You want your best furry friend to live a long life, and you hope to spend as much time with them as possible. Use these five tips to help your pet get the most out of their dog (or cat) years.
Schedule regular check-ups. Regular consultation with your veterinarian can help you anticipate potential health problems before they start, engage in important preventive care, obtain the appropriate vaccinations, and discuss any other concerns you might have. For every 1 human calendar year a dog ages by 7 years, and a cat by 6 years. Even something as seemingly simple as flea and tick prevention can also help to ward off serious health problems that can arise from parasites.
Clean your pet’s teeth. While you’re at the vet, remember to schedule regular dental cleanings for your pet. Oral health problems can cause pain while eating, cause your pet to reject their diet, and lead to the development of other health problems like heart and kidney disease. Brush your pet’s teeth at home, too, or discuss dental treats with your vet if your pet rejects their toothbrush.
Feed your pet the appropriate diet. A high-quality food will help your pet to maintain a functioning digestive system, keep their immune system healthy, protect their joints, and much more. And of course, you can look forward to a shiny coat and healthy skin as well.
Maintain your pet’s weight. Just as with humans, becoming overweight can lead to a myriad of health problems for your pet. Keep your pet active and avoid feeding them excess “human foods” which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and more. Both canine and felines should not be allowed to free feed. The food should be measured out, or over eating may occur, and as a result they may become over weight. Both canines and felines should have daily exercise which can be achieved with toys, active human interactions and training. Remember that “a body in motion stays in motion and a body at rest stays at rest” [Newton’s Laws of Physics].
Keep your pet at home. While they might enjoy it, free ranging pets are exposed to dangers such as cars, predators, poisons, contagious diseases, and more. It is simply not worth the risk. Whenever you venture out on a walk, have your dog on a leash for not only their safety, but to remain within the legal allowances of the law.
Have any questions about these ideas? Please call us if you need information on the appropriate food or any other aspect of your dog or cat’s daily life. We can help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life with you.