Ten Pet Health Tips to Start the New Year

Pet owners often ask me, as a veterinarian, what they can do to keep their pets healthy. Here are my ten top pet health tips to help you and your pet. All of us want the best for animals. These health tips should help your pet live a healthy and long life.

1. Annual veterinary examinations

Annual veterinary examinations are just as important as food and affection. Please do not wait until your pet is sick to take him to the vet. Bring your pet to the veterinarian for a health checkup at least once per year. Older animals or pets with medical problems may require more frequent visits. Your vet will check your pet thoroughly to ensure he’s healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations and other preventive measures. These annual checks can save money by protecting your pet against preventable diseases. They also detect illness earlier when it’s more treatable. A wellness exam at the vet is the best way to ensure your pet has a healthy and long life. Click to find out why even healthy dogs need annual exams.

2. Vaccinations

Vaccinating your pets is something that most people would take advantage of. Immunizations help protect pets against viruses and bacteria. I am a Shelter veterinarian and see many animals suffer needlessly due to preventable diseases such as distemper or parvovirus. Ask your vet which vaccines are best for your pet based on lifestyle and risk factors. Also, ask how often they should be given booster shots.

3. Screening tests

Because animals cannot talk, they cannot tell us what’s wrong. Screening tests can help detect diseases before symptoms appear. Your veterinarian may recommend screening tests based on your pet’s age to check for diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid problems. Even if your dog appears healthy, you should still get the recommended screening tests. Your veterinarian may recommend screening tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo general sedation.

4. Dental care

Keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy. What does it entail, exactly? If needed, take your pet to the vet at least once per year for a thorough checkup and cleaning. Second, give your pet dental chews and brush his teeth with pet toothpaste regularly to keep them white between visits. Regular dental care will keep your pet’s mouth healthy and prevent costly and painful dental problems. Learn what causes dental disease by clicking here.

5. Parasite protection

Parasites can cause disease in your pet. Parasites can be external or internal. Examples include fleas and ticks. Parasites are not only disgusting, but they can also cause severe morbidity and even death. Parasites may even be dangerous to family members, such as children. Parasitic disease is easily preventable. Talk to your veterinarian about using monthly preventatives all year long. This will protect your family and pets from internal and external parasites. Learn how to stop heartworms in their tracks.

6. Microchips

Ensure your pet has a microchip if it doesn’t have one. Although collars and IDs are essential, your lost pet is not guaranteed to return home. The collars and tags can fall off or break. I am a shelter veterinarian and see many homeless animals end up at the shelter. I firmly believe that microchips are the best option to increase the chances of your pet being returned home if he gets lost.

Last but not least, make sure you keep your contact details up-to-date. A microchip won’t do much good if you can’t be reached to know that your pet is found. See how a microchip allowed Giget to return home after being 2500 miles from his family.

7. Your pet should be spayed or neutered

Spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of breast cancer, testicular cancer,  Spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of breast and testicular cancers, as well as pyometra, a condition of the uterus. Spaying and neutering also help with behavioral issues such as aggression, spraying, and roaming. Call your veterinarian if your pet still needs to be spayed or neutered to learn how it can benefit from the procedure.

8. Your home should be pet-proofed

Pets are naturally curious, which can sometimes get them in trouble. Pet-proofing your home will make it safe for your pet. Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for a list of poisonous houseplants to ensure your pets are not at risk. Refer to their website for information on which household products and foods may harm your pet. Remember that toxic chemicals should be stored away from pets.

9. Exercise

Exercise will help your pet stay healthy and trim. As humans, pets are susceptible to obesity and associated problems such as arthritis or diabetes. Exercise your pet regularly and keep up their activity level. Dogs can be taken on long walks and allowed to run in dog parks without a leash. Ask your vet if you can run with your dog. Play more with your cat and have him chase a laser.

10. Teach a dog an old trick

It is not only the muscles that should be worked out; your pet’s mind also needs to be stimulated. You can do this by giving your pet interactive toys to stimulate his brain or by teaching him a new trick. Consider enrolling your dog in an agility course or an obedience class. It is vital to keep your pet’s mind and body healthy. Do not forget that dogs can always learn. Click to see this puppy’s progress in learning to walk on two limbs.