7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy

7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy

Throughout the year you take steps to protect your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s eating right or getting plenty of exercises, there’s a lot that you can do to prevent illness and disease.

Our pets have natural ways to stay healthy too, but sometimes they need help. As humans, we are resourceful and can adapt well to environmental conditions. Domesticated animals like dogs and cats aren’t quite as adaptable, especially when faced with weather extremes or unfamiliar scenarios.

You can keep your pets safe and healthy throughout the year. If you’re not sure what you could be doing better, you can start with these seven simple tips.

 

1) Get Regular Exercise

This one is for dogs especially, but it also counts for pets like ferrets, hamsters, mice, and any other active animal.

Dogs can become depressed and demotivated during the winter. When they’re kept inside, they can develop a form of cabin fever. Help to bring out their pent up energy by playing indoor games like hide and seek and tug of war.

Cats also need to be kept active, and they will often play on their own without encouragement. Invest in a cat tree which will give your furry friends platforms to jump on and scratching posts to maintain their claws.

For caged pets like mice, rats, and hamsters, etc. make sure you have plenty of space, tunnels to explore, and a running wheel for exercise.

 

2) Keep Your Pet Cool in the Summer

If you feel hot, know that your pet is likely on a whole other level of discomfort. Pets have several biological systems to maintain body temperature, but they won’t always work efficiently during the hottest months of the year. You can help by keeping your home air-conditioned with your pet inside.

Dogs love cool baths in the summer. Invest in a large plastic or collapsible bath, and let your dog have some fun in the water. Snowdog breeds like huskies will even love ice baths during the hottest months of the year.

 

3) Give Your Pet a Balanced Diet

Diet is key to pet health. If you’re feeding your pet the same dry food every day, they probably aren’t receiving all the nutrition that they need. A combination of dry, wet, and even fresh food is suitable for most pets.

If you’re unsure about the ideal diet for your pet, talk to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to give you helpful suggestions for pet food products and fresh food groups.

 

4) Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Whether it’s summer or winter, your pet always needs to be hydrated. Never leave a water bowl or dispenser empty. Pets can take some of their hydration from food, but they’ll need more water if their diet consists primarily of kibble and biscuits.

 

5) Give Regular Flea and Worm Treatments

Ticks and fleas can lead to serious complications for pets. Allergic dermatitis and even anemia can be developed if infestations aren’t treated. Worms can also lead to serious symptoms such as vomiting, loss of energy, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

There are over the counter products available that will prevent parasites in cats, dogs, and other pets. Regular treatments will help to prevent flea infestation or painful stomach parasites.

If you’re unsure about which product to use, talk to your veterinarian first.

 

6) Keep Your Pet Protected During the Holidays

Animals can become overexcited or stressed during large gatherings of family and friends. The volume, unfamiliar faces and scents, and the general bustle of a holiday party is not pet-friendly.

Consider keeping your pet at an animal daycare for large holiday events. If you don’t want to part with your pet, then create a safe and comfortable space in your garage or another room where they will remain undisturbed. Be sure to visit with your pet frequently so that they don’t develop anxiety during the event.

 

7) Have a Checkup at Least Once a Year

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to book a professional consultation at least once a year. A yearly visit to the veterinarian will ensure that any potentially serious health problems are detected early. Just like disease and illness in humans, early detection of pet conditions can be lifesaving.

Protect the health of your pet and keep them safe for a lifetime of love and companionship. Even the simplest steps can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of your pet.

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