Every pet owner wants their pet to live a healthy and long life, perhaps even as long as theirs. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend many happy years with their beloved pet?

Below you’ll find some helpful tips that can potentially help you to enjoy the company of your pet for as long as possible.

1. Ensure a high-quality diet

Animal companions who are fed with high-quality pet food have healthy skin, shiny coats, and bright eyes. Moreover, nutritious food boosts your pet’s immune system to help fight off any diseases. As long as your pet eats well-balanced meals in proper proportions, you can ensure that he or she will get all the essential nutrients required for good health.

If you feel that your pet’s diet needs an upgrade, talk to your vet to get recommendations that fit your pet’s needs.

2. Visit the vet regularly

All pets need regular veterinary care to maintain health and to spot any health concerns early on. Being able to see their animal patients often allows vets to monitor a pet’s health and give appropriate advice to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Also, in case something ails your pet, getting an early diagnosis of your pet’s condition can significantly increase the chances of a successful treatment.

• Keep up-to-date on important vaccinations – This is beneficial in warding off diseases like distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, rabies, and many others. Also, make sure your pet is taking preventative medicine to ward off ticks, fleas, and worms.
• Spay or neuter – Early spaying or neutering will set your pet up for a lifetime of great health. Spaying or neutering doesn’t only prevent unplanned litters but also eliminates the risks of cancer and common ailments such as urinary tract infection. It’s a cost-effective method to avoid serious health problems in the future.

3. Keep your pet in shape

In addition to giving your beloved animal companion a high-quality diet, regular exercise is also crucial to your pet’s fitness and lifelong health. On a daily basis, set aside time to help your pet get moving. You can go on a brisk walk around your neighborhood or jog around the backyard.

You can also give your pet a fun toy he or she can play with for hours on end — something to keep him or her preoccupied and active.

The aim of regular exercise is to let your pet burn off excess calories to maintain a healthy weight. Just like people, pets that are overweight are at a higher risk for many health conditions. In fact, obesity can shorten a pet’s lifespan because it puts the animal at risk for heart disease, joint disorders and diabetes.

4. Stimulate your pet’s mind

Like humans, animals flourish with mental stimulation. A bored pet can become anxious, depressed, and even ill. Extend your furry friend’s life by keeping his or her mind active with socialization, training, games, and one-on-one attention.

It’s not too late to teach your adult pet some new tricks. If you have a dog, you can sign him or her up for obedience lessons, or let him or her try an agility sport. Your pet will thrive with the added stimulation and, at the same time, your bond will improve as you learn things together.

5. Maintain a clean mouth

Dental disease is a common problem among dogs and cats. It causes pain and makes it difficult for them to eat. If you leave it untreated, this oral health issue may lead to kidney and heart disease. The most effective way to care for your pet’s mouth besides regular dental checkups is to brush his or her teeth at home.

Not all pets are huge fans of toothbrushes, though. You can make use of other alternatives such as dental treats, diets, and toys. Ask your vet about oral hygiene recommendations for your type of pet.

6. Supervise your pet

Never allow your pet to roam around unsupervised.

You may think you’re doing your furry friend a favor by letting him run free, but you’re actually making him or her susceptible to many dangers. This may also make your neighbors angry if your pet digs up their flower garden or poops in their lawn.

Enjoy the time you have with your pet

The sad fact remains that most people will outlive their pets. But with love, conscientious care, and regular vet attention – you may be able to give your pet some extra years, and more happy times for you as well.

If you’re looking for a way to memorialize your pet, you might consider commissioning a pet portrait.

When things get busy at home, you might choose a good professional cleaning company to help you with the chores. This way, you can have more time to spend with your beloved pet and the people you love. Having a clean home will also help protect your family and your pet from microbes that thrive in less hygienic surroundings.

Be sure to savor every minute, and make the most of the time you have with your animal companion.

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.