No matter what type of pet you own, you want to keep him as healthy and happy as you can. Here are five tips to help.
Feed Your Pet a Good Diet to Keep Him Healthy
Good nutrition is one of the most important things you can provide for your dog or cat. Choose a high quality pet food that is complete and balanced. There are many commercial diets that are appropriate. Or, you can choose to cook for your pet. Consult your veterinarian for advice about what type of food is best for keeping your pet healthy.
Provide Plenty of Exercise for Your Pet and Keep Him Lean
Exercise is an essential for any dog or cat. The amount of exercise will vary depending on your pet. For instance, for a small dog like a chihuahua, walking a block or two several times daily may be sufficient. For a larger dog, a block or two is probably just the start.
Exercise and feed your pet to keep him lean. Over 50% of the pets here in the US are overweight. Overweight pets are prone to all kinds of health problems. Your pet will lead a longer, healthier life if you keep him on the lean side.
Don’t Forget the Veterinary Visits
Veterinary visits are a must for keeping your pet healthy. Your pet should be examined regularly by your veterinarian. An examination may uncover mild illnesses which you may not know how to look for, such as ear infections, dental problems, heart murmurs, and more. Many of these problems are easily treated if found early but may become much more serious and difficult to treat if neglected.
Regular preventive veterinary care is important also. Vaccinations, heartworm tests (for dogs) and heartworm preventive medication, flea and tick prevention, and regular fecal exams are all part of routine preventive health care for your pet.
Groom Your Pet Regularly to Keep His Skin and Coat Healthy
Regular grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming toenails, cleaning ears as necessary and, for some dog breeds, cutting the hair.
You do not need to take your pet to a grooming facility to have these procedures performed if you feel comfortable doing them at home. But, you need to make sure they do get done.
Regular brushing will keep your pet’s hair from becoming tangled. Bathing will help the skin and coat clean. It’s fine to bathe your dog as often as once or twice a week if needed.
Oral Care Is Important for Your Pet’s Health
If neglected, your pet’s teeth can become a source of pain for him as they become rotten. They can also seed your dog or cat’s blood stream with bacteria and cause serious heart or kidney disease.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to keep them clean and healthy. However, if your pet is difficult, there are other options such as Greenies and other pet chews, oral rinses and other dental products. Your pet will also need periodic veterinary care for his teeth.
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Very good article here. I love all of the tips especially about the dental care. We should consider taking care of their oral health for we might not notice the source of their pain until we get them to their vets. Looking forward in your next article soon.