Pet Care Beyond the Vet

Our furry friends deserve the very best when it comes to pet care. After all, they shower us with love from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. And as members of the family, they should be kept happy and healthy. Fortunately, pet care doesn’t stop with regular veterinarian visits. Each day welcomes a new opportunity to show your beloved animal how much she means to you. Here’s a handy list of pet-care tips to keep your pet in shape in between vet appointments.

Exercise
Regular exercise with your pet promotes a healthy lifestyle for you both. It burns off extra energy while giving you the time to connect with each other. Without exercise, your pet can be susceptible to lethargy, weight gain, illness, and more. Treat yourselves to an outdoor adventure like swimming, walking, running, and hiking. Both of you can reap the benefits of staying active together.

Better chow
Maintain a proper diet for your pet by researching the best foods. Different animals, even different breeds, require different diets. Nothing says “I love you” more than serving a tasty and nutritious meal to your pet. Ensuring a proper diet remains a non-negotiable part of pet care. To keep your animal fit and playful, stay away from foods like chocolate, caffeine, onions, and alcohol.

Grooming
Just like a trip to the salon makes us feel like a million bucks, so does regular pet grooming. Ideas include keeping your animal’s nails trimmed to prevent problems when walking, brushing her teeth to get rid of bad breath and to promote healthy teeth, regular bathing to reduce dander, and brushing her coat to decrease hair loss while giving her a much deserved rub down. Make sure you always use pet products designed just for your furry friend!

Clean environment
Animals are especially vulnerable to bacteria and pesticides, so make sure your home is clean. Prevent infections and illness by using pet-friendly cleaners all over the house, especially the floors. If unsure, you can ask your vet for house-cleaning product suggestions. And remember to also avoid using harmful pesticides outside since these can end up being ingested by your pet.

Keep her company
Pets don’t like to be left alone all the time. If you need to be away for long periods of time, have someone look after your animal. Show your pet how much she’s cherished by always having someone around, or at least provide healthy activities at home to pass the time. For example, while at work, you can have a pet sitter stop by during the day to offer some invigorating playtime and exercise. You can also have stimulating treat dispensers set up around the home that require a little work to operate. You’ll discover plenty of ways to keep your pet entertained during the workday.

It seems that pet advice comes in droves from resources everywhere. However, if you stick to these healthy basics, you’ll have an energetic companion for life. Don’t just leave pet care at the vet’s doorstep. Be proactive with regular exercise, quality food, grooming, cleanliness, and boredom prevention. You won’t regret it. If you have any questions about caring for your pet, we’d be happy to help. Contact our pet professional’s today!