Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy
by VetDepot
on October 13, 2010
- Keep your pet slim. Obesity prevents pets from being active and predisposes them to a long list of diseases.
- Exercise. It not only prevents obesity but helps keep pets entertained and calm.
- Feed a high quality pet food. Good nutrition is vital to good health.
- Train your pet. Dogs, and even many cats, want to please. Use positive reinforcement to teach them good behavior.
- Don’t fall behind on grooming. Matted and dirty pets are at high risk for skin disorders. Overgrown toenails can cause wounds and/or infections.
- Provide entertainment. If you have to leave your pet alone for a long period of time, give him something to do. Chew toys that dispense food work well for dogs, and cats enjoy a comfortable perch in front of a window.
- Stay up to date on veterinary care. Prevent disease with vaccinations, heartworm preventatives, flea and tick medications and deworming.
- Do not stop maintenance medications without first talking to your veterinarian. Some diseases cannot be cured, only managed, and stopping a long-term medication could make your pet very ill.
- Give your pet plenty of love and attention. Make him part of the family.
- Spay or neuter your pet unless he or she is going to be part of a breeding program.
