Taking on the responsibility of owning a pet means taking personal responsibility for their health and well-being. Keeping pets healthy and happy is not a very complicated process, however there’s almost always room for improvement.
That’s not to say most pet owners are somewhat neglectful, in fact it’s quite the opposite. Over the last two decades, pet ownership has evolved drastically, with more and more pet owners seeking education on how to better their pet’s well-being.
If you’re curious as to whether you can improve your pet’s overall wellness, follow these essential pet health tips:
Feed A Well-Balanced, Calorie Appropriate Diet
We all know that eating a healthy, varied diet is important for longevity in humans, and this is no different for our pets. In fact, feeding your pets a high quality diet can not only prolong their life, but can also decrease the need for vet visits, especially in their senior years. Surprisingly, feeding a premium quality dog food can be more affordable than one might think!
Choose a reputable, high quality food – and know what ingredients to avoid
The dog food industry is vast, and there is a wide spectrum of quality that comes with it. This can be confusing, and even overwhelming, for many pet owners. The good news is, the overall quality of pet foods has been steadily increasing as demand for high-quality pet products has never been higher.
Brands like Smack, Carna4, Acana, Orijen, and Zeal are all Canadian-made ultra premium pet foods. While these unique products may be on the higher end of the price scale, other excellent Canadian brands such as Horizon, Boreal, and FirstMate are much more affordable while still offering very high quality and nutrition.
When looking for a good quality pet food, consider the following: quality and source of ingredients, manufacturing processes and transparency, overall reviews and ratings, environmental sustainability and innovation, and history of recalls.
Avoid pet junk foods
All of us are guilty of indulging in junk food snacks and treats every now and then, and many of us like to treat our pets, too. The difference is we can choose to make healthy choices for ourselves, whereas pets only receive what is given to them. This highlights the importance of choosing healthy options for our pets, even when it comes to treats.
Forget the snausages and milkbones! From crunchy cookies, to soft training treats, to dehydrated meat and veggies, there is no shortage of mouth-watering, wholesome pet treats to choose from.
Socialization and Exercise are Important for Both Physical and Mental Health
Although it’s a reality many of us would like to forget on certain days, humans need to exercise to maintain good overall health. With our pets, it’s no different. Not only can proper exercise help keep your pet at their ideal, healthy weight, it can also keep them feeling satisfied and happy throughout the day.
As we age, holding on to extra weight can cause joint and mobility problems in our knees, back, and more. With our beloved dogs and cats, joint and mobility problems can be crippling.
Just like people, overweight pets are much more prone to injuries, heart disease, diabetes, and other health complications.
From fish and reptiles, bunnies and birds, to dogs and cats, mental health is extremely important for all pets. Smaller animals, such as guinea pigs, bunnies, and birds, can suffer from cage boredom very easily. This can lead to behavioural problems like aggression, fear, and even depression. Feline mental health tends to be a little easier, as their independence allows them to find their own amusement, however, a little bit of catnip, some crinkle toys, and a good scratch post can go a long way.
When it comes to canine mental health, dogs need plenty of consistent exercise. Two walks a day should be the minimum. Depending on your dog’s age, size, and breed, they may need daily runs to wear off pent-up energy. Dogs with too much energy can lead to destruction of items around the home, as well as other unwanted behavioural issues. And just like many other pets, under-exercised dogs can develop sadness, depression, and frustration.
Proper Grooming
People need hair cuts and nail trims in order to maintain a grooming and hygiene regimen, and so do our pets! Regular bathing, especially for dogs, will go a long way towards preventing hot spots and other skin conditions. Plus, it makes your pooch smell great! Cats can usually take care of grooming on their own, however older, and disabled cats may require some help keeping clean.
For all animals, long nails can snag our clothes and furniture, eventually becoming painful. If you’re not comfortable trimming long nails yourself, most groomers offer walk-in nail trimming services. Most pet’s nails should be cut roughly once per month.
Don’t Overlook Dental Health
The mouth is the gateway to the body.
Humans brush their teeth multiple times a day – well, at least most of us do! This has been established, for decades, as one of the best ways to maintain good dental health. Believe it or not, it’s also the best way to maintain your pet’s dental health. This is especially true for dogs and cats. While brushing your pet’s teeth may sound like an impossible task, making it a positive and consistent activity will make it part of a fun daily routine… hopefully!
If brushing your dog’s teeth seems like a lot of work (it can be!), there are a myriad of dental health products that can make teeth-cleaning a breeze. My personal favourite is a product called Plaque-Off, a natural supplement made from seaweed that uses digestive enzymes to dissolve unwanted matter on your dog or cat’s teeth. There are a number of oral sprays, water additives, and dental chews that can all play important roles in long term dental health.
Dress Appropriately For The Weather
It may sound silly, but your dog should be dressed appropriately for the weather. Cold weather can be uncomfortable, and even painful for short-coated dogs lacking an insulating undercoat. Of course, certain dogs are more well-equipped to handle different conditions. Jackets, sweaters, and even hats are great options for keeping your pooch warm and cozy during the winter months, and cooling vests help keep dogs chilled out during the summer.
Don’t forget about their feet, too! Ice, cold water, road salt, and even antifreeze can cause pain and cracking on your dog’s sensitive paws. From slip-on latex boots for light-duty use, to the highly-durable insulated fabric boots, there are many boot styles to meet every dog’s outdoor needs.
The idea of what responsible pet ownership encapsulates has changed over the last couple of decades, as pet owners continue to seek advice from qualified pet professionals. Having the right information to make the best decisions for your pet is the foundation of pet ownership 101.
Remember, if it’s important for your own health, it’s probably important for your pet’s, too.
Brandon Forder, known as The Pet Expert, is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, an industry leader in healthy pet lifestyles. Brandon holds multiple certifications in pet nutrition, and has more than twenty-five years’ experience specializing in pet health and behaviour. He has written hundreds of informative pet-related articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, and the popular Ask the Pet Expert Blog. Brandon is highly skilled in pet problem solving, and enjoys teaching others about smart and responsible pet ownership. To learn more, visit www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
