Your pet can benefit from healthy habits, just like you do. And while they won’t be joining you for yoga class or partaking in a hearty green smoothie, it’s important that you nurture their well-being in the ways that work for them.
After all, your pet makes your life so much better—why not make theirs just as good? Read on for five habits for a healthier and happier pet!
#1 Take Note of Nutrition
It can be tempting to feed your pet whatever puppy kibble they had on sale at the store, but some four-legged friends require additional nutrition to stay healthy.
If you’ve noticed your pet hasn’t been feeling their best, it may be time to take a look at their diet. Many pet food brands lack a lot of the necessary nutrients your animal needs. At the same time, the higher-end pet food may seem like a waste of money—after all, dogs once survived in the wild without gourmet pet cuisines like wild Alaskan salmon and Kobe beef.
However, you’d be surprised what a difference it can make to your fur baby’s overall health.
Some important factors you’ll want to consider when changing up your pet’s diet are:
- Potential allergies
- Protein levels
- Omega fatty acids, for healthy skin and joints
- Age-related nutritional needs
Try to incorporate more nutrients into their meals as best you can, whether this means changing their food brand, adding supplements in their bowl, or cooking them a homemade dinner (because we all deserve a little pampering these days).
#2 Make Regular Check-Ups a Priority
Of course, regular check-ups are meant to be regular, but are you really scheduling them as often as you should be?
If you’re only taking them to the vet when something is wrong, they may be suffering and you wouldn’t even know it. To keep your furry friend at the top of their game, make a vet appointment at least once a year. A trip to the vet can provide a ton of benefits, including:
- Vaccinations
- Heartworm prevention
- Checking growth milestones
- Testing for diseases
#3 Kick Their Anxiety to the Curb
Studies have shown that more than 70% of dogs, and 20-25% of cats, experience symptoms of anxiety. Triggers for pet anxiety can include:
- Unfamiliar people
- New environments
- Separation from owner
- Loud noises
- Dementia
Shaking, hiding, and compulsively biting skin are common signs of anxiety in animals. If you’ve noticed your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, you may want to keep an anxiety relief supplement—like CBD for pets—on hand.
#4 Regular Groomings
The confidence you feel after a much-needed haircut is similar to your pet’s joy post-grooming. While they may not love getting their nails clipped or enduring bath time, the benefits of regular grooming will always outweigh the momentary discomfort.
For a happier, healthier pet, make sure to keep up with these crucial grooming habits:
- Get their fur cut to a manageable length, especially in the summer heat
- Regularly trim their nails to avoid painful ingrown nails and cracks
- Keep up with dental cleanings to clear away plaque and prevent bad breath
- Schedule regular baths to keep skin clean and irritation-free
#5 Schedule Pet Hangouts
Animals can get lonely, too. As much as they love accompanying you on morning walks and sitting at your feet while you work from home, your dog or cat may crave one-on-one time with their own species (don’t take it personally).
Prioritize quality pet time by scheduling playdates that will boost your animal’s emotional well-being. Whether this means hitting the dog park or scheduling a kitty playdate with a friend, you’ll quickly notice how happy your pet is when they’re able to play with another animal.
Your Pet Has Needs, Too
Most people assume pets live a simple life, devoid of luxuries. However, incorporating a few of these comforts into their daily routine can make a world of difference in their physical and mental health.
Don’t be afraid to pamper your pet a little. We’re talking about man’s (or woman’s) best friend here—they deserve it!
