Keeping Your Pet Healthy
Pets are a great source of emotional and social benefits. Did you know that having a pet can improve your physical health too?
Pet owners have been proven to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels than those without pets. This is because caring for pets promotes healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.
1. Proper nutrition
A balanced diet is vital for your pet's health. It improves the condition of your pet's coat and skin aids in weight management as well as boosts their immune system and promotes overall body wellness. Proper nutrition ensures your pet gets all the nutrients and minerals it needs to thrive.
Good quality pet food provides an appropriate balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that are essential to the health of your pet. Picking the right food will aid in meeting the nutrient requirements of your pet. Working pets (hunting and field trial dogs, and herding cats) have different nutritional requirements than lap dogs and house cats.
Avoid table scraps and human food items because they typically contain high levels of fat and salt which can be harmful to your pet's health. Instead, make small amounts of cooked, lean fish or meats to enhance your pet's diet. To prevent disease, these foods should be free from seasoning, spices, and bones.
Carbohydrates are a vital energy source for your pet and should be incorporated into their diet in moderation. Too many carbs, however could result in your pet becoming overweight and leading to other health issues.
Vitamins and minerals play a crucial part in a range of essential functions. These include enzyme production and bone development, healthy blood cells, and the immune system's function. Choose pet care products -grade brand of cat or dog food that is reliable to ensure that your pet gets the right amount of minerals and vitamins.
Make sure that you keep your pet's food fresh and always have clean water available to drink. Changes in your pet's appetite can be an indication of illness and should be closely monitored. A sudden increase in thirst or a sudden loss of appetite could be signs of diabetes. Additionally, a limp or difficulty getting up and down stairs could be a sign of arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues. If you observe any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian to determine the most appropriate course of action.
2. Exercise
Pet ownership offers many benefits, including improving your mental health, lowering your blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. It also promotes physical fitness. Pets can also help children develop social skills, as per research.
Your pet must be active regularly in order to remain healthy and content. This is good for their mental health but it can also help prevent issues with chewing on objects they shouldn't or escaping the home. Dogs are most benefited by daily walks and outdoor activities, while cats can be enticed by cat toys and training.
Your pet's daily exercise requirements will vary based on their age, breed and health. However, a good rule of general application is that all dogs must spend 30 minutes to two hours on an activity each day. This can include playing fetch, visiting the dog park, using a pet ball, an interactive toy or exercising at home.
Petting your pet make them feel special and cherished, but it also builds bonds between you and helps reduce stress and anxiety. In fact, a recent study in the journal Science found that petting your cat or dog can actually trigger the release of oxytocin humans. This is a natural hormone that helps to build bonds and trust, in addition to reducing heart rate and blood pressure of the human.
It is important to provide your pet with regular water intake at all times. This will help prevent diarrhea and constipation aswell as urinary tract infections. If your pet has access to a bowl that can be easily cleaned, be sure it's always stocked with water. You can also purchase an water fountain that is clean and filters the water when it flows through. We recommend that you give your pet a drink of water every time you go to the vet to ensure they're getting enough fluids.
3. Dental Care
Just like people pets, pets must take maintain their gums and teeth. Plaque can build on your pet's teeth as it does on ours. If not treated, this can lead to gum diseases, tooth decay or even serious illnesses. Pet dental care is critical to ensure your pet's health regular veterinary checks are important to identify any issues before they turn into serious issues.
Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most obvious signs that your pet should see a vet about their oral hygiene. But, it's not only the smell that is a problem. When the bacteria from dental problems get into the bloodstream, they could extend to other areas of the body and affect organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Keep your pet's mouth healthy by brushing their teeth, giving them safe chewing toys and chews and scheduling regular dental checkups with a veterinarian will help them live a long happy life with a healthy mouth. A healthy mouth is essential to maintaining proper digestion to allow your pet to eat the food they need.
Your pet's oral health is also important for their overall health because it can affect other areas of the body such as kidneys and the heart. If your pet has severe dental problems, they may be in discomfort and may not eat as normally. This could lead to malnutrition and weight loss which is detrimental for your pet's overall health.
Regular veterinary visits consist of a full dental examination and professional cleaning. Your pet will need to be under general anesthesia to undergo this procedure, however professional cleaning is the most effective way to get rid of tartar and plaque, and also keep dental problems from developing.
It is crucial to begin dental care as early as you can for your pet, as their baby teeth need to fall before their adult teeth develop. If they're not removed they can rub against the adult teeth, causing gum irritation, or other dental issues. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best way to take care of your pet's oral health. They can provide you with a list of products to aid in this.
4. Preventative Medications
Preventative care can include regular wellness examinations, vaccinations and parasite control. Your veterinarian may also recommend other treatments for your pet. This preventative health care can help increase your pet's health, well-being, and quality of life.
In recent years, veterinarians are increasingly focusing on disease prevention rather than treating illness after it has occurred. The aim is to determine risk factors and intervene early to limit the effects of diseases and other issues, cut down on the cost of treatment, and improve the rate of success.
Regular visits and preventative treatments are more crucial as pets get older. The vet team will help pet owners understand the specific risks their pet faces and create a plan that is tailored to the animal's lifestyle and requirements.
While the veterinary team plays a role to play in influence on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAPs) of pet owners, it's essential that the general public also play an active role in their pet's health. If you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly it is more likely your pet will develop tartar and plaque, which can lead to other health issues, like tooth decay or infection. of teeth.
If you do not apply tick and flea prevention on your pet they are more likely to bite them. These parasites carry and transmit various pathogens that affect pets not just, but also their human relatives, particularly babies, elderly people and pregnant women.
Heartworm, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, is a different disease that can severely affect your dog's lungs and heart in the event that it is not treated. This can be prevented taking a tablet each month or annual heartworm injection.
As pet owners as pet parents, our aim is to ensure that our companions live long. A well-planned preventative health program can increase the odds that your pet will live a long and fulfilling life. Speak to your vet about the best preventative medication that can benefit your pet. AHS collaborates with Boehringer Ingelheim, the makers of Frontline NexGard and HeartGard, to provide these vital vaccines and medications for our pets.