There is no doubt that pet owners have a love for their pet that goes beyond just friendship. Most pet owners actually consider their four-legged friends to be part of the family and they treat them that way. This is the perfect outlook, considering how much love pets bring to their owner’s life. Just as with any other family member, you want to spend as much time with them as possible, during their lives and if possible, you will want to do all that you can to extend those lives. Here are a few essential things you can do to make sure your pet’s life is as long and full a life as you both deserve.
7. VACCINATE AND NEUTER/SPAY
There is much debate regarding vaccinations, but the fact of the matter is that pets can fall prey to any number of diseases, some of which can even be passed to humans and many of which can take a painful toll on your pet’s life. While many diseases can be treated, the treatment can often alter your pet’s health, so avoiding those diseases at the outset is a much better alternative. Protecting your pet from illness is your responsibility and vaccinations can help you live up to this responsibility.
Neutering/spaying your pet, if you don’t plan on having more than one in the family, can ensure that an unplanned pregnancy doesn’t happen. There are over 2.5 million animals euthanized each year, according to the Humane Society, so as a responsible pet owner you must ensure that your pet doesn’t have a family that is unplanned for and unwanted.
6. KEEP YOUR PET’S TEETH CLEAN
Yes, your pet’s breath can get be…less than fresh. However, that isn’t the only reason to pay close attention to your furry friend’s teeth, especially if your friend happens to be of the canine variety. Dental problems can lead to heart and/or kidney infections, which in turn, can lead to some serious complications. Take some time at least once a week to brush your pet’s pearly whites and you can avoid some painful (and costly) health issues.
5. GIVE THEM VITAMINS
Just like humans, many animals need to continue a suitable vitamin intake to live as healthy a life as possible. From multivitamins to supplements for dog arthritis there are plenty of vitamins available for your pet and you will want to speak with your vet to find out just which vitamins are the most beneficial, for your particular animal.
4. DON’T OVERFEED YOUR PET
Pet owners want to make sure that their pet is getting enough food to keep them healthy, especially when the pet is a juvenile. So, of course pets will probably be overfed a bit until you can gauge just how much food is enough. Overfeeding your pet over an extended period of time can cause obesity, which can lead to a myriad of health issues. Make sure to feed your pet only what he/she needs and if you notice that there is more weight gain than is healthy, cut back a bit.
3. GIVE THEM LOTS OF EXERCISE
Just like humans, animals need exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. If your pet is one that can be leashed, taking him on a walk on a daily basis can provide a bit of exercise for both you and your pet, and there is nothing wrong with getting healthy with a friend. If your pet is one that can’t be leashed, make sure to provide areas within their enclosures or backyards that can provide that exercise, e.g. a hamster wheel for a hamster, a climbing area for a cat, etc.
2. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY
Unlike exercise for exercise sake, playing with your pet involves much more fun and sometimes less action, on your part. Playing fetch with your dog or teasing your cat with a laser pointer, for instance, will give your pet some exercise while still forming a bond of trust between you and your friend.
1. LOVE AND LOT’S OF IT!
Your pet needs your love to stay happy and healthy. Do what you can to make sure that your pet always knows how much you care. Talk to them, pet them, handle them regularly, and when you stop thinking of the animal as a pet and begin considering it a part of the family, you know you are doing it right.
Pets are joyful additions to many people’s lives. Studies show that having a pet can even prolong your life. So, you want to make sure to spend all the time possible, with your new family member. Companionship is essential to our lives, whether human or furry in nature!
This article was submitted by our guest blogger who has a background in pet nutrition. For guest blogging opportunities, please bark at us at info@newyorkdognanny.com and tell us why you’d be an awesome contributor to our site!
