1. Regular & Timely Exercise: Regular & timely exercise not only helps to keep your
pet (and you) fit, but it’s a great time for bonding and sharing some good
old-fashioned fun. For dog owners it’s also a good time to socialize with other
dogs and their owners, as well as an opportunity to teach your pouch proper
manners and walking etiquette.
How much exercise is enough for your
pet? According to the Canadian Veterinary Association, dogs should have a brisk
walk at least twice daily for 20 to 25 minutes. For cats, schedule at least two
15-minute play times each day. Cat tip: Laser pointer toys, while
relatively inexpensive, provide not only a fun frolic for your cat, but a good
source of exercise.
2. Best Nutrition: Despite the best of intentions, those yummy leftovers and
table scraps aren’t always in the best interest of your dog or cat. Leftovers
can contribute to unhealthy weight gain – and also cause pets to go off their
regular food, which understandably, tastes bland in comparison.
While many pet owners opt to prepare
homemade food for their pets , many veterinarians warn that pets on a homemade
diet may not be getting an adequate ratio of vitamins and minerals. Commercial
pet foods are routinely tested for nutritional composition, something many pet
owners are unable to do on their own. Senior dogs (age 7+), for example, are
often put on a special diet that is lower in proteins and minerals and higher
in fibre than what is recommended for younger dogs.
So if you do opt for the
homemade option, be sure to do your research.
Is your pet on the pudgy side? Excessive
weight gain is a growing health risk not only for humans, but for our furry
companions as well. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity
Prevention (APOP), 43 per cent of dogs and 53 per cent of cats are overweight.
An additional 10 per cent of all dogs and 19 per cent of all cats are
considered obese.
Just like for humans, an overweight
pet faces an increased risk of heart and joint problems, diabetes, arthritis
and other conditions. Your veterinarian can suggest a ‘reduction’ diet for your
pet, and experts also recommend giving smaller, more frequent meals during the
day to boost metabolism and burn more calories. When it comes to treats,
moderation is key. Too many snacks and treats are thought to be the biggest
cause of obesity in pets.
3. Proper Dental Care:
Yes, even pets can have pearly whites. Proper dental hygiene is necessary for
the prevention of periodontal disease. If brushing your pet’s teeth seems a
little daunting, you may be surprised – many pets actually end up loving it.
(Your veterinarian can give tips for the best method.)
Be sure to use a soft
toothbrush and pet toothpaste, which may be chicken, salmon or tuna-flavored.
Avoid “human” toothpaste, as the fluoride in them is toxic to animals. Good
dental hygiene can literally add years to your pet’s life.
4. Regular Check-ups:
Stay ahead of any potential problems by visiting your
veterinarian on a regular basis. Annual examinations of teeth, heart, lungs,
and overall body condition will be less costly than waiting for a problem to
develop. The yearly check-up also allows for any vaccinations, flea prevention
treatments, and healthy grooming procedures. Additionally, having a “baseline”
of information about your pet gives the veterinarian something to compare
against if your pet becomes ill in the future. To help cover medical costs,
consider buying pet insurance or putting aside extra money in your emergency fund.
5. Proper Identification: If you haven’t done so already, take the time to get
proper identification for your pet. This will enhance the chances that your pet
will be returned safely if lost. There are many effective means of pet
identification available including micro chipping, tattooing, and personalized
dog/cat tags.
Also, be aware of your municipal
bylaws that require that dogs (and sometimes cats) be licensed and registered.
Licensing your dog and cat also provides a way for pets to be identified and
returned safely if lost.
6. Make Cuddle time:
Last but not least, give your pet lots of hugs, love and
attention. They will thrive – and you’ll reap the benefits as well. Bonding
with your pet goes a long way in helping to reduce stress – a well-known cause
of illness – and promotes general well being.
Additional Source: Healthypet
