Help Your Pet Live a Long, Happy Life
Just like every loved one in your family, you want your pet to live a long life. That’s not as difficult as it sounds. Helping your pet live a long happy life can be as simple as making a commitment to giving them the care and protection they deserve. Your role is to provide lots of love and make small meaningful efforts every day.
Here’s a To-Do list to help you meet this goal.
1. Don’t overfeed your pet
A 2018 pet owner survey by Petobesity.org determined that 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of dogs were obese or overweight. All of that excess weight can lead to inflammation, metabolic disorders, orthopedic problems, a lower life expectancy, and many other adverse issues. You and your family are in control of your pet’s food intake. It’s up to you to make the necessary changes to minimize the risk of obesity-related diseases and help your pet live a long life.
- Talk to your vet about your pet’s optimum weight.
- Ask for diet recommendations and low-calorie food alternatives.
- Eliminate between-meal snacks.
- Don’t use food to show your pet how much you love them.
2. Exercise with your pet
Walking and running together outdoors is great fun for pets and owners. It’s the perfect way to get needed exercise. It also helps you control the weight gain that can sabotage your pet’s health. Simply grab a leash, take your dog to the park, and enjoy the fun. Your dog might also enjoy swimming, “playing ball,” and catching a frisbee.
Outdoor exercise isn’t quite that simple for a cat. For better control, you’ll need a harness instead of a collar. You should also consider walking in your yard instead of taking your cat to a big intimidating park. For indoor exercise, use toys that encourage your cat to run, jump, and play.
Before you begin your pet exercise regimen, talk to your vet to make sure your pet is healthy enough for your planned activities.
3. Don’t forget preventative care and wellness visits
It’s important to call your vet when your pet isn’t feeling very well. Preventative care and wellness visits are equally important. They give your vet an opportunity to prevent life-threatening pet illnesses and make sure your pet is healthy.
Your vet makes sure your dog is up to date with Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies and other preventative vaccinations. They provide inoculations to prevent Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Leukemia, and other cat illnesses. Regular visits also ensure early diagnosis and treatment of pet illnesses and conditions.
4. Don’t let the dogs out! (or the cats)
When pets wander away from home they encounter a big wide world of unfamiliar people, places, and things. Cars, humans, and other animals present physical dangers your pet might not appreciate.
An auto accident can cause serious injuries. A bite from a stray animal can infect your pet with rabies. To ensure a long life for your pets, you must implement a gentle restraint system that keeps them close to home.
5. Take care of your pet’s teeth
Pets can develop the same dental conditions as humans. Their dental issues cause pain, decay, and tooth loss. Extreme problems can lead to heart and kidney ailments. You can help prevent these problems by brushing your pets’ teeth and taking them for ‘regular dental exams.
Hebron Veterinary Hospital
To Learn more about helping your pet live a long, happy life call Hebron Veterinary Hospital at (860) 228-4324.