15 Ways To Ensure Your Pet Has A Happy and Healthy Life
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Forbes reports that 66% of U.S. households — 86.9 million homes — own a pet, with 65.1 million homes owning dogs, the most popular pet. Did you know that owning a pet can reduce stress, make you happier, and even help with heart health?
The American Heart Association reports that having a pet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 30%. The key to this paws-itively wonderful partnership is for you to keep your furry (or not so furry) friend happy and healthy.
However, many pet parents unwittingly miss some very important elements of their care, which can lead to unnecessary health problems. Luckily, giving your pet the life they deserve doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 15 simple tips to keep their tails wagging and their hearts pumping!
Provide a Balanced Diet
Keeping your pet healthy begins with a healthy diet. Consult your veterinarian for high-quality food designed to meet the needs of your dog (puppy, senior), cat, or exotic bird.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity — a common problem for pets that can lead to health problems like diabetes and joint pain. A report by Dogster indicates that overweight pets have a reduced lifespan of about 2.5 years.
Ensure Regular Exercise
Just like people, physical activity is important for pets. In addition, cats enjoy using interactive toys and climbing structures, and dogs live for daily walks or play sessions.
Regular exercise regulates a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and stimulates your pet mentally.
Schedule Routine Vet Checkups
It is important to check in with your vet annually so that any potential health problems can be found early. Preventive care includes vaccinations, dental cleaning, and parasite prevention.
Getting your pet checked by the vet regularly helps to keep your pet in good shape, and gives you peace of mind. Each pet will have different timing so consult your veterinarian for a specific guidance.
Prioritize Dental Health
Good oral hygiene is often overlooked but is essential to your pet’s health. Feed your pet dental treats or brush its teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste to prevent plaque overgrowth.
Unattended dental care can become a source of serious bacterial infections or systemic health problems.
Keep Them Mentally Stimulated
Mental enrichment protects your pet from boredom-related behaviors such as chewing or scratching and helps it stay happy. A puzzle feeder, training session, and interactive toys will help keep their minds sharp.
Problem-solving challenges are important even for smaller pets – rabbits and hamsters.
Create a Safe Environment
Keep your home free from things that could harm your pet, such as toxic plants, sharp objects, or easily accessible wires. Designate a safe space for your pet to retreat to whenever it needs to rest or feel safe.
Their overall happiness is greatly dependent on a stress-free environment.
Practice Good Grooming Habits
Grooming prevents your pet from becoming uncomfortable and makes it less prone to skin issues or matting. They need their fur brushed, nails trimmed and be bathed, as needed, depending on their breed and lifestyle.
Sessions of grooming your pet are also an excellent opportunity to improve your relationship.
Provide Fresh Water
Fresh, clean water is always important for your pet’s health. Invest in a pet water fountain so that your pet will drink more and won’t be dehydrated.
Monitor their water intake so that any changes can indicate underlying health concerns.
Socialize Them Properly
Socialization will help your pet feel more confident and behave well around people and animals. Young pets need to experience as many different environments and experiences as early as possible.
For older pets, it’s a matter of positive reinforcement and exposure to the new slowly.
Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention
Fleas, ticks, and worms can be serious problems and may affect your pet’s health. You should regularly administer vet-recommended preventatives and have them wear collars that repel fleas and ticks.
Make sure to check your pet for signs of infestations, especially after playing outdoors. Cleaning and disinfecting the pet’s living areas regularly is also a good way to reduce infestations.
Watch for Behavioral Changes
When your pet starts acting differently – less interested in food, lazier, or more aggressive – then it’s likely that something’s going on.
Keep an eye on your pet for those subtle signs of discomfort or illness, and call your veterinarian if anything seems odd. This can make a huge difference in their well-being.
Provide Appropriate Bedding
For a good night’s sleep and joint support, your pet needs comfortable, clean bedding tailored totheir needs. Older pets with arthritis will find orthopedic beds beneficial, while smaller and more fragile animals will appreciate the soft and warm materials.
Regularly wash their beddings to maintain hygiene.
Keep Their Vaccinations Up to Date
Most vaccinations protect your pet from deadly diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. To ensure your pet stays protected during their entire life, follow your vet’s recommended schedule.
Proper vaccination safeguards your pet and the other animals in your community.
Spend Quality Time Together
Your pet wants your attention, so you have to make time every day to spend with them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a game of fetch or a cuddle session on the couch, or just being in the same room — they can feel the love when you’re there.
Pets are happy if they know that they are truly part of the family.
Tailor Care to Their Breed or Species
Each pet is different and should be cared for accordingly. For example, brachycephalic dogs like pugs may need special handling in hotter climates, and one needs controlled temperature and humidity for exotic pets like reptiles.
The key to knowing how to keep your pet happy and healthy is understanding what your pet needs.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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