October is National Pet Wellness Month! Our goal is to help pet owners provide pet wellness year-round, and coming in for annual wellness checks and vaccinations is the best way to help ensure your family pets are healthy. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMA) created National Pet Wellness Month in an effort to help raise awareness about the proper care for animals. As animals age, their bodies change drastically. Pet owners that do not understand these changes can often end up causing their animals more harm without meaning to. Our goal at Skyline Animal Hospital has always been to help educate pet owners on how they can provide the highest quality of life for their pets. Here are some things to focus on this October so you can keep your family pet happy, and healthy!
Increase the Walking
Pets absolutely love walking, especially dogs! Dogs thrive on being active, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunity to walk and run. Take an extra 30-60 minutes each day to get them out and run. Even a small stroll around your block can make a huge difference in your dog’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Play Time
It doesn’t take long for animals to become bored, and boredom leads to problems. Even your little hamster needs to exercise and run! Fight boredom by giving your pet plenty of activities and things to do. From toys to play with to chew time, pets need to have some fun and engaging activities. Enrichment puzzles, new hiking adventures, and visiting a new park are all fun activities to enjoy.
Proper Training
Animals need to have boundaries and rules. Spend some time working on visual training as animals respond faster to them versus verbal communication. Consider enrolling in a training class if you do have a pet that is causing indoor problems (like marking their territory, or chewing on things they shouldn’t).
Cuddles and Love
Animals need your love and affection. Spend time each day rubbing and massaging them. They need to be praised when they do good deeds as well. Petting your animals develops a bond, and it allows them to truly relax.
Cleanliness
Aniamls need to have an area in the home where they can rest and eat. These areas need to be cleaned and well-maintained. If you rarely clean out the area where they eat and sleep, it won’t be long before you end up having an odor. Clean your pets fur by washing them, or brushing them frequently. Cats often care for themselves, but even they appreciate a good brushing that removes some excess fur. Pets with longer hair need proper grooming. Call our office to discuss some things you can do to help keep your pet clean and smelling fresh.
Alone Time
Pets need to have one-on-one time with their owners. They relish in the attention they are given. Try to make time for each pet, without other people present, and other animals present. By taking some time to talk to your pet and interact with them independently, they will feel a stronger connection and bond with their owners.
Learning about the pet aging process can help pet owners to understand the best methods to give their pets the highest quality of life.
