Pet Wellness Month - Learn how to keep your pet healthy and happy!
October is National Pet Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to chat about all things pet health. There are many factors that make up a well-rounded pet wellness routine, so let’s break down everything you need to know to keep your pet healthy and thriving!
What Does Pet Wellness Mean?
Pet wellness is a collective and holistic take on a pet’s well-being. Pet wellness involves promoting all aspects of your pet’s health - medical, behavioral, emotional, and physical. Pet wellness follows the belief system that your pet requires support and care that targets all categories listed above, and that one cannot truly thrive without the other.
How Do I Maintain My Pet’s Health & Wellness?
Now that you know that pet wellness requires a holistic approach, let’s discuss the ways in which you can help your pet thrive!
Regular Vet Appointments
Regular appointments with your veterinarian are essential in promoting a pet’s ongoing health and happiness. Regular vet care can establish ideal care routines, detect changes in health, and prevent future health complications. Appointments with your family veterinarian can also answer pet parent questions, ranging from current health concerns to behavioral struggles the pet is experiencing at home.
We always suggest having your pet assessed by a veterinarian the moment you welcome them into your family. Your veterinary team can let you know how often they should be seen moving forward, as well as any medical care they need to stay healthy. We then suggest having them assessed at least once a year until they are seven years of age, and then twice a year in the years to follow. Your veterinarian can determine if your pet’s specific needs require more or less assessments throughout the year.
Preventative Health Care
Preventative care, just like for humans, is designed to prevent common health conditions before they arise and potentially life-threatening. Preventative pet care can include vaccinations against infectious diseases, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and even spay and neutering.
While there are many forms of preventative care that you can only get at your vet’s office, there are other forms of prevention that you can practice on your own. This includes offering your dog a healthy diet to prevent obesity, giving them joint supplements to help prevent joint disease, and brushing their teeth to prevent dental disease. The preventative care options are endless!
At-Home Care
As we stated above, there are many ways that you can support your pet’s wellness from the comfort of your home. Most pet parents offer their pet some form of at-home care each day without realizing it.
At-home care for pets can be anything that supports your pet’s holistic health. Some of the most common forms of at-home care for pets includes:
- Brushing teeth
- Dental health supplements and treats
- Joint supplements
- Regular combing and grooming
- Probiotics
- Nail trimming
- Exercise and play time
If it supports your pet’s well-being and can be done from the comfort of your home, it is considered at-home care!
Healthy Diets & Dietary Supplements
A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in a pet wellness routine. Similar to you and I, an improper diet can lead to a variety of health concerns for our beloved companions. Improper diet in pets can increase their risk of obesity, obesity related illness, joint disease, and even behavioral struggles.
The best way to determine the ideal diet plan for your pet is by seeking guidance from your veterinary team. They will show you how to choose an appropriate diet for your pet’s age range, size, lifestyle, and any other specific traits they possess.
Your vet team can also offer guidance on dietary supplements that may benefit your little one. For example, if you have a large breed dog, your vet may offer you recommendations on the joint supplements to support their joint health as they age. Every pet will have unique needs when it comes to dietary supplements, so we always suggest asking your vet about what supplements you should explore.
Physical & Mental Stimulation
A pet’s happiness should never be ignored when establishing their wellness routine. Pets need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to feel fulfilled, and lack of enrichment can lead to frustration for both the pet and the pet parent. A bored pet is more likely to struggle with destructive behaviors, excessive barking or meowing, separation anxiety, and hyperactivity.
Most pets will benefit from some form of physical activity each day. For dogs, this can include going on a daily walk or accompanying their owners on outdoor adventures. For cats, this can include chasing a ribbon toy or playing with interactive games. If it gets your pet up and moving, it’s great enrichment!
Mental stimulation should always be considered in addition to physical stimulation. Not only can it prevent boredom in pets, but it can keep their minds healthy and sharp! Thankfully, there are a variety of interactive and stimulating games available to our pets. Some of our favorite mental enrichment toys for pets are licking mats and sniffing mats. They keep your pet busy while stimulating their mind!
Final Thoughts
An ideal pet wellness routine supports many aspects of their health and happiness. No area is more important than the other, and they all work together to achieve optimal wellness!
Do you need help establishing your pet’s wellness routine? Visit one of our Vetted Primary Care Centers in Chicago, NYC, or Dallas/Fort Worth! Book your appointment now.
