HOW TO KEEP OUR PETS SAFE AND HEALTHY

 


Pets can be a wonderful addition to our families, and have provided companionship, protection and love for most of our lives.   People most commonly get pets for companionship, to protect a home or property, or because of the perceived beauty or attractiveness of the animals.

Our pets can't speak for themselves, but we can tell when our family friend is hurting.  Perhaps they have some amount of difficulty getting up after resting, or more reluctant to jump up into our laps, or go outside for a walk.

Once boisterous and full of energy, pets may seem to slow down, have some difficulty walking, tire easily, or seem less exuberant or even restless.  Seeing them in pain makes us feel helpless.

When choosing a pet we should take into consideration the following:-

  • How much time can we dedicate to them?
  • Can we afford to cater to their everyday needs?
  • Do we have the right environment?

It is important that the environment that our pets are in is one that is suitable for their health and safety. If we have limited access to outdoor space, it would not be ideal for us to choose a pet that need lots of space to run freely.

If pets are going to be left alone for long periods of time, it is also essential that they have access to food and water during our absence.  Dogs are naturally inquisitive and can get into dangerous situations if they are left unsupervised.

There are several ways to keep our pets safe, like having collars with ID tags, microchips, making sure our homes are free of safety hazards, and putting toxic substances out of their reach.

Grooming is very critical in caring for our pets.  This involves keeping our pets’ nails trimmed, brushing them a few times per week, as well as giving them regular baths.  Some animals need less maintenance, while others require more care.


Dogs may need to be groomed or receive shots while some other pets, such as birds might also need the regular services of a veterinarian.  It is always a good idea to get professional help in ensuring that our pets stay in optimal health.  

It is also important for us to monitor and identify any behavioral changes in our pets.  Changes from the norm could be cause for concern and indicate an underlying issue.  If we notice abnormal behavior in our pets, we should not hesitate to give our veterinarian a call to see if an examination is necessary.

Annual exam by your veterinarian helps in detecting diseases and pick up on warning signs of serious illnesses.

In addition to their annual exam, preventative medications can keep our pets free of unwanted illnesses.  Regularly brushing of teeth and giving them dental chews help prevent periodontal diseases, which can lead to more serious illnesses.

Feeding our pets the right foods, helps to maintain a healthy weight, which helps to prevent illnesses and extend their lifespan.  Pets can get their daily nutritional needs from a diet of quality foods, as well as fresh supply of water daily, but sometimes supplements may be may be required.


We may choose to purchase our pet’s food from a store or we may choose to make our  own. Whatever method we find convenient we must ensure that we take the time to do some research before attempting to give our pets anything that may be harmful to their health.  

As humans we do take the time to find out what we are putting inside our bodies.  Do we stop to think that maybe our pets might not be getting the right nutrients from their food.  It is a common practice for us to give our pets leftovers, or foods we consider not good enough for us to consume.  These foods that can be considered unhealthy to be consumed by us might be doing more harm than good to our four legged companion.  

We all want our pets to be happy and healthy.  Besides taking our pets in for regular check-ups with their veterinarian, there are plenty of things we can do at home to make sure that our pets are living life to their fullest.

 

 Here are seven easy tips for pet health that will benefit us and our pets alike.

  1. Proper weight management
  2. Regular exercise
  3. Pets should be fed a balanced, nutritious diet.
  4. Have annual exam by a veterinary to make sure our pets are healthy and to help detect problems earlier.
  5. Vaccination for pets against potentially deadly diseases.
  6. Keep our pets free of parasites.
  7. Spaying or neutering

We can help our pets enjoy a healthier, more productive life naturally, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, of exercise and proper nutrition.

Establishing a strong bond with our pets is good for both humans and pets. Cuddles, petting, belly rubs and even brushing their coat are great ways to show our pet some love.  Not only does this strengthen the emotional connection, but it promotes positive interactions with other animals and humans.





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