The health and happiness of our pets is much more than just another responsibility we take on as pet owners. It’s a way to show our love for our furry friends (as well as our feathered or scaled ones), so understanding how to provide the best care for them will go a long way to improving their quality of life.
Below you will find four crucial tips that every pet owner should follow. From the importance of regular visits to the vet to the essentials of diet, exercise, and grooming, you’ll be able to ensure your pet remains as vibrant and cheerful as you know them to be.
Tip #1 – Balanced Diet and Hydration
Just like us, a balanced diet is particularly important for your pet’s health – they can’t just enjoy treats all day as much as they enjoy them, so finding a balance can keep them fit and healthy for longer. This also needs to be adjusted based on their age and activity level as every pet is different.
Premium-quality pet foods are formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of your pet at different life stages, but it’s essential to choose the right type based on your pet’s requirements. If you are unsure as there is lots of choice when you start to look, it can be best to ask your vet to understand what type of food is best for your pet’s age, weight, and any special health needs. Animal charity The Dogs Trust recommends buying commercial dog food rather than making your own, for example, as this will give your dog everything they need including essential nutrients.
Hydration is equally important as nutrition. Pets should always have access to fresh, clean water as it supports vital body functions and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Regularly cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls will also prevent bacteria growth, and let’s face it, you wouldn’t want to eat or drink from the same bowl for days on end!
Be wary of foods that are harmful to pets too, such as chocolate for dogs or onions for cats which are both toxic, and always read pet food labels carefully. If you’re looking for healthy alternatives as a treat to give, vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt writing for insurance provider Petgevity says apples, bananas, blueberries and carrots are all fruits and vegetables dogs can enjoy. Cats can also enjoy different fruits according to Purina, including bananas, blueberries and strawberries.
Tip #2 – Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation
With the right diet, your pet will feel energised and ready to take on the day, so that means ensuring they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Getting outside for regular walks with your dog or ensuring your indoor cat is well-stimulated with plenty of things to climb and play with is key here. Not only does this help maintain a healthy weight, but also stimulates their minds and manages any behavioural issues.
For dogs, regular walks and playtime outside the home are crucial, ideally changing things up with long walks in new locations for them to interact with. Many breeds like nothing more than to explore and follow their nose, so if they are not having the opportunity to do so regularly, you will notice a change in their mood or behaviour. As the PDSA advises, different breeds have higher energy levels than others, so a labrador or border collie will have noticeably higher energy levels than a chihuahua, for example.
Cats benefit from interactive toys that mimic hunting activities. If you have a smaller pet like a rabbit or guinea pig, providing a safe, spacious environment for them to explore can do wonders for their physical and mental health.
Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours and even emotional distress, especially if your pet is left alone for many hours of the day. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, new toys, or simple games like hide-and-seek can engage your pet’s brain and alleviate boredom. Training sessions also provide an excellent mental workout, strengthening the bond between you and your pet while keeping their mind sharp.
Tip #3 – Regular Grooming and Hygiene
Lastly, no pet should go without a good grooming routine. It not only keeps them looking good and able to turn heads in the street, but it is also key for their overall hygiene.
Along with brushing, many pets will need regular bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. This can help prevent conditions such as skin infections, ear infections, and overgrown nails, which can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
Brushing your pet regularly helps to remove dirt, spread natural oils throughout their coat, reduce shedding, and prevent matting. If your pet has long hair, daily brushing is essential to avoid tangles and knots. How often you choose to bathe them should be done as needed, such as after a particularly muddy walk. For cats, although they do tend to groom themselves, you can still groom them in short, regular sessions as recommended by the RSPCA. This will help you to keep their coat in good condition and also check for any knots, skin issues etc.
Dental hygiene should also not be forgotten, as regular teeth cleaning, whether at home or by your vet, can prevent dental diseases that might lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Tip #4 – Regular Vet Visits
They may not enjoy it, but a regular trip to the vet for your pet is for their own good, helping to ensure both minor issues and potential long-term problems are checked and monitored. Routine vaccinations and worming tablets to protect from parasites are just one reason to go regularly, but so is being able to catch early signs of health issues that might not be obvious to every pet owner. You can also talk to them about arranging pet microchipping just in case they go missing, as well as neutering which can help them avoid some health issues too (as well as unexpected pups and kittens).
The Kennel Club recommends visiting the vet at least once a year. As they get older or those with chronic conditions may require more frequent check-ups, so it’s important if you are concerned about your pet’s health to not ignore any potential symptoms. Your vet can conduct a range of preventive care checks, such as blood tests, dental examinations, and weight assessments, which assist with early detection of various conditions like diabetes and arthritis amongst others. The other great thing about a vet visit is it allows you to discuss your pet’s diet, behaviour, and general activity levels for their expert opinion. They can then suggest any lifestyle adjustments that may be needed.
As every pet owner will tell you, the unexpected can happen even in the most healthy and happy animals. Unfortunately, accidents or even illness can occur no matter how much you keep an eye on your pet’s diet and lifestyle, so choosing pet insurance that covers emergency care with no upper age limit can help cover vet fees when you need to get help. Having pet insurance to help cover the costs of regular vet visits can make a difference in how you financially prepare to keep your pet happy and healthy in the long term.
Make These Tips Part Of Your Routine
Adopting these four essential tips will significantly enhance your pet’s quality of life, preventing health issues and ensuring your pet lives a long, joyful life. As a pet owner, your proactive care and attention are important, so be sure to keep a keen eye on any changes in your pet’s health and happiness.
