4 Habits That Can Make Your Pet Healthier

As a pet owner, your furry friend's well-being is your responsibility. You know you should take your pet to the vet for a checkup once a year, but health isn't built on annual checkups alone. Here are four habits that can greatly impact your pet's health for the better:

1. Clean your pet's teeth.

Cleaning your pet's teeth can improve their breath and overall oral health. You can find toothpaste formulated specifically for pets; it's non-toxic, so it won't hurt your furry friend if they swallow it. Get in the habit of brushing your pet's teeth once a day. This will reduce plaque and tartar, which can lead to painful tooth decay.

If your pet won't let you brush your teeth, you may need to take them to the vet for a professional cleaning. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, during a professional cleaning, your dog will be unconscious, thanks to general anesthesia. This will allow the vet to scale the calcified deposits from their teeth and clean beneath their gum line in order to prevent or treat gum disease.

2. Trim your pet's nails.

In the wild, animals run over rough terrain, which grinds their nails down naturally. Your pet spends most of their time indoors, which means you'll have to trim their nails. Untrimmed nails can grow too long and become ingrown. They can also become damaged, leading to infections that will need to be treated with antibiotics. Prevent this by trimming your pet's nails at least twice a month. Trim only the clear part of your pet's nails, since the opaque quick contains nerve endings and blood.

3. Groom your pet's fur.

Some pets do a better job at keeping their fur clean than others. Cats, for example, do a great job at grooming themselves. However, no matter what species your pet is, it can still benefit from regular grooming. Brush your pet daily to keep their fur tangle-free. This is especially important for pets with long fur. Bathe your pet once a week to keep their coat smelling fresh and looking as shiny as possible.

4. Treat your pet for fleas.

If you live in an area with fleas and ticks, preventative treatment can keep your pet from becoming infested. Your veterinarian can recommend a treatment to protect your pet from pests. If they've already become infested with fleas, your vet can prescribe a treatment, either in oral or topical form.

Contact the veterinarians at a clinic like Spring Hill Veterinary Clinic for more information on taking care of your pet's health.

About Me

Managing Pet's Expectations

When you have a pet, you really do get to know their personality. While I never thought too terribly much about what my pet wanted, I realized really early on that if I uttered the word "park," my animal would expect a visit to the local playground. I started thinking carefully about how to manage my pet's expectations, and while it was difficult, we learned together how to make things better than ever before. I started being more careful about what I said and when, and it really paid off. Find out more about how to help your animal live a happier life on this blog.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

24 October 2024
When your furry friend falls ill, it's natural to feel concerned and eager to help them. While home remedies and over-the-counter medications may seem

14 May 2024
Maine Coons, renowned for their majestic appearance and amiable personalities, are a popular choice for pet lovers worldwide. Opting for a Maine Coon

12 January 2024
Cavapoos are a crossbreed between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles bred for their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat and affectionate persona