Your pet is a family member, and their health is important to you. As you reflect on your own health habits and positive growth, consider the steps you can take to improve your pet’s health to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life. Our Memorial Animal Hospital team shares simple tips to improve your pet’s health.

 #1: Brush your pet’s teeth 

Pets’ dental hygiene is an area that most owners neglect, and as a result, most dogs and cats have developed oral disease by 3 years of age. Dental disease results from plaque buildup on teeth. Over time the sticky plaque traps bacteria near the gumline and hardens into tartar. Tartar that is not regularly removed through professional veterinary cleanings will continue to build up, attracting more bacteria, and causing gum inflammation that progresses to infection, tissue erosion, and—ultimately—bone and tooth loss. 

Developing an at-home dental care routine for your pet—and sticking with the plan—is crucial for their overall health. Try to brush your pet’s teeth every day with a pet-safe toothpaste in an appealing flavor, such as chicken, fish, or mint. If your pet won’t tolerate toothbrushing, ask your veterinarian about alternative solutions.  

#2: Schedule regular wellness exams for your pet 

Preventive care is one of the best ways to support your pet’s health today and throughout their life. Your pet isn’t able to let you know when they are hurting, and regular wellness exams ensure that your veterinarian can detect potential health problems before they progress and become more difficult—and more expensive—to treat. 

#3: Asses your pet’s weight and body condition

Pet obesity is an epidemic in the United States. An overweight or obese pet often has a decreased lifespan and a higher risk of developing numerous weight-related health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and arthritis. A pet is considered obese if they weigh 20% more than their ideal body weight, and pets weighing 10% more than their ideal weight are considered overweight. Weigh your pet regularly, and monitor fluctuations over time. To determine whether your pet is at their ideal weight, use a body condition score (BCS) system. If your pet is overweight, schedule an appointment with our Memorial Animal Hospital team, so we can examine your pet, and rule out a medical weight-gain cause, such as thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction.

#4: Keep your pet’s mind sharp

Enrichment keeps your pet mentally sharp and engaged by providing an opportunity to practice their natural behaviors and problem solve to receive a reward. To help keep your pet happy, healthy, and engaged this year, commit to implementing one or more of the following enrichment activities:

  • Get outside — Make a point to walk your dog every day, and switch up your walks by exploring new trails or neighborhoods. If you want to give your indoor cat a breath of fresh air, provide them a catio so they can safely access the outdoors, enabling them to interact with the natural world.
  • Keep moving — Aim to incorporate 15 to 20 minutes of exercise with your pet every day. Try the following fun options to get your pet moving:
    • Give your pet plenty of sniffing time
    • Take your pet swimming 
    • Teach your pet a new trick 
  • Encourage problem solving — Interactive puzzle toys that require your pet to use their paws or nose to move pieces in a specific order to reach a food prize can stimulate their innate problem-solving skills.  
  • Be social — Pets are social by nature and need playtime to fulfill their social needs. Whether your pet plays with you or other pets, playtime provides the physical exercise and mental stimulation necessary for their wellbeing. 

Our Memorial Animal Hospital team is here to continue providing your pet with the high-quality health care they deserve. Contact us to schedule your pet’s wellness visit.