Pets are specials members of our family, and we should treat them as we would other family members. Our pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship, and we want them to be around as long as possible. So, if you are passionate about your pet, here are some ways you can help keep them fit and healthy.

Diet

Just like humans, animals need to consume a proper diet in order for them to stay healthy, grow properly and enjoy a long life. Look for high-quality pet foods that provide your pet with all of the nutrients they require.  If you have a pet pooch, you may want to consider purchasing a healthy dog food subscription. Such services can provide your pet with a diet that is specifically tailored to their needs and delivered to your door on a regular basis. Subscription diets can take into account any health issues your pet may have, such as gastrointestinal issues, obesity, or diabetes.

Small pets such as rodents require a diet of a commercially produced muesli-type food, as well as some fresh fruit and vegetables. Rodents such as mice are omnivorous, meaning that they eat animal and plant-based foods, so you can supplement their diet with foods such as boiled eggs, mealworms, and fruit.

Exercise

Plenty of regular exercise will keep your pet at a healthy weight as well as helping to strengthen their muscles, bones and preserve their cardiovascular health. Dogs, ponies, donkeys, and horses are probably the most straightforward pets to exercise as you can take a dog a walk and ride a horse, pony, or donkey. Other pets require some form of owner intervention to help them get some exercise.  If you have rodent pets such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, or mice, you can purchase them a wheel to run on or have a look for cages with lots of tunnels and toys to keep them busy.

Cats are not exactly easy to exercise – although some can be trained to walk on a lead from a young age.  You can give your cat some physical exertion by purchasing lots of interactive toys for them, such as feathers on a stick, laser pens, or wind-up mice, and ensure you devote some time each day to playing with them. Ferrets are much like cats and can be taken on a walk wearing a collar and leash from a young age.

Check-Ups

It is essential to take your pet for regular health checks with your local veterinarian.  During an examination, the vet will check your pet’s coat, teeth, claws, and body.  Their mouth will be checked for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If your pet has plaque on their teeth, you may be advised to brush their teeth or feed dietary supplements such as hard kibble, vegetables, or bones that are natural abrasives and will remove tartar.

The vet will trim your animal’s claws if needed to prevent them from overgrowing or becoming infected. During the check, the vet will palpate your pet’s body to check for any suspicious lumps, cuts, or abscesses which may be harmful to their health or a sign of something more sinister. It is often beneficial to join an insurance scheme or pet protection program that will offer you regular checkups, common medications, and vaccinations at a reduced rate.

Banish Parasites

Pets with thick soft, fur can be prone to flea and tick infestation. These parasites love to set-up home on your pet and feed off their blood.  The saliva from these creatures can cause anything from skin allergies to serious diseases spread by ticks.  It is vital to give your pet treatment to prevent them from being attacked by fleas and ticks and to check through their fur for any signs of them, especially after your pet has walked in long grass.

Certain types of worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause serious illness if your pet contracts them through eating infected dead animals or worm larvae. Many puppy dogs are born with roundworms which have been passed down from their mum. It is essential to give your pets the proper medication to prevent worms regularly to prevent serious illness or death.

Vaccinations

Vaccinated your pet from a young age will ensure that they are protected from contracting dangerous diseases which may prove fatal.  Some conditions, such as rabies – a disease dogs can contract, can be passed to humans, so it is crucial to keep up your pet’s vaccinations throughout their lifetime.