Proper nutrition, regular check-ups and preventive care play core roles in keeping your pet healthy. These simple tips will keep your pet energetic and free of illness for a full and happy life.
Your pet’s nutritional needs change with age. A puppy benefits from a diet high in calories and protein whereas an older dog may need restricted calories and higher fiber for maintaining weight and gastrointestinal health. Kittens require high calories and minerals for an active lifestyle while older cats need a fat-restricted diet and fiber to avoid weight gain. Your veterinarian can help instruct you on the best nutrition for pet healthy management, PetSmart notes.
Routine check-ups keep your pet healthy. Your vet may send you reminders every six months for a physical exam. Your pet may need deworming, grooming, dental care or perhaps a change in diet or special testing for pet health.
Spaying or neutering pets prevents future problems, such as disease of the productive organs, roaming, fighting and pet overpopulation. The ideal time for spaying or neutering your dog or cat is at 4 to 6 months. The spaying or neutering procedure is generally safe, but requires local anesthesia and all-day stays at the vet.
Provide pet healthy vaccinations for your dog or cat to guard against viral and bacterial infections that can cause a wide range of diseases. Worms and parasites can interfere with your pet’s growth or cause illnesses that become life threatening. Your vet can set you up with a regular schedule that includes periodic vaccinations and check-ups for worms or parasites. Weight loss, diarrhea, decreased appetite or vomiting may signal infections or infestations from worms or parasites that need immediate veterinary care.
Fleas have long been associated with dogs, but fleas are also the number one cause of hair loss in cats, 1-800-PetMeds points out. Use flea preventive medication and apply according to the instructions on the label. Don’t split flea medication between your pets. Flea medication works effectively based on the pet’s weight for adequate dosage. Rid your home and yard of fleas with sprays, powders or foggers to protect you pet and your family from flea infestation.