Your pet will provide much love, support, and companionship and is a cherished member of the family. For these reasons, you will want to help them live a long and happy life.
Unfortunately, an unhealthy lifestyle can cut their life short. If you want to enjoy many wonderful years with your dog, cat, or another animal, you must take a proactive approach to their health. Get started by reading these five top tips to help your pet live longer.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Similar to humans, obesity can shave many years off a pet’s life. If they are overweight, they will have an increased risk of developing various health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.
Help your pet live to a grand age by providing nutritious, delicious foods. Also, watch their portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to weight gain. If you’re unsure about how much food your pet should eat each day, talk to a qualified vet for information on their nutritional guidelines.
2. Schedule Routine Vet Exams
Regular exams can help your vet spot a health issue in its early stages and increase the likelihood of successful treatment. In addition to routine exams, you must schedule essential treatments, such as vaccinations, deworming, and dental cleanings. Exceptional Pets can provide your pet with all the veterinary care they will need to live a long, healthy, and happy life, from wellness care through to surgery.
3. An Active Lifestyle
Most pets will need daily physical activity. For example, every dog must enjoy some exercise each day, but the breed will determine how much they will need. A daily workout will improve their muscle tone, provide mental stimulation, and even prevent destructive behavior in the home.
Also, as exercise can prevent your canine from becoming obese, they could enjoy a much longer lifespan. So, take your dog for a daily walk, play with them in the home, and provide fun toys that will get their body moving.
4. Prevent Dental Disease
Dental disease is a common problem for both dogs and cats, and it is often linked to various medical conditions, such as kidney disease and heart disease.
Common signs of dental disease in pets can include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding or redness along the gumline
- Excessive drooling
- A loss of appetite
- Chewing difficulties
- Nasal discharge
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily can prevent the development of dental disease and connected health issues. There are many pet-friendly toothbrushes, toothpastes, and chews that can care for your pet’s oral health. Also, don’t forget to schedule an annual dental cleaning from a qualified vet to remove plaque build-up and avoid tooth loss.
5. Support Their Health Issues
If your pet has developed a health issue, you might need to make various alterations to help them live a healthier, happier life. For example, if your feline friend suffers from arthritis, pick a litter box with lower walls to help them step in and out with ease.
