Overview
Being a pet parent is a big responsibility. Taking care of a dog or cat is similar to raising a child. You will need to invest a lot of time, effort, money and love in order to keep them healthy and happy!
Here is a quick guide to keeping your pet healthy and happy their entire life.
Diet
Just like humans it all starts with what we eat. A balanced diet with nutrients and limited ingredients is key for a long and healthy life. So if you’re tempted to settle for the cheapest bag of food take a bit more time to understand the value of quality food. Providing your pet with cheap, unhealthy food will decrease their quality of life and cost you more in the long run. Diet is so important in fact that Petco has decided to eliminate all pet food that contains artificial ingredients.
Finally, once you’ve found the right, quality food for your furry family member it’s important to control portions so your pet gets the right amount of daily food.
Exercise
The second key to a long and healthy life for your pet is exercise. Daily movement will keep your pet’s blood flowing and reduce the chances for obesity. Obesity in pets is becoming more common and it’s sad because overweight pets are more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease and joint issues.
If you don’t have time each day consider hiring a dog-walker a few times a week so your pooch can get the exercise he or she needs each week.
Preventative Care
Diet and exercise are the most important factors in preventing many health issues, but there are things you can do in addition to diet and exercise to ensure your pets healthy and happiness.
Dental Chews – Oral hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s health and it’s an easy way to reward your pet while also keeping their teeth and gums healthy!
Wellness Visits – Your pet should visit their veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam. This will ensure your pet is healthy and if anything is wrong your veterinarian can identify it early.
Dental Cleanings – Pet’s won’t need it every year but a dental cleaning every two to three years can help prevent long-term gingivitis and gum disease.
Emergency Care
If your pooch or kitten is unlucky you may be faced with a trip to a veterinary hospital some time during their life. If you have never experienced a pet emergency then consider yourself lucky. Fact is that every six seconds a pet is faced with a vet bill over $3,000!
The best way to protect your pet from expensive emergencies is to invest in a pet insurance plan. It’s a great way to ensure you can make decisions about your pet’s health without worrying about money.
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