It’s one of the most challenging aspects of being a pet owner: dealing with the fact that the life of your beloved dog or cat is so much shorter than yours!
The good news is, there are many things you can do to keep your pet healthy and strong for as many years as possible.
Here are our top 10 tips:
What you place in your pet’s food bowl each day has a direct impact on your cat or dog’s health. Thanks to the lack of safety and oversight in the food industry, there are a lot of products out there that are labeled “pet food” but don’t offer any real nutritional value. If you want to make sure your cat or dog is healthy, do some careful research on their nutritional needs and then give them high-quality food that satisfies the recommended nutritional allowances for pet foods. Avoid pet foods with fillers and treats that are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients.
An active pet is a healthy pet! Studies have shown that exercise helps to lower stress, increase endorphins, and improve the cardiovascular system and overall physical well-being of dogs and cats.
Veterinarians recommend giving your dog at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, while your cats should get at least 30 minutes of playtime a day. This can sometimes be a challenge for indoor cats so make sure you offer your feline friends lots of opportunities for activity.
Our world is full of dangerous chemicals that can negatively impact your dog’s or cat’s health. Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, weed killers, as well as household cleaners all may contain toxins that are harmful to pets. Remember, your furry friends spend most of their time on the floor where the majority of the toxins reside. Also, read the labels on their pet food and pet treat packaging. The amount of preservatives and artificial ingredients in pet products can be frightening, and certainly not healthy. It’s better to seek out healthy foods and treats, and non-toxic cleaning and yard products that are safe for use in homes with cats and dogs.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, they say -- and it’s as true for cats and dogs as it is for humans. By taking your pet to the vet for regular check-ups you can learn about potential problems before they happen and ensure your pet is protected against health risks. Be proactive and don’t wait until your pet has a health issue to see the vet.
Boredom is bad for your pet’s mental health. A dog or cat that lacks mental stimulation can become depressed, anxious, or ill. A great way to extend the length and quality of your pets’ lives is to keep their minds active with training, socialization, games, and lots of one-on-one attention.
Just like with their owners, pet obesity is a growing problem in the US. Studies show that cats and dogs that are overweight or obese are more likely to develop arthritis, cancer, and other diseases. When you cut down on the calories, you reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and can delay or even prevent disease in your pet. Regular and consistent exercise is also critical in maintaining your pet’s health.
Studies have shown that dogs and cats with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of developing cancer. And, cancer is the number one killer of pets. That’s why we recommend you give your pet an all-natural immune-boosting supplement such as Critical Immune Defense to promote healthy cell growth and protect your beloved pet against inflammation and disease. Critical Immune Defense acts like a protective barrier for your pet and allows their immune system to function at its best. Again, be proactive and don’t wait for a health issue to arise. Do what you can now to keep your pets healthy and strong.
You can learn more about Critical Immune Defense here.
Did you know that 70% of all cats -- and 80% of all dogs -- show signs of oral disease by the sign they are three years old? Those are alarming statistics!
Not only does oral disease cause a lot of unnecessary pain for your pet, but it could also lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disease, and even cancer. That’s why it’s so important to take good care of your pet’s oral hygiene.
Total Oral Care Spray with Aloe Vera is a great all-natural product that makes it easy to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. And the great news is, it is effective and doesn’t involve brushing! Click here to learn more.
Scientists are becoming increasingly aware of how important our digestive health is to our overall well-being. This is just as true for dogs and cats as it is for humans. The bacteria in your pets’ digestive tracts determine how well they are able to digest and obtain nutrients from the food they eat and have a huge impact on their weight and mental and physical health.
One easy way to ensure your pet’s digestive health is at an optimum level is to give them an all-natural probiotic supplement, such as VetSmart Formulas Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer. Each serving contains 15 billion active cultures to aid digestion, inhibit the growth and activity of harmful bacteria, reduce intestinal inflammation, reduce allergic reactions, and more.
Studies show that 25% of all dogs have arthritis - and when you’re talking about dogs that are 7 years or older, that number skyrockets to 65%!
Our feline friends aren’t immune, either, as 61% of cats over the age of 6 also have some form of arthritis. This chronic joint pain and inflammation can have a devastating impact on your pet’s mobility, energy, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Remember, our pets rely on us to help them remain healthy. Don’t wait until your pet shows signs of illness -- take proactive steps now to protect them from injury and disease and ensure they remain strong and active for years to come. Most of all, enjoy and have fun with your furry family member!
