Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy

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We are a nation of animal lovers, and it’s fair to say that our pets have our hearts. Naturally the welfare of our four legged friends is high on our minds, as pets really do make a house a home and become part of the family. Just like humans, the health of pets needs monitoring and treating to keep them at their happiest and healthiest. As owners, their welfare is our responsibility and our joy. So here’s what to consider to keep them living their best life…

Learn About Their Specific Requirements

Every breed of animal has different characteristics, and before picking a pet to love, you should put the time into researching their specific requirements. Pets are easy to fall in love with, but they demand a lot of commitment, money and time, often through many years. You may be looking for puppy rearing tips now, but are you prepared to be researching a keto diet for dogs with cancer in a decade or so? Taking on pets is a change to your lifestyle, and you have to be prepared for that and understand want the needs of the specific breed you have chosen are. Think about the time you can dedicate, how it might affect any travel plans and the cost of ownership.

Provide The Right Diet

It can be tempting to spoil your pet with food as a sign of affection, but this isn’t the best way to show love – providing them with a nutritious, well balanced diet is. If you don’t look up advice on feeding the breed of animal you have it’s easy to over feed and cause weight gain and health issues. Your vet should be able to advise you on the most suitable food for your pet.

Ensure They Get Enough Exercise

Different pets need different levels of exercise, and this is an important concern when deciding what kind of animal and what breed will fit your life – or help you get fitter. A large dog is going to need several longer walks a day but smaller breeds may need less or other pets might be more suitable. Pets also need stimulation and an owner who can play games with them. It isn’t just dogs – other pets like cats and rabbits also need this physical and mental contact for their wellbeing. If you have a house pet it’s all the more important, as being of limited opportunity to exercise they are more prone to serious health issues like heart disease and arthritis.

Make Grooming A Regular Event

Having a well groomed animal isn’t just about the way they look – regularly brushing pets with fur helps you to identify lumps, parasites and scratches and stop them developing into something bad. It also ensure their coats are well conditioned and removes dead hair that will otherwise be shed on your carpet. Plus brushing your pet can be calming and great way to bond.

Make Sure You Train Them

A well trained pet is a happy and safe pet, so make sure you train yours well. If they are well trained, especially for dogs, it means that they can take part in more activities. Short, regular training sessions with plenty of positive behaviour reinforcement for your pet is the way forward.

Sarah x