It is important for your household pets to have a good healthcare routine. Here are some tips for keeping your dog or cat in top physical condition:
Feed an age appropriate and balanced diet
Dogs and cats have distinct life stages that have different nutritional requirements. Cats and dogs should be fed different foods at the kitten or puppy stage than they are fed when adults or seniors. Failure to provide a cat or dog with an age appropriate diet can lead to developmental, weight, and other problems.
Joint health
Larger dogs and heavier breeds of cats can be subject to joint and other skeletal issues. A food that is high in glucosamine or fatty acids can help prevent and ease problems. If you have a breed that is particularly susceptible to hip dysplasia or similar issues you may want to consider a specially formulated joint supplement that can be added to your pet’s current diet.
Exotic pets
There are other types of animals that make great pets for those who either cannot keep or do not want a dog or cat. Ferrets, gerbils, and lizards are all beloved pets of some people. Exotic pets have unique health needs that need to be precisely followed, as feeding the wrong food to an exotic pet can lead to serious issues. Ferrets need a balanced ferret food, not cat food. Regular visits to a veterinarian can help you take the best care of your exotic pets. Cats and dogs are able to express discomfort more readily than lizards, snakes, and other exotic pets, so if there is a problem it can be hard to determine what it is without a veterinary opinion.
Preventative medicines and pest control
Our beloved pets are vulnerable to various parasites and diseases. Your veterinarian can help you decide what preventative care routine is best for each of your pets. Bob Martin Vet Care can help you save time and money on prescriptions for your pets. Medicine for your pet can be conveniently shipped and delivered so that you never run out.
Regular exercise
Pets that are kept indoors very often can develop a sedentary lifestyle that can be damaging to their overall health and wellbeing. Even cats need to get an appropriate amount of exercise. Cats make good use of toys. The range of toys available is staggering, so finding a different toy if your cat gets bored easily is not a problem. Remote controlled mice and laser pointers are all easy ways to encourage your cat to get adequate exercise. Medium to large dogs will need more outdoor exercise than small breeds. Most parks allow dogs as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
Assessing the actions of your pet
Pets can just have days where they are not at their best, but sometimes a change in behaviour can mean that your pet is experiencing something stressful to them. If something ever seems wrong, you need to make sure to monitor the situation to see if more symptoms appear. When in doubt ask your vet.