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Proven Methods to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

Pets are a source of unconditional love and companionship, and it's our job to make sure they stay healthy and happy. With so many pet food options available, how do you know which one is best for your furry friend? What kind of exercise and stimulation do they need? And how do you keep them safe from common illnesses and pests? Read on to discover the proven methods to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Feed Your Pet an Appropriate, Well-Balanced Diet

Diet is the foundation of keeping your pet healthy. When you first get a pet, do your research to figure out the most appropriate diet and do your best to follow it strictly. Aim to provide the highest quality diet you can afford. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores, so try to pick the food with the highest levels of protein. If you're not sure what to feed your pet, talk to your veterinarian about what's most appropriate. Some pets, like iguanas, require substantial levels of fresh produce every day.

Even though some pets will need fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, it's best to keep processed "people" food to a minimum. For instance, most pets don't do well with foods like chips, cakes, and ice cream in their diets. A little every now and then may be okay, but always make sure to research the foods your pet can't have. For example, cats and dogs cannot have chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes or raisins, just to name a few, as they're toxic to them. Feed your animal at the same time or times each day. Pets have their own internal clocks, and while they may not be able to tell you the time, they know when it's meal time. Having a routine around things like mealtimes helps your animal feel happy and secure, as it knows when the food is coming.

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water Every Day

No matter what kind of pet you have, it will need water in some form. For most pets, that means providing a bowl or dish of water that you change out at least once a day. Pets need to stay hydrated to be healthy. Some pets, like certain reptiles or insects, may only need a humid environment to stay hydrated.

Brush Pets Who Have Fur That Gets Tangled

Most cats and dogs will need brushing from time to time, and many need brushing every day, particularly if they have long fur. Besides distributing oils and keeping their fur from tangling, grooming your animal provides time for bonding with you! Most smaller pets don't need brushing, but always research your pet to find out more.

Provide Baths As Needed for Your Animal

Bathing keeps your pet clean, and for animals that like water, it can make them much happier to provide baths as needed. How often you bathe your pet really depends on the species. For instance, dogs often need baths at least once a month, but it does depend on the breed. Other animals, like birds, may need baths or showers (spray bottle) several times a week or even every day. Cats, on the other hand, rarely need baths unless they have a medical issue that requires bathing.

See Your Veterinarian Once a Year for a Checkup and Vaccinations

Just like you need to go to the doctor for regular checkups, your pet does, too. Make an appointment at least once a year to see the vet, even if you aren't noticing symptoms of anything being wrong with your pet. Providing regular checkups allows your vet to catch problems early before they develop into worse conditions. Vaccinations can help keep your pet happy and healthy. Talk to your vet about which ones are appropriate for your pet.

Watch for Signs of Common Illnesses and Pests

Observe your pet's normal behavior so that when your pet does get sick, you'll notice something's not right. Research common diseases for your pet so you know what to look for. Signs of sickness can include lethargy, changes in eating or drinking, changes in going to the bathroom, being more aggressive, hiding, or whimpering. If you feel like something has changed, it probably has, and you should see the vet. Also, watch out for pests like fleas, mites, and worms. You may notice your pet scratching more with these types of pests.

Provide Exercise and Stimulation

Some dogs need more physical or mental stimulation to avoid behavioral issues. Engage in play, go for a walk, play ball, or feed your food-motivated dog a meal in a food-dispensing toy that they have to work at. Cats, though often content to be alone napping on the couch, also need stimulation. Cats enjoy playing with laser pointers and feather toys, climbing on multilevel cat furniture and using scratching posts, and some like food-dispensing toys, too.

Try Veterinary Acupuncture

If your pet has slowed down from arthritis, try veterinary acupuncture. Just like its human counterpart, this technique uses very thin needles to stimulate various pressure points around the animal's body. Research shows acupuncture helps to improve movement and relieve pain in dogs and cats. Plus, some pets find it relaxing.

FAQ

Q: What kind of food should I feed my pet?

A: When you first get a pet, do your research to figure out the most appropriate diet and do your best to follow it strictly. Aim to provide the best quality diet you can afford. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores, so try to pick the food with the highest levels of protein. If you're not sure what to feed your pet, talk to your veterinarian about what's most appropriate.

Q: How often should I take my pet to the vet?

A: Make an appointment at least once a year to see the vet, even if you aren't noticing symptoms of anything being wrong with your pet. Providing regular checkups allows your vet to catch problems early before they develop into worse conditions.

Q: What kind of exercise and stimulation do my pet need?

A: Dogs often need physical or mental stimulation to avoid behavioral issues. Engage in play, go for a walk, play ball, or feed your food-motivated dog a meal in a food-dispensing toy that they have to work at. Cats enjoy playing with laser pointers and feather toys, climbing on multilevel cat furniture and using scratching posts, and some like food-dispensing toys, too.