5 Fundamental tips to keeping your pets healthy

May 12 2018 By MyKittyPup

Loving your pets and spending time with them is precisely what they need for their emotional wellbeing but sometimes while we are doting on our precious furbabies we tend to forget their health needs.

Here are 5 things you must do to keep your pets healthy:

1. Healthy diet
   We require different nutrients to our cats and dogs. In fact, some foods that are beneficial for our health may actually be harmful to a dog. For example, did you know that xylitol - the healthy replacement for sugar - is toxic for dogs and can cause liver failure? The best diet for your pet is a regular one of dog or cat pellets. The packaging will provide you with the correct quantities to feed them daily. In fact, everything you feed your pet should be bought from either the local vet or the pet food shelves at the supermarket. Don't over-feed your pets as they can also suffer from obesity which can have drastic consequences. And, always ensure they have clean water close to their feeding area.
2. Exercise
   Just as we humans require exercise so do our pets. It's okay for cats who have the freedom to roam. However, dogs require almost daily walks, especially if they are big or your property is small. Not only do your canine friends benefit physically from exercise such as running and walking but it also stops them from getting bored. Make sure you walk your dog with a proper fitting harness and lead. Also, don't walk them at the hottest time of day as they can become quickly dehydrated.
3. Dental health
   Did you know that providing proper dental health to your pets can actually prolong their lifespan by at least 2 to 5 years. That works out to a lot of dog years. Buy a doggy toothpaste and toothbrush, and get your pet used to having the teeth brushed from a young age. You don't need to brush daily but try do it fairly regularly. It's always a good time to brush teeth when you give them a bath and groom. Another way to keep your pet's teeth strong and healthy is by ensuring they always have things to chew on. Only buy chewy toys and bones at a pet store or from the pet shelves at the supermarket. Take your pet for an annual dental check up at your local vet.
4. Vet check ups
   It is imperative to take your pets to the vet for a routine check up once or twice a year. During the visit, your pets' vet will conduct a complete physical exam to check they are healthy from nose to tail. You can ask the vet to deworm and de-flea your furry friends while they are receiving their exam. 
5. Deworm / de-flea / de-tick
   It is vital that you ensure your pets are parasite-free in order for them to live comfortably. Also, ignoring the problem of parasites on your pets can eventually make them sick. Pets are quite commonly allergic to fleas and they can develop terrible skin irritations. Tick bites can cause serious illness in your cat and dog. Intestinal parasites can also end up making your pets ill if left unattended for long enough.

Other things you can do for your pets to keep them healthy and happy are to give them health supplements - Bob Martins stocks a good range - and take them to be groomed by the pros. It's like doggy day spa! Go check out the groomers listed on our website.