Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy & Happy
Bringing a pet into your home means taking on the responsibility of their well-being. Just like us, pets need a mix of proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation and love to live their best lives. Luckily, this doesn’t have to mean anything too complicated is needed from you as their owner. By following the few simple tips and habits we’ve outlined below, you can make sure your beloved companion stays mentally and physically well.
1. Feed Them a Balanced Diet
Animals need the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and energetic. You need to choose the right food and portion sizes based on your pet’s species, age, size, and any specific health needs.
As per the RSPCA, you should avoid feeding your pets human food as it won’t give them the nutrition they need and some could even poison them. While the odd table scrap can give your pet a treat, you should check beforehand whether the food is toxic to animals (such as chocolate or grapes). Don’t give them treats too often, as overfeeding your pet can cause them to put on weight, which can lead to health issues such as diabetes and heart problems.
2. Keep Them Hydrated
Having constant access to fresh, clean water is essential for your pet’s health. Staying properly hydrated supports healthy digestion, circulation, and joint function, and helps your pet regulate their temperature, which is especially important during hot weather and after exercise.
Some pets, particularly cats, aren’t prone to drinking a lot of water. A good way to encourage them to drink more is with a water fountain, as your pet may prefer drinking from moving water rather than still water. Wet food can also help boost moisture intake. Make sure to keep an eye on your furry friend’s water bowl throughout the day and refill it regularly.
3. Prioritise Regular Exercise
Regular exercise has so many benefits, from burning off excess energy and maintaining your pet’s weight to supporting heart and joint health and reducing the risk of behavioural issues. For dogs, this might mean daily walks, games of fetch, or even agility training. For cats, their daily exercise routine could include interactive toys, climbing trees, or short play sessions with laser pointers or feather wands.
You should tailor your pet’s exercise to their breed, age and health condition. Even small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs’ benefit from safe spaces to hop around and explore!
4. Schedule Routine Vet Checkups
Preventative care is one of the best ways to make sure your pet stays healthy throughout their life. Taking your furry friend for regular vet checkups helps make sure potential health issues are detected early on, which often means treatment is more effective (and affordable). During these visits, your vet will monitor your pet’s weight, dental health, and vital signs, as well as update any necessary vaccinations.
Treatment and diagnostic tests can be extremely expensive, so it’s a good idea to have pet insurance in place as a financial safety net. If your pet already has a health condition, you’ll need to look for pet insurance that comprehensively covers pre-existing conditions from insurers such as Petgevity. Not all insurers will cover pre-existing conditions, which is why you should ideally insure your pet as early as possible.
5. Maintain Good Hygiene
Keeping your pet clean is more than just about appearances. Regular grooming helps remove dirt, loose fur, and parasites while also preventing skin infections and matting. Depending on your pet’s breed and coat type, this could mean daily brushing or occasional trips to a professional groomer.
Other important hygiene tasks to stay on top of include trimming nails, cleaning ears, and brushing their teeth. To help your pet feel more comfortable with regular grooming, it’s a good idea to create a routine, such as brushing them at the same time each day. Regular grooming will also help you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or skin changes that could be cause for concern.
6. Keep Up with Vaccinations & Preventative Care
Vaccinations and preventative treatments are essential for protecting your pet from serious illnesses and parasites. As per the UK Government and current British Small Animals Veterinary Association (BSAVA) recommendation, puppies should get their core vaccination when they’re between 6-8 weeks old, then every 2-4 weeks until they’re at least 16 weeks old. Your vet will be able to advise the best vaccinations based on your pet’s breed, age and exposure risk. For example, if you plan to travel abroad with your pet, they will need additional vaccinations to help guard against diseases like rabies.
Along with vaccinations, it’s important to stay consistent with preventative treatment such as flea, tick, and worm treatment. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, from skin irritation to life-threatening conditions, so regular treatments are essential. Staying on top of your pet’s preventative care helps them stay healthy, active, and safe from avoidable threats.
7. Provide Mental Stimulation
Did you know it’s required by law to ensure your pet can exhibit their natural behaviour patterns? As per the Blue Cross, all pets have the legal right to have their mental and physical needs taken care of under The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which includes mental stimulation.
Boredom can lead your beloved companion to develop destructive behaviours, anxiety, and even depression. To keep their minds sharp, provide a variety of engaging activities for your pet. Interactive toys, treat puzzles, training sessions, and games like hide-and-seek are great ways to challenge your pet mentally. Dogs often enjoy learning new tricks, while cats love exploring new environments or chasing toys that mimic prey. Rotating toys and introducing new experiences, like a walk in a different park or a new scratching post, can make a big difference in their happiness.
8. Create a Safe & Comfortable Environment
Your pet’s home should be a place where they feel secure, relaxed, and loved. To help them stay safe, it’s important to make sure their space is free from hazards such as exposed wires, toxic plants, or small objects they could swallow.
All animals, no matter their breed or age, should have a clean, cosy place to rest, access to shelter from harsh weather, and a quiet spot where they can retreat if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Pets thrive in environments where they feel physically safe. A calm, stable space goes a long way in promoting long-term health and happiness.
9. Understand Their Unique Needs
Every pet is unique, so understanding their individual needs is key to making sure they stay happy and healthy. Factors such as your pet’s species, breed, age, temperament, and health condition all affect what your pet needs to thrive. For example, a high-energy dog breed may need more daily exercise, while a senior cat might benefit from joint supplements and a quieter environment.
It can be helpful to take the time to observe your pet’s behaviour and how they respond to different routines and foods. This can help you tailor a care routine that’s specific to your pet, helping them live a longer and happier life.
10. Show Love & Affection Daily
For many people, pets are more than just companions. They’re part of the family, so making sure your pet feels loved is just as important to their emotional well-being as exercise and play time. Whether it’s a gentle stroke, soothing words or a cuddle, spending time with your pet and showing them affection reminds your pet that they’re safe and loved.
