.

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