The 3 Greatest Moments In Pet Healthy History

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Pet ownership has many benefits for social and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that owning a pet can improve your physical health as well?

Pet owners have been found to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those without pets. This is due to the fact that pet ownership encourages healthy habits like regular exercise, good diet and regular exercise.

1. Proper nutrition

A balanced diet for your pet is essential to their overall health. It improves the condition of your pet's skin and coat, helps with weight management, boosts their immune system and promotes overall wellness. Proper nutrition will also ensure that your pet receives all the nutrients and vitamins they require to flourish.

High quality pet foods provide the right balanced mix of fats, protein carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals that are essential to the health of your pet. Different breeds of cats and dogs have unique nutrient requirements that can be best addressed by selecting the right food for your pet. For instance, working pets (hunting, field trial and herding dogs) have different dietary requirements than lap dogs or sedentary house cats.

Avoid table scraps and human foods because they typically contain high levels of salt and fat that are harmful to your pet's health. Take small portions of cooked lean meats, lean fish or other meats as an addition to the food your pet eats. To avoid disease, these foods should be free from seasoning, spices, and bones.

Carbohydrates are a vital energy source for your pet and should be incorporated into their diet in moderation. A diet that is too high in carbs, however they can result in your pet becoming overweight, and may cause other health issues.

pet care specialist and vitamins are required for a myriad of vital functions, such as enzyme production, bone growth healthy blood cells and immune system function. Use a commercial brand of cat or dog food that is reputable to ensure that your pet is getting the correct ratios of minerals and vitamins.

Keep your pet's food and water fresh. Changes in your pet's appetite can be an indication of illness and should be watched closely. A sudden increase in thirst or sudden loss of appetite could be a sign of diabetes. Likewise, limping or having difficulty climbing up and down stairs could be a sign of arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to determine what action is needed.

2. Exercise

Pets bring many advantages to your life which include encouraging physical fitness in addition to decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as improving your mental health and fostering socialization. Pets can also aid children to develop social skills, according to studies.

Your pet must be active on a regular basis to remain healthy and content. This is not only good for their mental health but can also help to prevent issues with chewing on things they're not supposed to or running away from their home. Dogs are most benefited by daily walks and outdoor activities and cats can be stimulated by cat toys and training.

The needs for exercise each day of your pet will differ according to its age, breed and overall health. A general rule of thumb is that dogs should devote between 30 minutes and two hours a day engaged in an activity. This could include playing fetch, going to the dog park, using a pet ball, an interactive toy or exercising at home.

Petting your pet not only makes them feel loved, but it can also help to build an emotional bond with you as well as reduces stress and anxiety. In fact, a recent study in the journal Science showed that petting your dog or cat can cause the release of oxytocin in humans. This hormone occurs naturally and encourages trust and bonding. It also lowers the heart rate and blood pressure of humans.

It is important to supply your pet with fresh water at any time. This will help prevent constipation and diarrhea as well as urinary tract infections. Fill the bowl up if it is easily cleanable. You can also buy a water filter that cleans and filters the water as it flows. We recommend that you give your pet a drink of water every when you take a drink yourself to ensure that they are getting enough fluids.

3. Dental Care

Like humans, pets need to take care of their gums and teeth. Plaque can build up on your pet's teeth just as it does on ours and if left untreated can cause tooth decay, gum disease or even serious illness. Dental care for your pet is crucial for maintaining your pet's health, and routine veterinary checkups are essential to spot any issues before they turn into more serious problems.

Halitosis, also known as bad breath is one of the most evident indicators that your pet should be examined by a veterinarian to discuss their oral health. It's not just the smell of bad breath that's a concern. When bacteria from dental issues enter bloodstreams, they can multiply and affect organs like the liver and kidneys.

Keep your pet's mouth healthy by brushing their teeth regularly, providing them with safe chews and toys and getting routine dental checks with a veterinarian can help them live a long, happy life with a healthy mouth. A healthy mouth is crucial to maintain the proper digestion, to allow your pet to consume the food they require.

Oral health is important for the general health of your pet as it can affect other body parts including the kidneys and the heart. Your pet may be suffering from pain if they have severe dental issues, which can cause them to not consume food as they normally would. This can lead to malnutrition and weight loss, which is bad for your pet's health.

Regular visits to the vet consist of a full dental examination and a professional cleaning. This procedure requires that your pet is placed under general anesthesia. However, a professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar. It also can prevent future dental problems from arising.

It is crucial to begin oral care early for your pet as their baby teeth must fall before their adult teeth can develop. If they're not removed, these can be pushed against their adult teeth, causing gum irritation and other dental issues. Your vet can provide you with the best method to maintain your pet's oral health. They can provide you with the list of products that can help with this.

4. Preventative Medications

According to the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Prevention includes routine wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite control and other medicines your veterinarian may suggest for your pet. This preventative approach can help improve your pet's health, wellness, and quality of living.

Nowadays, veterinarians are focusing on disease prevention rather than treating the illness once it occurs. It is crucial to recognize risk factors, intervene early, and reduce treatment costs to maximize the chances of success.





Regular visits and preventative treatments become more essential as pets age. The vet team can help pet owners understand the unique risks that their pet faces and tailor an appropriate plan for the animal's lifestyle, risk factors and specific requirements.

While the veterinary team has an important role in shaping the attitudes, knowledge and behaviors (KAPs) of pet owners, it is essential that the general public also take an active role in their pet's health. For instance, if not brushing your dog's mouth regularly then your pet is more likely to develop tartar and plaque buildup that could cause other health issues like infection or tooth loss.

In addition, if you don't use tick and flea control on your pet, it's more likely that these parasites will bite them. These parasites transmit a variety of disease pathogens that impact not just pets, but also their human family members, particularly those with a disability, elderly people, pregnant women, and those who are immunosuppressed.

Heartworm, or Dirofilaria immitis, is yet another disease that can severely affect the heart and lungs of your dog when left untreated. This can be prevented by taking a tablet each month or annual heartworm injection.

As pet owners we all want our beloved companions to live a long and healthy life. Good preventative healthcare can significantly increase the chances that your pet will do so. Talk to your vet today about the best preventative medication for your pet's needs. AHS is a partner with Boehringer Ingelheim - the makers of Frontline, NexGard, and HeartGard - to provide these vital vaccines and medicines for our pets.