October is National Pet Wellness Month, so it’s a perfect time to learn how you can promote the overall wellness of your pet. The goal of National Pet Wellness Month is to raise awareness about the pet aging process and to promote pet wellness.
Pets age much quicker than adults. In fact, most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age 2. Because of this, your pet’s health can change very quickly. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to promote optimal health of your pet. Here are 5 ways that you can help your pet live a long, healthy life!
Annual Exams
Pets should visit the veterinarian at least once a year. Annual exams are a great opportunity to check on the overall health, and check on vaccination status.
Dental Care
Have your pet’s teeth and oral health checked annually. If left unchecked, dental disease can lead to kidney problems or nutritional issues if the pet cannot adequately chew and digest food. Brushing your dog’s teeth at home is a great way to keep this in check.
Weight Management
It’s estimated that over half of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Pet obesity can place significant stress on the body and lead to a variety of health issues, like diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. Plus, it can negatively impact your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy. Managing your pet’s weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet will help promote overall wellness.
Spay/Neuter
Not only do the procedures prevent individual medical problems such as mammary and testicular tumors and uterine infections, spaying or neutering also helps curb pet overpopulation. Spay and neuter surgeries can be safely performed as early as 8-12 weeks of age.
Spend Time with Your Pet
Interacting with your pet is important for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Pets that don’t receive enough interaction or physical activity may develop bad habits out of boredom. Paying attention to your pet has other benefits, as well. It helps you become familiar with your pet’s normal behaviors, which helps you recognize when your pet isn’t acting normal or feeling well.
