Having a pet is definitely an excellent way to improve life and even save one if you choose to adopt a dog or a cat looking for a happy home. However, it is of the utmost importance to know that this is also a great responsibility, and you should be prepared for what this means, both financially and time-wise. It is true that cats, for example, are more low-maintenance as you don’t have to set regular hours during the day to take them out. But it is just as crucial to make sure you have the time and resources to provide them a happy and healthy life.
The connection between humans and their pets is incredible. It is a valuable bond and a friendship like no other. Some would say that it is therapeutic, as having any pet can improve your mental health. It is rather known that companion animals can be highly beneficial to individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. This is especially visible in military veterans. According to research, pets are able to provide the “unconditional love” and companionship humans need, especially if they have a mental health disorder. Having a pet can help people make and maintain social connections better.
Therefore, it is undeniable that pets can help humans improve their lives, especially if they have a mental health condition or feel lonely. This being said, it is crucial only to adopt or get a pet if you are absolutely sure you can provide them a good, happy and healthy life.
For this reason, here are six ways you should do to maintain your pet’s health:
Exercise Your Pet Regularly
Being physically active is just as important for pets as it is for their human companion. It is crucial you exercise your pet regularly with various activities where they can run and play and even socialize. While doing this indoors is helpful, going outside is even better, as they have more space to explore, and you can both enjoy a breath of fresh air and good energy overall. This ensures good health.
Along with regular walks and playing fetch, you need to ensure you provide proper nutrition with healthy and natural petfood ingredients meant to improve and maintain your pet’s health. If the food they consume is of premium quality and in accordance with their needs, and they are physically active, your pet won’t be predisposed to getting ill.
Ensure A Proper Diet Is in Place
As mentioned above, proper nutrition is vital for ensuring your pet is in good health. Apart from making sure your pet is only eating healthy and high-quality food they enjoy, it is also crucial you choose the type of food beneficial to them. This means taking into consideration their age, breed, size, and any health particularities that might mean a special diet is necessary.
Therefore, when choosing the type of food to give your food, you should look at products of pure ingredients and premium quality in the form of meat powder or treats. Before conducting your research, it is vital to know if there are any considerations you should know about, such as dietary requirements. This will ensure that the food your pet eats is precisely what they need to be healthy.
Schedule Regular Health Examinations
It is of the utmost importance you don’t underestimate the importance of taking your pet to the veterinarian on a regular basis. When you first bring your pet home, and in their first few months of life, it is crucial you ensure they get all the required vaccinations so that they don’t get sick with panleukopenia or other potential and common diseases for cats and dogs. But apart from this, you could also look into getting them other recommended vaccinations that protect them against more rare diseases.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. A well-trained professional vet will know what type of required and recommended vaccinations your pet may need. What’s more, they can advise on the proper products to use against parasites like fleas or ticks. Once you do this, it is still advisable you schedule regular health examinations, at least once a year, to make sure your pet is in good health.
Take The Time to Train Your Pet
Training your pet is vital for both the owner and the animal companion as well. For the pet, it ensures their brain is properly stimulated by learning tricks and commands, and it can increase their confidence. Plus, when you train your pet – and yes, cats can also be trained – you develop a stronger bond with your dog or cat, and you get to know them better.
This is beneficial for both of you, as you can better control them if their behavior changes because of an external factor, such as when meeting another person’s pet, thus avoiding a conflict. At the same time, it will increase your pet’s trust in you. By doing this, you strengthen the pet-owner bond, and your companionship is extremely solid.
Offer Them Affection and A Healthy Environment
When you get a pet, being affectionate to them is as crucial as providing regular health checks. Offering them affection benefits both you and the pet, strengthening the emotional connection between you two. What’s more, this is also beneficial to them when it comes to socializing and developing a relationship with other animals.
A pet that receives love and attention is able to interact with others better. And research has shown that pets, especially dogs, should be encouraged to socialize and interact with other humans and pets from a young age to avoid developing any fearfully aggressive behaviors. Not to mention, if pets receive love and live in an affectionate environment, they will feel safe.
Ensure A Grooming Protocol
Grooming is not necessary just because it is vital you keep your pet’s appearance in good condition as well, with trimming their nails and brushing their fur. But it is also an effective method of noticing any issues with their skin or hair, such as dandruff or dry skin. In this case, you will need to check with the vet and see whether a course of treatment is necessary. Therefore, to maintain your pet’s health, it is essential you don’t overlook the importance of grooming.