We love our pets, and there’s nothing better than seeing our dogs and cats happy, healthy, and full of energy. However, keeping them properly fed, active, and free from illness requires some knowledge. In this article, we’ll cover five key areas of preventative health that are essential for daily pet care.
These basic pet care tips may reassure you that you’re already doing the right things, or they may alert you to some important aspects you hadn’t considered. Either way, the goal is to keep you mindful of preventative health care, which is often the simplest, most cost-effective, and practical way. These pet care at home ensure our furry friends live happy and healthy lives. Don’t miss these valuable insights!
5 Best Pet Care Tips
1. Watch the Weight
We often hear about obesity in America, especially childhood obesity, but obesity in pets is just as common and carries similar health concerns. Many pets develop weight problems early in life. The reason behind is excess fat is generally pro-inflammatory, several health disorders can be exacerbated by obesity.
Joint Problems
Overweight dogs and cats often show earlier signs of arthritis in their hips, elbows, and knees. Weight loss is crucial for maintaining joint health.
Diabetes
Obese cats are more prone to developing diabetes, similar to Type II diabetes in humans.
Other Health Issues
Being overweight can also strain the heart and lungs, cause grooming problems like dandruff and hair matting, and lead to dermatitis in skin folds.
How to Acess if Your Pet is Overweight?
Look at the area just behind your pet’s ribs. From above, there should be a gentle inward dip from the last rib to the hips. From the side, the belly should slope gently upwards from the last rib to the groin. If your pet has lost this “Coke bottle” shape and appears flat from the last rib back with no belly tuck, they are likely overweight.
Common Concerns
Pet owners, especially dog owners, often ask if their pet is overweight, but cat owners tend to ask this question less frequently. A housecat should have a body condition similar to a wild cat like a lion or tiger, appearing lean and agile. Even large housecats should look this way.
2. Those Pearly Whites
Dental care is crucial for pets, as oral health affects overall health, including kidneys and the heart. While people brush their teeth daily, oral pet care at home is often neglected.
Training Your Pet for Teeth Brushing
Many people worry about anesthesia for pet dental cleanings, but oral health is vital. If home care isn’t sufficient, professional cleanings become necessary. Start brushing your pet’s teeth from a young age, aiming for 2-3 times a week to improve health and reduce dental cleanings.
Managing Dental Anxiety: Home Care vs. Professional Cleanings
Anxiety about anesthesia for dental cleanings is common, but oral health is crucial. Focus on pet care at home to minimize the need for professional cleanings. Brush your pet’s teeth 2-3 times a week for better overall health.
3. What Goes In
Conversations about diet naturally align with conversations about weight. With so many diet choices and opinions, pet owners often feel overwhelmed.
Choosing the Right Diet
Commercial diets are generally well-balanced but not all are equal. Look for diets with meat as a top ingredient and check the company’s recall history.
Home-Cooked Diets
Home-cooked diets can be tricky. Consult with a vet during pet check ups to avoid nutritional imbalances. Cats, being true carnivores, need certain nutrients from red meat to survive, while dogs are omnivores. Without proper guidance, home-cooking for cats can be risky.
Grain-Free and Raw Diets
Grain-free diets are popular but have limited medical support. There are concerns about their connection to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM), though no definitive link has been established. Raw diets, while appealing, can lack nutritional balance and pose public health risks due to handling raw meat.
Supplements
Supplements are popular but should be used cautiously. Many diets already contain appropriate nutrient levels, and over-supplementing can be harmful. For conditions like dermatitis, arthritis, digestive issues, anxiety, and sleep disorders, consult your vet.
4. Stay Alert to the Ground (or the Floor)
If I asked you the most common reason pets visit the vet, what would you guess? It’s digestive upset. Vomiting and diarrhea, especially in pups, are frequent concerns.
Common Causes
Dietary indiscretion tops the list of causes. Pets often eat inappropriate items like underwear, socks, leftovers, toddler food, sticks, and even other pet’s poop. So, this pet care tip should never be ignored.
Pet Care Tips
Prevention is the best defense. Keep the floor clean of socks, underwear, and other indigestible items. Keep the kitchen free of left-out food. If your pet gets into the trash, use a can with a lockable lid.
Stay Vigilant Outdoors
When walking your dog, stay attentive. Many pet owners are distracted by their phones, missing what their pups might eat. Always keep a close eye on your pets, indoors and out, to prevent digestive issues.
5. Carve Out More Play Time for Your Pet
Don’t be too busy to play! Playtime is crucial for kittens, puppies, and adult cats and dogs. Plus, it’s a great stress-reliever for you! Exercising your pet’s mind is as important as keeping them physically fit. “Play” can include teaching your dog a new trick or engaging in structured activities like agility or obedience training. Challenge your pet’s problem-solving skills with a treat-dispensing toy or turn existing toys into games like hide and seek.
Ultimate Pet Care at Home Guide
Preventative health is crucial, but so is enjoying time with your pet. Remember, regular pet check-ups and these pet care tips ensure a happy, healthy pet care at home. Nurture that special bond!
