October is National Pet Wellness Month, a yearly reminder to make sure you’re giving your sidekick the proper care and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. This may involve everything from reassessing their nutritional needs to switching up their exercise regimen to devoting time to work on training — and, of course, scheduling their annual checkup.
1. Make play a priority
Play is not just fun — it’s essential to your pet’s happiness and mental health. Dogs thrive when they bond with their humans through play. When was the last time you got down on the floor to play with your pet or learned a new trick or game on YouTube? The same applies to cats, who may require less playtime, but reap the same benefits that their canine counterparts do. In both animals, mental and physical enrichment contribute to weight maintenance, alleviate boredom-related (mis)behaviors, play into their instincts (such as chasing or pouncing), and provide an instant mood lift.
1 and 2 are very similar. If you are short on time, don’t underestimate brain stimulation. A short walk to sniff or an interactive puzzle while you are busy can break up boredom and make a happy pet.
2. Daily exercise and enrichment
Exercise is one of the biggest keys to your pet’s overall health and happiness — it keeps their body strong, their weight in check, and their stress levels lower. And while moving their bodies is essential, it’s just as important to stimulate their minds. A few ways to enrich dogs include puzzle and lick mats, sniff walks (and scent games), as well as agility training. Meanwhile, for cats, consider puzzle feeders and interactive toys, as well as various perches around your home where they can focus on “hunting” birds and other wildlife through windows.
3. Feed them a healthy diet
Keeping your pet well-nourished can make or break their health, and their needs often change with their age. Dogs require a mix of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients, including fiber and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, cats, obligate carnivores, need a mix of animal-based proteins and nutrients, with fewer carbs. Ask your vet for tips on what (and how much) you should be feeding your pet, based on their life stage, breed, size, and health. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to overall health.
4. Use preventatives
Preventatives can help you get ahead of common health issues. This includes making sure your pet is spayed or neutered if that hasn’t already been done. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and keeping up with parasite and flea preventatives is a great way to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy — well before these common nuisances can become a problem.
Again, 4 and 5 go hand in hand. Find a veterinarian you trust and has the same goals as you for you and your pet. They will lead you in the direction of which preventatives will best fit you and your pet’s lifestyle. Preventatives are not necessarily a one size fits all solution for every pet.
5. Schedule annual vet visits
Your pet’s annual vet visit helps them stay healthy and happy. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s overall health, administer any tests (if necessary) to catch early signs of illness, and confirm if they’re up to date on vaccines and preventatives. They will also answer any questions or have resources for any of your concerns regarding the well-being of your pet. Also, it’s great to have a person you and your pet can relate to and trust in case of an emergency.
If cost is a concern, there are plenty of resources, including pet insurance, to help with vet bills.
6. Keep up grooming and hygiene
Regular pet grooming goes beyond keeping your pup or your kitty pretty, although that can be motivation in itself. Plan to brush your cat and groom your dog a few times a week, which will vary by fur type. Brushing fur helps your pet avoid tangles and keeps their coat healthy, protecting them from skin issues and preventing infections.
Although you probably won’t need to do more than brush your cat because they meticulously self-groom, you will need to give your dog a shampoo and fur trim (or take them to the groomer) every so often. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your pet’s ears to prevent infections, check their eyes for irregular color and film, and trim their nails to avoid pain or mobility issues.
Finding a groomer that suits you and your pets’ needs can take time. You might need to try several different groomers according to your pets’ behavioral needs or breed specific needs. This is another person who will help you keep your animal happy and healthy.
7. Keep up with training
Training requires diligence, but the payoff — bonding meaningfully with your pet, as you teach them boundaries and manners — is priceless. Your cat may be less eager to please you than your dog, but they can absolutely learn and thrive when you tap into what motivates them. At its core, training is about patience, routine, and plenty of positive reinforcement — all of which build trust and make life smoother for both of you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local trainer. Again, every owner and pet has different needs and goals. The more people that you can trust with your pet, the more support you have to raise a happy, healthy pet.
Remember, you are your pet’s whole world. They depend on you to look out for them and care for them with respect and dignity.
This list was picked apart and rewritten from the link I have attached. So, if you are looking for more information or want a more extensive list, check it out!
Chastity Crowder, Cofounder and Fospice Mom