As pet owners, we all want the very best for our furry family members. They deserve nothing but the very best, and they need to be kept happy and healthy. When it comes to improving your pet’s quality of life, you’re going to want to look thoroughly into this. Remember, pets can’t directly tell you if something is wrong. They can show signs, but that’s as far as it goes. So, when it comes to improving your pet’s quality of life and health, here is what you should do!
Take Your Pet for Regular Checkups
You should not get a pet if you’re not willing to go through the effort of taking them to a vet. Just as humans need checkups, the same can be said about animals. Taking your pet for regular checkups helps ensure their health and happiness. During these visits, your veterinarian will examine your pet and provide any necessary vaccines. Depending on the animal, you may need a specialist, such as a reptilian vet, fish vet, for birds, etc.. Usually, your vet will be able to refer you to a specialist.
Keep them active
People need to stay active in one form or another, from physical activity to interactions, and your pets need this too. Animals are social creatures, but on top of that, they are animals. Animals have a lot of energy, sometimes more energy than a child. These animals need to have a way to push this energy out. Keeping your pets active and healthy can help them live long, happy lives. Whether they’re chasing each other around the house or playing fetch outside, getting them moving will benefit their health and psyche.
Feed them the right food
A diet specifically formulated for your pet’s age, size, and activity level is the best way to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. Talking to your vet about the food you choose is also important. Don’t assume that pet food is “all sizes fit all” because this is further from the case. The nutrients found in cat food are not the same as those in rabbit food. What’s given to fish won’t work for birds. Plus, food meant for older dogs will not work well for puppies. You need to feed your pets the right food.
You should always look for a product that has been AAFCO certified, which means it has undergone the proper testing and feeding trials to ensure that it meets nutritional standards. If you’re changing your pet’s diet, introduce it gradually. You can’t just throw a lot of new foods at them at once, as this could cause gastrointestinal issues.
Keep Your Pet’s Environment Clean
Keeping your pet’s environment clean is vital for their health. Not only will it protect them from germs and parasites, but it can also help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as well. A dirty litter box is not only a breeding ground for bacteria but can also spread toxoplasma gondii and other parasites. Cleaning the box regularly is essential to lower your pet’s risk of becoming ill from these infections.
But this isn’t just for cats; rabbit cages, hamster enclosures, fish tanks, and all other environments for pets that need to be cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Don’t forget about their food and water bowls either; even a diy chick feeder is going to need to be sterilized and cleaned from time to time, just like dishes do for humans.
Ensure Your Pet is Cleaned Regularly
If your pets go outside, you will have to pay extra close attention to their skin. Why? Well, fleas and parasites and easily get on your pets and wreak havoc. Regular bathing is an essential part of pet grooming. It keeps your pet clean and healthy and prevents itchy skin, fungus, fleas, and parasites from developing. How often you bathe your pets will depend on so many factors like their species, breed, coat, and environment. While some animals (like dogs) need to be bathed just once a month, others require bathing several times per year (such as cats).
Keep Your Pet’s Weight in Check
While it may not seem so important, you should take advantage of this. Keeping your pet’s weight in check is critical to improving its quality of life. Obesity is one of the leading causes of chronic health problems in dogs and cats. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, overweight pets face an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, breathing difficulties, and other conditions. It can also shorten your pet’s lifespan by two years or more. Having regular weigh-ins can be helpful in detecting unhealthy weight gain early and can help control obesity in your pet. So make sure this is done once or a month.
