We treat our pets like our close ones, feeding them high-quality food and lavishing them with affection. With all the love we give them, we sometimes forget simple things that could help them live longer.
If you are concerned about your pet’s hygiene you have to keep track of their activities. We all know that good pet care requires good decisions.
The vet treats them when they’re sick, but pet wellness is so much more than that. The mental, social, and other needs of your pet are also considered.
For a longer life span feeding and walking them out isn’t enough. You must give attention to their overall health and wellness to keep them fit.
In this article, effective ways to make smart decisions for Your Pet’s Health, I am here with a guideline as to how you can make wiser choices for your pet’s well-being. Hang tight because it’s going to be fun and informative!
Things You Should Keep in Mind If You Want Your Pets Healthy
In this article, we will look into common pet health standards as well as specific health concerns for dogs, cats, and rabbits. So let’s get to the fun part,
Keep the Pet Weight Under Observation
Whether it’s a dog or a cat the weight needs to be under constant check. When it comes to canine nutrition, owners should also keep an eye on their pets’ weight.
If a dog is overweight, he or she is more susceptible to health issues. Obesity and ACL damage in dogs are examples of these conditions. Walking, running, and other strenuous movements are difficult because of the additional weight on their hind legs.
Although a chubby dog or chunky kitten may be adorable, the excess weight it carries is harmful to your pet’s health. However, a pet that is too thin is not any healthier, as it lacks the necessary reserves to combat disease.
Our pets, just like humans, can suffer major health consequences if they put on weight. Lean dogs and cats appear healthier and more comfortable, and they are likely to live longer.
If you have issues with your pet’s weight, you should consult with your veterinarian, who should be able to advise you on an appropriate diet and exercise regimen.
Regular Exercise is The Key
Not only will regular exercise assist you in achieving number one above and maintaining the health of your pet’s cardiovascular system, but regular aerobic exercise will also keep your pet motivated and help to minimize behavioral issues.
However, simply having a yard for your dog isn’t enough; they need to start actively!
This can be beneficial to your health as well since a dog can be an excellent workout buddy. However, keep in mind that excessive exercise can result in a stiff and limping animal, which isn’t ideal.
A few daily walks may be a preferable option, as they can provide just as much good activity while causing no harm to the pet, especially if it is elderly.
It’s not easy to stroll a cat, but it’s been done before. Walking will help your pet lose weight while also maintaining muscular tone and ligament movement.
It’s a physically demanding sport that will also challenge your dog’s thinking by allowing them to explore beyond their usual yard or residence.
Just keep in mind that walking on the hottest days might cause your dog’s pads to burn, and walking on the coldest days can cause your dog’s paws to freeze.
Mouth Should Be Clean at All Times
There’s a high chance of getting bacterial infections in feline animals if their mouth is not in the best condition.
It’s all about prevention when it comes to your pet’s oral health. What appears to be harmless “puppy breath” (or foul smell in your cats) could be an early symptom of dental illness.
Periodontal disease strikes pets within the first several years of their lives. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to inflammation, infections, and persistent pain.
Brushing your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, having regular dental visits, and feeding dental chews certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council are all recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (VOHC).
Our pets, like us, require healthy teeth and gums. Dental illness or dental health difficulties are widespread in pets, and the most typical indicator of pain is if your pet isn’t chewing its food.
Get your pet accustomed to a tooth brushing program to avoid costly dental operations at the vet. There are toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for your pet.
You may also provide dental treats and toys for your pet to help keep their teeth and mouth clean.
Regular Checkup at Vet
A regular checkup is required for your pet, just as it is for you. Annual appointments with the vet will aid in the prevention of significant health problems.
With a monthly precautionary checkup, any health issues are detected and treated early, and the expense of a routine check-up is significantly less than the expense of a much more serious sickness down the road.
Veterinary treatment is important for keeping your pets fit and healthy and preventing sickness. Neutering and spaying your pets are recommended by many veterinarians to avoid unnecessary litter and safeguard your pet’s health.
Urinary infections and breast cancers can be avoided by spaying and neutering. Once neutered, your male dog may be less prone to developing prostate problems or cancer.
Your veterinarian will also keep an eye on other critical aspects of your pet’s health and well-being, such as:
- Checkups, feces testing, and blood tests are all part of the routine.
- Preventing and treating parasites
- Vaccinations for diseases such as rabies
- Dental examinations
Preventative measures are effective in preventing pet illness and disease. They also boost your pet’s immune system, making him or her more resistant to infections.
Your pet’s immunizations, such as distemper and rabies, will need to be renewed every year. It’s fine if there’s a small gap between keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date, but it’s best if you stick to your vet’s vaccination schedule.
A Healthy Diet
Much of today’s commercial pet food is the animal version of junk food, and it’s just bad for your pet.
A raw food diet for carnivores is the closest we can get to a natural diet, and canines who eat a natural diet have longer, healthier lives, and supplements can assist in balancing a healthy food diet when needed.
The health of your pet is often a reflection of what you give them. Many dogs and cats, like people, are allergic to certain foods.
Common pet diets can be just as bad for your pets as a portion of fast food or processed food diet can be for you.
Quality components in your pet’s food will provide the nutritional support they require for bone strength, stronger muscles, skin, hair, vision, dental, and digestive health.
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Dogs aren’t entirely carnivores. Give them a well-balanced diet that includes meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure they get all of the nutrients they require.
Foods labeled “all life stages” or pup foods will have additional ingredients to aid with growth. Larger adults who need to retain or decrease weight should eat “maintenance” foods.
Cats are crepuscular creatures, which means they are most alert around dark and dawn and will eat at those times. For optimum health, feed them healthful cat food that is appropriate for their age and weight.
Cat food is made in a different way than dog food. Cat food provides your cat with the nutrients they require in a manner that is compatible with a cat’s digestive system.
Cats are notoriously fussy eaters (unlike dogs, who may eat it all on your plate!) and acquire a taste for their preferred taste and kind of cat food during the first year of life.
This is something to bear in mind when transitioning your kitten from kitten food to adult food.
Find decent pet health food that meets their nutritional needs while avoiding typical food allergens.
Your veterinarian can give recommendations for good pet diets that are good for your pet’s health.
Mental Wellness As Important as Physical Wellness
All of this addresses the fundamentals of physical well-being. But how about their overall health including their mental health?
Pets have psychological, cognitive, and social requirements in addition to bodily ones.
Your pet, for example, will have a better, long lifespan if you pay attention to them and make them feel loved.
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Both cats and dogs require a secure atmosphere to eat, relax, and enjoy to be stress-free and content. If that is also taken into consideration it can give your pets a sense of satisfaction.
Choose The Right Toys
Toys are vital because they give mental stimulation to your pet and can assist educate them as well as reduce monotony and abandonment fear.
We can’t be with our pets every minute of every day, so it’s crucial to make sure their living environment is packed with stimulating toys and games to keep them entertained when you’re away.
The most important thing to know is that NO pet toy is unbreakable or completely safe. Utilize a pet toy under surveillance until you are certain that your pet can use it securely.
It is your responsibility to ensure your pet’s safety; if you suspect your pet has ingested a toy, call your vet immediately.
Cats require a variety of hiding spots and explore their environment, much as they would in the wild. Cat towers and shelves will make your cat feel safe and comfortable as they pursue its natural hunting instincts.
You should also leave lots of toys for them to play with on their own while you’re gone—anything filled with catnip is a good idea.
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Toys that replicate hunting safely and conveniently will help retain your cat happy, healthy, and satisfied.
Without adequate toys, your cat will attempt to convert household items such as footwear and furniture into play.
Scratching and chewing for relief, resulting in a disappointed and unhappy owner.
The safety of a toy is dependent on how your dog engages with it, and this engagement might change over time.
When your 10-week-old puppy starts tearing open the toys and swallowing the squeakers, a stuffed toy that was safe from your 10-week-old puppy may not be a suitable choice!
When your dog is playing with a new toy, keep an eye on him and check his activities with it frequently to ensure that the item remains a safe option.
Interactive toys are designed to use as a team – dog and human – and come with built-in supervision. Toys like fetch balls and tug-of-war ropes are among them.
Engaging toys should be exposed to the dog when you are playing with him. Put the toys away after the play session so the dog will always look forward to enjoying them and you.
Keep Your Pets Safe Even When They’re Home
Keep any potentially hazardous materials out of reach. This includes storing cleaning chemicals and disinfecting supplies such as bleach or ammonia in cupboards or on high shelves.
You should also keep prescriptions and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals away from dogs.
These can include adult pharmaceuticals as well as pet drugs that could be dangerous if consumed in large amounts or dosages intended for another animal.
Garbage cans with lids are secure. If a pet gets into a garbage can, it may consume something that will make them sick or possibly kill them.
Dustbins should have secure lids that are difficult for an inquisitive pet to open, such as those with step-open lids or foot switches to open them hands-free.
You can also read- 5 Local Rescues That Are Working Hard for Animal Welfare in Dhaka
Bonus Segment: Rabbit Safety
Many small animals raised as pets have a short lifespan. It’s no surprise that many people assume rabbits to fit into this category.
Rabbits, on the other hand, can live for a very long time. Pet bunnies have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. This figure will vary depending on the breed of the rabbit and the level of care provided.
The life expectancy of wild rabbits is only approximately 1-2 years.
You should consider his cage situation before getting a rabbit. Many rabbits like to spend time both indoors and outdoors, and they can potentially spend their entire lives outside if adequately covered by the environment and predators.
Regardless, they require plenty of space and a spotless hutch. Take away the disgusting bits every day and do a good deep clean once a week or so.
Neutered and spayed rabbits outlive their non-altered counterparts. Female rabbits, in particular, should be spayed at all times.
If a female rabbit is not spayed, she has an 80% probability of developing uterine cancer by the age of four. Even male rabbits who have not been neutered have a considerably higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
It’s recommended to arrange your rabbit’s spaying or neutering treatment with your vet as soon as he or she reaches sexual maturity, which is usually around 6 months old.
Good food, as well as enough living and exercise space, are the best predictors of pet rabbit longevity. They have a very hypersensitive bowel and can easily develop GI Stasis (a potentially fatal condition) if something goes wrong with it.
To provide the greatest care for your rabbit, make sure to feed them a high-fiber diet. This entails mostly feeding them grass-based hay.
Crisp, leafy green vegetables are also strong in fiber, and rabbits can be fed 1-2 cups per day. Pellets should be maintained to a minimum because rabbits with an unlimited supply will usually consume them instead of hay.
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Rabbits are gregarious and lively animals. They require a sufficient number of daily activities to preserve their happiness.
Toys are also crucial in maintaining your rabbit happy and content, but some rabbits are very selective about which toys they will play with.
As a result, it’s crucial to note that any form of enrichment activity will suffice.
Make sure you keep your bunny entertained both inside and outside the house by giving them toys and other equipment.
Most importantly, let your adorable pet out of his enclosure every day for some additional playtime, ideally with you or other members of his species.
These creatures are not usually like of being picked up, so you should provide plenty of pets and snuggles.
Rabbits, like other common family pets, should be taken to the veterinarian on an annual basis. This will assist you in detecting early indicators of specific health conditions, such as tooth disease.
You’ll be able to monitor their teeth, body weight, and overall health because overgrown teeth and obesity are two of the most common diseases in rabbits.
Conclusion
Pets are the dearest to us, they are like an integral part of our lives. No one wants to say goodbye to their buddy early in their life. That is why we need to take care of our dearest pets so that they could have a longer lifespan.
In this article, Effective Ways to Make Smart Decisions for Your Pet’s Health, I have discussed the most important aspects to look at to ensure a longer life for your pet. Hope you have enjoyed the article thoroughly!
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