5 Ways To Keep Your Pets Happy And Healthy

For many of us, our pets are like our kids. They are part of the family! We treat them with the same love, attention, and nurture that we would with a baby. Although, just like children, it’s important to provide your pets with the proper care to ensure they remain happy and healthy. If you’re looking for advice on caring for your pets, then check out ‘walkies and whiskers’ for all your pet inquiries. 

From enough exercise and playtime to a balanced diet and preventative medications, we have compiled a list of 5 tips on ways to keep your pets happy and healthy. 

1. Play with Your Pets and Give Them Regular Exercise

Just like people, pets also need regular exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Sometimes, your cat may not seem interested in playing, however; they too need exercise and mental stimulation. Since cats love to hunt, satisfy their natural instincts by playing with pretend toy prey. A stick with dangling pieces of feathers always seems to work a treat. To avoid over-stimulating your cat, keep these playtimes approximately 10 minutes at a time. 

Unlike cats, dogs require playtime and exercise beyond the household as they won’t obtain the benefits within a closed-fence yard. Dogs want distance and variety with a lot of things to smell on the way. Therefore, take your dogs for daily walks that last, at least, a mile. This allows you to bond with one another while both getting in your necessary exercise. A bonus is that your dog will be able to socialize with other dogs on the walk. 

Of course, there are many other pets besides dogs and cats, therefore; whatever favored animal you have in your home, make sure that they receive enough activity and playtime so that it benefits both their heart and health. 

2. Ensure Your Pet Has a Balanced Diet

Like most foods, pet foods can differ in healthiness and quality. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian for advice on the best pet food for your pet’s specific age, weight, and breed. They may recommend a specific serving size for your pet to maintain a healthy weight or even specific food to help them address any health issues your pet may have. 

For pet food found in grocery stores, look at what types of pet food target their specific requirements. For instance, if you have a kitten, you should consider feeding them specific food designed for kittens to provide them with the correct nutrients and quantities. Other pet foods may meet the needs of older pets, or even address any vitamin deficiencies. When choosing pet food, make sure you’re aware of any false or misleading advertisements. If ever unsure, always check with your veterinarian. It is beneficial to ask a professional to learn more about the right food you can give your pets.

3. Get Your Pets an Annual Checkup 

To ensure your pet remains in tip-top shape, you should consider arranging annual physical exams for your pets, even if they appear healthy. Not only does this provide you with peace of mind that your pet is healthy, but it will also ensure that any health concerns or diseases are spotted early so appropriate action can be taken as soon as possible. 

4. Provide Your Pet With a Safe Home

One of the main concerns of any pet owner is the safety of their pet. To be a good owner, you should ensure that your pet is safe at all times with adequate shelter. Whether this is during the winter or summer months, too. Any toxic chemical should be stored safely, this could include lawn chemicals, antifreeze, and household cleaners. 

5. Neuter/ Spay Your Pet

There are many reasons why it’s important to neuter or spay your cat or dog. Some direct benefits include potential better-behaved pets, longer life, and prevention of certain diseases and cancers. It is also better for the general animal population, neutering or spaying ensures that fewer animals are left to live on the streets without any homes. 

Conclusion

As pet owners, our number one priorities are the health and well-being of our pets. Whether you have a dog, cat, or anything in between, they are a part of the family and should be treated as such. From increased exercise and playtime, a specific diet, annual exams, and safe environments, to neutering or spaying your pet, there are several different ways to ensure the health and happiness of your pets. Hopefully, this guide has informed you of 5 ways to keep your pets happy and healthy.