Do your new year’s resolutions include giving your pet a happy and healthier life? After all, pets are family. You can improve your pet’s well-being this year by improving its environment and healthy choices. Whether you have concerns about their diet, daily activity, or even health concerns for an older pet, our veterinarians at our animal hospital want to share seven ways you can implement a healthier lifestyle this year.
Improve Your Pet’s Exercise
If you start to see weight gain, abnormal laziness, or boredom, your pet may need more interaction and playtime. Being active is essential for any pet because your pet may direct that energy to tear your shoes, scratch doors, or run out of the house, instead. Keeping them active also helps prevent:
- Laziness
- Excessive weight gain
- Abnormal exhaustion.
- Worsened symptoms of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Wash Your Hands Constantly
This applies to both you and your furry friend. Always wash your hands after feeding, touching, or caring for your pet. Skip the face kisses, even if they may be too cute not to smooch. We can, unfortunately, get our pets sick. Some of the illnesses that are transferable between humans and pets can include:
- Ringworm
- Salmonella
- Rabies and other bacterial infections.
Be Selective About Chewing Items
Not all toys or dental products at the pet store are ideal for your dog. Here’s a breakdown of what to avoid and what you can do to substitute.
Avoid items that can break teeth or cause tooth pain:
- Bones
- Antlers
- Rawhides
- Tennis Balls
- Rocks and sticks
- Yak Milk Chews
Avoid items that can affect the stomach or intestine:
- Hooves
- Pig Ears
- Bully Sticks
- Cotton or fabric stuffed toys
Give your dog:
- Using puzzle toys that allow your pet to fish out their treats.
- Chew treats that have received a Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.
- Skip the pig ears and hooves with healthier options like apple slices, green beans, or carrots.
Always ask our veterinarians about foods safe for pets to try. Read more online.
Supervise Playtime
Sometimes pets don’t know any better. It’s important to keep an eye on them with young children as they can accidentally cause harm. Whether they are being aggravated or get carried away during playtime, avoid accidental injury by:
- Create a quiet, safe place for playtime.
- Consider asking our vets about training.
- Stay close to your pet during playtime.
- Teach your kids about rough-playing to do’s and don’ts.
Scoop the Poop
A pet’s fecal matter can carry a whole lot of diseases. It can contain bacteria like coliforms, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and so on. Not to mention intestinal parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Be neighborly in public places, such as parks and pet stores, and scoop the poop, and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly!
Take Your Pet to the Vet
If your pet is sick, or you’re unsure about behaviors they are only now exhibiting, schedule an appointment at our animal hospital at your earliest convenience for the vet. Allow experienced pet doctors to ensure your pet is healthy and happy. Annual exams can help tackle health issues ahead of time and prevent further health declines. When in doubt, give us a call!
Contact Valley Animal Hospital Today
Make 2023 the happiest and healthiest year for you and your pet. Call (956) 787-2709 to schedule your annual exam, or send us a message online regarding any questions. Your furry friend will thank you later.
