It seems there is always news about an approach to staying healthy. Be it getting more of a particular type of exercise, increasing how much you eat of a specific type of food or food group, or encouraging more or less time for sleep or leisure -there’s always something to improve. When it comes to having a healthy pet, the action items stay a bit consistent, but it never hurts to be sure you are doing all you can to protect the health of your beloved furbabies.

9 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Pet Healthy

Being sure your pet has proper nutrition and taking preventative action can go a long way to your pet having a healthy and happy life.

1. Be Active – Going on walks, hiking, running and swimming are great ways for your pet to get exercise – and us, too! But beyond these activities, don’t forget to keep them actively engage mentally as well. Make time to teach your pets new skills, play a game of tug-o-war or fetch, pick up some new toys, etc. so that they can be active both mentally and physically.
2. Be Proactive – Be sure your pet is safe with identification options like microchipping and collaring to help them be returned in the event you get separated from your pet. You can also be proactive by keeping your home free of items/toxic substances that can harm your pets.
3. Bonding – People and animals both need affection! Cuddling, petting, playing and just chilling out next to your pet is not only healthy for your furbaby’s emotional health but can improve yours as well. Better yet, when you spend time bonding with your pet, it teaches them how to have positive interactions with other people.
4. Checkups – Most of us don’t enjoy going to the doctors, and chances are your furbaby isn’t any different. However, they still need to go for regular checkups. By having yearly health screenings, you can be aware of any potential health concerns and have a better chance of them beating or avoiding a serious health problem.
5. Grooming – Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, bathing them, brushing their coat, taking time to gently massage them and checking for any unusual bumps is important. Your pet will feel better with clean fur and you will know sooner versus later if there is a health concern.
6. Mouth Disease – Be sure your pet is getting the oral health care they need. Failing to do so can cause your pet to quit eating, and can even lead to heart and kidney problems. Talk to your vet about product design for your pet’s dental needs.
7. Nutrition – Being sure your pet eats the correct amounts of food, as well as food that is perfect for his/her breed and lifestyle, is a must. Sadly, obesity is not just something that affects people, it is unhealthy for our pets, too. Talk to your vet to learn if there are any supplements or a specific type of food that can help your pet be healthier. Also, be sure that your pet gets enough water, and minimize the number of treats you give him.
8. Social Life – It has been found that the earlier young pets are introduced to new people and animals the less likely the risk of aggressive behavior is. The prime age for this type of interaction is from birth to around 18 weeks as this is when most pets are forming their view of the world.
9. Spay/Neuter – This can extend your pet’s life expectancy, reduces the risk of disease, can prevent some forms of cancer, -in males- minimize aggressiveness and in females help reduce unwanted behavior such as irritability, yowling and spraying urine.

These 9 actions can make a big difference in your pet’s health. Make time to implement them. Your pet is worth it!

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It’s January. The time of year where people all around the globe make New Year’s resolutions. This long-time tradition has taken many turns and twist along the way, and often resulted in some pretty impressive feats. “So, what do New Year’s resolutions have to do with your pets?” you may ask. Perhaps, surprisingly, more than you might think. In fact, as a pet owner, you have the opportunity to make resolutions that benefit you and your pet.

From peace of mind to better health, setting resolutions as a pet owner offers many ways to make 2020 the best year ever – for you and your four-legged friend(s)!

Top New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners

1. Teach them a new trick. This is a fun way to interact with your pet and help them learn something new Choose the right trick and it can benefit you, too! For instance, teaching your dog to collect recyclable materials saves you time and can help maintain a cleaner space. Want something that encourages interaction with others? Sign up for a training or obedience class and build a stronger bond with your pet and connect with other pet owners while you are at it.
2. Get more exercise. This one is great for both you and your pet. Be intentional about taking your pet out for a walk around the neighborhood every day. You will both see some results!
3. Play more. Your animals will use up some of that excess energy and you can both have fun together. Even better, you will become closer to your pet and strengthen your relationship. For added fun, find a new park or activity that you both enjoy.
4. Spruce up their environment. Consider a new toy that is two-fold. A snack dispenser that encourages a new skill and helps maintain their diet, or perhaps a window perch for your cat that provides the opportunity to leap.
5. Better hygiene. For your pet, of course! This is especially important if your pet spends a great deal of time outside but still important for inside pets. No, your pet might not love water – cat owners? – but being clean helps them be healthier and happier. To make it easier to implement, consider setting up a daily grooming routine with brushing your pet or a full body rub down. Even better, having a clean pet means less dirt being spread in your house, so less housework!
6. Sign up for pet insurance. Having pet insurance actually saves you money and better yet, means you don’t have to make decisions regarding health concerns for your pet based solely on your budget. As for your pet’s benefits, it means that your vet can provide the most comprehensive action plan for your pet’s needs.
7. Get to know your vet. Be sure to schedule wellness appointments to be sure that your furbaby is healthy. This is also a good time to ask your vet about any concerns you might have and learn of anything you can do to prevent future problems.

So, what will your New Year’s resolution(s) be? We would love to hear about them!

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Change. It’s a part of life and as adults, we may not like it, but we understand it happens. One of those changes is often moving from one neighborhood or city to another. This can make for a stressful time – but at least we understand what is going on.  Our pets? Not so much. Sure, they may sense that change is in the air, but they are unable to comprehend what is happening around them. Consequently, the changes associated with moving can be quite unsettling for your pets.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help make your next move easier for your pets. Most of these actions for moving with pets are simple and require minimal effort on your part but are calming for your pets, so that means no extra work for you – a definite win-win!

Tips for Moving with Your Pets

1. Keep your existing routine normal for as long as possible. From walk times to playing or just chilling out, pets need stability. This will help them be calmer as the changes around them begin.
2. Several weeks before Moving Day, take out their crate. Most animals- especially those not used to being crated- can be intimidated by the crate. To make the crate inviting, set some toys, perhaps a favorite blanket and food bowls inside the crate. Then slowly make ‘crate time’ a part of the play. Try to get them to spend time in the crate without raising objects. Start slowly, with a goal of 15 minutes and then increase as necessary. (Lengthening the amount of time crated is especially helpful if your relocating involves more than a new home on the other side of town.)
3. Take your time with packing. Start as early as possible and do a bit each day. This will allow your pet to get used to seeing boxes before the big day.
4. If at all possible, try to bring your pet to their new home before the actual move-in date. This allows them to become familiar with the space.
5. Consider having a room or quiet space where your pet can hang out on moving day. This will keep them from scurrying about underfoot. If having a hangout space for your pet is not possible, consider hiring a pet sitter.
6. If moving a significant distance, be sure to have their snacks and any comfort items easily within reach. You might also want to talk to your vet about sedating them or prescribing motion sickness medicine.
7. Load your pets in last. Then, when you arrive at your new home, be sure they are allowed out a.s.a.p. – ideally first. Then take a few minutes with them to allow them to stretch and even explore the yard or neighborhood. Yes, there are boxes to unload and things to do, but helping your pets feel comfortable will benefit everyone – not to mention, you might find it helpful to stretch a bit, too!

Moving with your pets doesn’t have to be stressful for you or them. Just take time to help them feel comfortable and settled and there can be a relatively smooth transition. Then, get ready to enjoy your new place.

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