Happy New Year! This year, make a resolution to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Use these tips from your McHenry, IL veterinarian to do just that. For even more ideas on how to improve your pet’s life this year, check out our article on great resolutions for pet owners.
Preventative Medicine
Preventative medicine is the best medicine, because avoiding an illness, infection, infestation, or injury in the first place is far easier, effective, and less worrisome than dealing with it after the fact. Keep your pet on year-round pest preventatives to protect against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and worms. Also make sure your pet’s core vaccination batch is up-to-date. Our vet wellness and pet vaccinations services can help ensure your pet stays protected. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure about the status of these items.
Veterinary Visits
Another key part of preventative medicine is regular veterinary visits. When your vet sees your furry friend on a regular basis, he or she can spot any problems before they’re allowed to develop into major issues. Your vet can also give you advice on all aspects of your pet’s health. Set up an appointment today—most vets recommend that they see your pet twice a year or more.
Quality Diet
Feeding your pet a high-quality diet throughout their lifetime is one of the best things you’ll ever do for their health and well-being. Make sure your pet is eating a premium diet that is appropriate for their age, breed, weight, and overall body condition. Some pets benefit from specially formulated diets made to enhance one area of health, like skin or digestive health. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a diet for your particular pet.
Regular Exercise
Along with a good diet, regular exercise is key for keeping your animal companion healthy in the long term. Exercise staves off obesity, keeps muscles and joints limber, and keeps your pet’s mind engaged properly. Go on walks, jog around in the backyard, play fetch, romp around on the living room floor—however you do it, make sure your pet gets moving for several minutes per day.
Proper Supervision
Don’t let your pet run around unsupervised; it’s only inviting disaster. Pets who roam unchecked are far more likely to encounter hazards like toxic materials, sharp objects, wild animals, cars, and much more. Even indoors, pets may get into harmful chemicals, tight spots, or poisonous human foods. Watch your pet closely, both indoors and out.
Does your pet need a veterinary check-up? Would you like more suggestions on keeping your pet healthy this year? Give your McHenry, IL animal hospital a call today.