Tagged with 'pet-health'

Do you need to make-over your pet’s health? Understanding their habits is the first step in determining which resolutions will work best for your furry friend. Not all dogs or cats have the same needs. They’re all individual creatures, and you need to take that into account.

Tips to ensure your pets are happy and healthy in 2018:

BE ACTIVE EVERY DAY

Cabin fever is a real thing, and far too many dogs live with it. Lack of activity is the root of many doggie behavior problems, and exercise often is the best medicine. A tired dog is a good dog. Walking with your dog is great, but off-leash time is important because it lets your dog be a dog. They need time interacting with other dogs, so if your dog is an only child, visit the dog park often or set up puppy playdates.

Just because you’re a week-end warrior doesn’t mean that’s ideal for your dog. Being sedentary all week, and saving the fun for the week-end, increases your dog’s chances of getting injured. If you’re heading out for a 5-mile hike with Fido on Saturday, getting your dog out during the week is important. Just like people, pets need daily activity to stay in shape.

REEVALUATE THEIR DIET

The first three or four ingredients in your dog’s food should be meat or meat by-products, so read labels carefully. Because dogs have evolved to omnivores, it is OK to include some vegetables and fruits in Fido’s diet too. If you’re feeding kibbles, choose grain-free brands.

Some real food ideas for Fido: raw chicken breast, beef trimmings, meaty beef bones, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, sardines, bone broth, and coconut oil.

As far as snacks go, limit the “extras.” Offering a kernel or two of your dog’s regular kibble and a pat on the head is treat enough. Really.

Cats are true carnivores and need a diet that’s 80 to 90% meat. Cats love variety in their food, so switch around their flavors, but go easy on fish which can upset a cat’s digestive system.

How you feed cats is important, too. In nature, cats are hunters, not grazers. Vets doesn’t advocate leaving out a bowl of kibble for kitties to nosh anytime. Instead, feed your cat at designated times, but play with her first (to mimic the “hunt”) before serving food (as the “kill”). Mealtime play also ensures she gets her exercise.

SPRUCE UP THE HOUSE

It’s your duty to make the house as pet-friendly as it can be. Provide toys that appeal to all the senses, and rotate them to prevent boredom. That’s especially important for indoor cats. Yes, cant should live indoors since the life span of an outdoor cat is, on average, about four years. For an indoor cat, it’s 14 years. Keep your cat entertained with a bird feeder hung outside the window, within view of a high-rise cat condo with ample space to climb, hide, and relax.  

A few simple habits will help Spot stay spotless – and keep you both healthy.

No one expects pets to be pristine, but good hygiene is essential, not only for your dog’s or cats health, but for yours, too. That includes everything from frequent litter changes to wiping down a pup’s paws, not to mention regular baths. Want your furry pals as clean as can be? Follow these routines to keep allergens and germs off your animal – and out of your home.

Suds Up

Aim to bathe your dog at least every three months. Extra wrinkly breeds may require more frequent attention. If not cleansed, skin folds can become moist and irritated, leading to bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Clean wrinkles with antiseptic wipes or solution several times a week. Dogs (and owners) with allergies may benefit from more regular bath sessions, to remove pollen.

Prep Paws

Protect your pup from potential irritants (like sidewalk muck and harmful plants) by cleaning paws with a damp washcloth or hypoallergenic baby wipes. In the winter, when dogs are walking on salt or de-icing agents, it’s recommended to wipe after every walk. Patients with allergies should wipe at the end of every day to remove pollens and other allergens.

Mind the Box

Beyond being smelly, a stale litter box can pose health hazards. Leaving soiled litter in the box can lead to overgrowth of bacteria, which can be a concern for both pet and human health. Scoop the box at least once a day and clean it out fully once or twice a week. Scrub with water and unscented soap or baking soda, rinse with very hot water, dry, then fill with fresh liter.

Curb Dander

The protein animals shed from their skin can trigger allergic reactions I people who are sensitive to it. Keep pets out of the bedroom so at least the room where you sleep stays dander-free. HEPA air purifiers are also very effective, especially for things like cat dander, which is very fine and floats through the air.

Ever Wonder?

How Bad Is It To Kiss Your Dog?

Real Talk: Dogs lick their butts; some eat poop (one in four has done so at least once, per research). In theory, a smooch from your pooch could expose you to feces-borne parasites or bacteria. But most likely you’ll be fine. To get you sick, your dog would need to lick your mouth making you ingest its saliva. Even then, your immune system would probably fight off infection. 

It's also a myth that a dog's mouth is less germy than a human's. 

article courtesy of Health.com