Keeping Your Pet Healthy
Pet ownership comes with many benefits for social and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that having pets can enhance your physical health too?
It has been proven that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than people without pets. This is because caring for pets promotes healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise and a healthy diet.
1. pet and home care for your pet is vital for their health. It improves the health of your pet's skin and coat, helps with weight management, improves their immune system and promotes overall wellness. Proper nutrition will also ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients and vitamins they require to flourish.
The best pet food brands contain an array of essential nutrients, including vitamins carbohydrates, minerals, and fats. Picking the right food will aid in meeting the nutrient needs of your pet. For instance, pets that work (hunting, field trial and herding dogs) have different dietary needs than lap dogs and sedentary household cats.
Table scraps and human food are not recommended as they can often contain a significant amount of salt and fat which is detrimental to your pet's health. Instead, opt for small portions of cooked, lean meats or fish to supplement your pet's diet. These should be free of spices and seasonings, and bones, to avoid illness.
In moderation carbohydrates can be a beneficial source of energy for your pet. However, too much carbs, can lead to your pet becoming overweight, and may cause other health issues.
Minerals and vitamins are required for a range of essential functions, including the production of enzymes, bone growth healthy blood cells, and immune system function. Make sure your pet is getting the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals by consuming a trusted brand of commercial dog or cat food.
Keep your pet's water and food fresh. Changes in your pet's appetite could be a sign of illness and should be closely monitored. For pet care at home , a loss of appetite could indicate an infection, whereas a sudden increase in thirst could be a sign of diabetes. A slow walking pace or difficulty climbing stairs can be a sign of arthritis, or other musculoskeletal problems. If you observe these signs take a visit to your veterinarian to determine what action is needed.
2. Exercise
Pets bring many advantages to your life that include promoting fitness as well as lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improving mental health, and encouraging socialization. Pets can also help children develop social skills, according to studies.
It is crucial that your pet gets regular exercise to remain healthy and content. This is not just good for their mental well-being but can also help in preventing problems with their behavior, such as chewing on things they're not supposed to or escaping from home. Dogs can benefit from regular outings and walks, while cats can be motivated by cat toys and training.
Your pet's exercise needs will vary based on their age, breed and overall health. However, a good rule of general application is that all dogs should spend 30 to 2 hours on an activity each day. This may include playing fetch, going to the dog park, or exercising at home with a pet ball or an interactive toy, or even taking part in a supervised group activity like a yoga class designed for pets (also known as "doga").
Not only does petting your pet makes them feel more loved and cherished, but it also builds a bond between you both and helps reduce stress and anxiety. In fact, a study published in the journal Science showed that petting your pet cat or dog could cause the release of oxytocin in humans. This hormone occurs naturally and encourages bonding and trust. It also reduces the heart rate and bloodpressure of humans.
Alongside exercise It's also important that your pet has access to fresh water at all times. This will help prevent diarrhea and constipation as well as urinary tract infections. Fill up the bowl when it is clean and easy to clean. You can also invest in water fountains that clean and filters the water when it flows through. To ensure your pet is getting enough fluids, we suggest giving them a drink every time you do.
3. Dental Care
Just like people pet owners, pets require take care of their gums and teeth. Plaque will accumulate on your pet's teeth, just like it does on ours and if not treated, it could lead to gum disease, tooth decay or even serious illnesses. Dental care for your pet is crucial to ensure your pet's health regular checkups with your veterinarian are important to identify any issues before they grow into serious issues.
Halitosis or bad breath is one of the most obvious signs that your pet needs to consult a veterinarian about their oral hygiene. But, it's not only the smell that is a problem, when bacteria from dental problems get into the bloodstream, they could spread to other parts of the body and cause damage to organs like the kidneys and liver.
By brushing your pet's teeth regularly, giving them chews that are safe and play with them and having regular dental checks with a veterinarian and you can allow them to live a long, healthy life. A healthy mouth is key to maintaining proper digestion so your pet can consume the food and nutrients they need.
Oral health is important for the general health of your pet since it can affect other parts of the body including the kidneys as well as the heart. Your pet may be in discomfort if they have serious dental problems, and this can make them unable to eat as they normally would. This could lead to weight loss and malnutrition, which is not good for your pet's overall health.
Regular veterinary checkups with a vet include an entire dental exam and a professional cleaning. Your pet must be anesthetized with general anesthesia for this treatment, but an expert cleaning is the best way to eliminate plaque and tartar and prevent any dental issues from forming.
It is important to start dental care as early as you can for your pet, since their baby teeth need to fall before their adult teeth grow in. If they aren't removed, they can rub against the adult teeth and cause gum irritation or other dental issues. Your vet can offer suggestions on how you can take care of your pet's dental health, and also provide you with a list of the products to aid you.
4. Preventative Medicines
The old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure." Prevention includes regular wellness examinations, vaccinations, parasite control and other medicines your veterinarian might recommend for your pet. This preventative healthcare helps to maximize your pet's health, well-being and quality of life.
In recent years, veterinarians are increasingly focusing on preventing disease rather than treating the illness when it does occur. It is crucial to recognize risk factors, intervene early and minimize the cost of treatment to maximize success rates.
Regular visits and preventative treatments become more essential as pets age. The vet's team can help owners understand the risks unique to their pet and develop a plan that is appropriate for their pet's life style, risk factors and specific requirements.
While the veterinary team plays an important role to play in shaping the attitudes, knowledge and practices (KAPs) of pet owners, it's important for the public to also take an active role in their pet's health. For instance, if not brushing your dog's teeth regularly then your pet is more likely to have tartar and plaque buildup, which could lead to other health issues like infection or tooth loss.
Additionally, if pet care at home and flea control on your pet, it is more likely that these parasites will bite the pet. These parasites transmit and carry a number disease pathogens which affect not only pets, but also their human relatives, particularly infants, the elderly and pregnant women.
Heartworm, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, is yet another disease that can seriously affect your dog's lungs and heart in the event that it is not treated. Heartworm can be prevented with an annual tablet or an annual injection.
As pet parents, it is our goal to ensure that our companions live long. A good preventative healthcare program can increase the chances that your pet will live a long, happy life. Consult your veterinarian today about the best preventative medicine for your pet's needs. AHS collaborates with Boehringer Ingelheim - the makers of Frontline, NexGard, and HeartGard for these vital vaccines and medicines for our pets.