Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of your pet, and as a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to help your pet stay healthy. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean overwhelming tasks or constant upkeep. By following a few simple rules, you’ll ensure your pet lives a long, happy, and healthy life.
Schedule Regular Veterinary Appointments
Image via Flickr by Army Medicine
Like humans, pets need a regular medical checkup to ensure there are no impending or current health problems. Veterinarians provide full screenings of pets, as well as any vaccines your pet requires. They also provide advice on how to keep your dog healthy, as well as tips on improving hygiene. If you need questions answered, or your pet seems to have an illness, the Kuddly app provides around-the-clock contact with real veterinarians to keep your mind at ease.
Exercise
All pets require exercise to stay in top physical condition. This means taking them on walks, playing fetch, or any other game that stimulates them. Physical games also help improve the mental health of your pet, so keeping them active is actually a two-pronged attack. Even if you’re at work 12 hours a day, remember that exercise is a valuable part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Try to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Training or School
Training your pet at home is the less expensive choice than schooling, but it mandates some research on your part. There are tons of books that demonstrate how to accomplish this and have a well-behaved pet. If that doesn’t work, or you don’t have the time, remember that there are certified trainers, especially for dogs. While the cost is high at first, the payoff is well worth it.
Socialize With Other Pets
Pets often have a need for social activities with other animals of the same species. However, this is easily attainable. Many neighborhoods have dog parks to take your pet to socialize with other animals, and it gives you the opportunity to meet other pet lovers in your area. Alternatively, you can also take your pet to a friend’s house that also has a pet. Another option is an animal kennel that takes your pet and introduces it to other felines or canines; just make sure that it’s a reputable business.
Buy Some Toys
When you’re away at work, pets get bored. This translates into misbehavior, which often leads to the destruction of furniture, the garbage, or clothes in your home. To offset this temptation, purchase some toys that enable your pet to have fun while you’re gone. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have one normal shoe and one that’s chewed to nearly unrecognizable.
Show Some Love
The most important factor in a pet’s health is some love from you. The more attentive and affectionate you are, the more your pet feels valued and loved. When you show some love, the bond between the pet and you becomes unbreakable.
While these are just a few ways to keep your pet content, it’s to your benefit to come up with some on your own. You know your pet better than anyone, and if you stay attentive to their needs, they’ll know you better than anyone, too.
