While a loving home is a key ingredient to your pets' well-being, knowing the best ways to care for your pets is essential to their overall health. Read on for our best tips on keeping your pet happy and healthy.
1. Give them adequate nutrition.
Feeding your pet the right food will help control their weight and prevent many diseases related to obesity. A nutritionally balanced diet will consist of plenty of fresh water, delicious and healthy food of which 10% may be your pets favorite treats.
2. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
While walks, playtime at the park, and playing fetch can keep your pet physically active, it's important not to forget to keep your pet mentally stimulated, too! Combine traditional playtime with a few interactive toys and watch your furry friends thrive.
3. Take them to regular veterinary checkups
Checking your health on a regular basis is a great way to spot any discomfort or problems you may be having. Early detection of disease symptoms allows for a speedy recovery and will be less stressful for your pet. Regular visits with your vet are also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the general care of your pet.
4. Give them preventative medicine.
Keeping your pet protected with medication for diseases like heartworm, ticks, and fleas goes hand in hand with regular vet checkups. Brushing your pets teeth regularly and allowing them to use dental chews helps prevent periodontal disease that can cause more serious problems down the road.
5. Brush regularly.
Brushing your pet weekly, keeping his nails trimmed, and bathing him are a good way to monitor his coat or skin for changes. It's also an ideal time to check for any lumps and bumps that might be of concern.
6. Give them a lot of love.
Did you know that cuddling with your dog actually releases oxytocin in your brain? This helps you feel more relaxed, and it's also a great way to bond with your pet. While showing your pet love through hugs and kisses is great for both of you, it's also important to give your fur baby his personal space and let him find you when he's ready.
7. Get social.
A puppy's or kitten's formative years, from a few weeks to 16-18 weeks, is the most critical period for socialization. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, early socialization [in dogs] and proper exposure to a variety of people and situations at a young age decreases the chances of terribly aggressive or antisocial behavior in later life.
8. Get your pet spayed/neutered
In addition to the obvious prevention of unwanted litters, spaying/neutering your pet can prevent some types of cancer and diseases, extend your pet's life expectancy, and reduce aggressive behavior in male dogs.
9. Get to know your pet.
Are you sleeping more than usual? Are you eating and playing normally? It is important to keep an eye on your fur baby and consult with a vet if you feel that he is not being his usual self to rule out any health problems.
10. Make sure that they are safe at all times.
Getting your pet microchipped and making sure they have their collar and identification tags on at all times is important to make sure they are safe while walking and outdoors. Invest in a good leash and harness to ensure they are secure. Along with the other tips above, you'll be able to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and with you for years to come!
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