Just like you, your pet’s needs a little maintenance every once in awhile.
Helping your pets have a quality life is a part of being a loving, caring pet owner because getting older is a condition, not a disease. With these six tips, you can help your pets to thrive.
Exercise
Staying active is crucial to staying healthy. Taking your dog for a walk every day is good for you and your pet. Your dog’s stamina and fitness level will determine the length of time and the intensity.
For your cat: Buy a few interactive cat toys (including wand toys) and exercise your cat at least 10 minutes a day. Sunlight and fresh air are as important to pets as to humans. Make sure your pets have safe access to both.
Regular veterinary care
Dog and cats’ immune systems weaken as the years fade away. Vaccinations should be kept current, and a regular physical check by the vet can help prevent illness. Generally, at age 7, health-related problems can start, so this is the time for your pet to get general screenings and have baseline lab tests done.
Maintain your dog’s teeth
Tooth decay is a very common, yet dangerous health problem for dogs and cats. It’s because tooth decay not only creates dental problems, but it can cause infections throughout the body, especially in the heart and kidneys.
Keep their friends close:
Make play dates for your dog with other friendly, well-socialized pups. Most dogs love to play with other dogs, and their exhilaration is profound as they play together. Give your dog more mental exercise with mind-engaging activities such as enrichment puzzles, new toys, visits to new places, and learning new skills and tricks.
Does your dog have a BFF?
Free them from fashion
Try removing your dog’s and cat’s collar at night. They will probably enjoy the freedom just as much as we do when we take off our belts, watches or earrings. Plus, the noise of jingling tags bothers many animals; to reduce it, tape the tags together or stow them in a pouch designed for that purpose.
Learn to speak dog
Dogs can’t talk, but they can communicate — both audibly and with body language. Get to know your dog’s unique way of speaking to you. Maybe he gives a yawn growl/whine when he wants a treat or bores holes in the back of your head with eyes like lasers when he wants a potty break. Communication is a two-way street, and part of it’s on you.
Follow a few of these tips, give them a lot of love and you won’t have anything to worry about.
