5 Ways to Keep Your Pets at the Top of their Game

Providing our pets with quality of life is essentially why we’ve adopted them. As much as we love spending time with our furry companions, it’s a give-and-take relationship, and we should never forget to provide them with what they need to stay entertained, well-fed, and happy. Pets love the company of their owners, but it’s a little more complicated than that when it comes to keeping them at the top of their game. 

Here’s how you can keep your pet healthy and happy. 

1. Feed Them Nutritious Food 

Keeping your pet healthy is never complete without a nutritious diet. Cats and dogs especially can be quite finicky when it comes to what you feed them, and while we see them as picky eaters, they’re only watching out for themselves. Pets demand different nutrients that can be consumed from different meats as well as some grains like rice if you’re feeding them a natural diet. Dogs, in particular, have a natural instinct to chew on bones. But before you treat your pup to their favorite bone, it’s important to find more info on why dogs like bones in the first place and which ones are safe for them to eat. Bones are a great source of calcium and other minerals that can keep your dog’s teeth strong and healthy. However, not all bones are safe for dogs to eat as some can splinter and cause harm, so always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog a bone to chew on.

However, you might still want to incorporate store-bought pet food, which can provide them with the nutrition that they need. Cats may be pickier than dogs; if your feline is a finicky eater, these food choices can help you provide your pet with a nutritious as well as a delicious meal. This is especially important if your cat has a sensitive stomach. You’ll also want to keep your pets hydrated, so make sure that you keep their bowls filled. 

2. Take Them to the Vet 

Even if your pet is not showing any signs of illness, animals should be taken on regular visits to the vet to get dewormed and vaccinated. On the other hand, it’s also important for the veterinarian to do regular checkups, as some illnesses may be dormant at their early stages, and can be better treated when discovered before they develop into something more serious. 

You may also want to consult your vet on feeding schedules, and specific kinds of food to feed your pet. Most vets recommend medical food that you can purchase online, or from the clinic while you visit. If your dog or cat tends to throw up their meals more than once a week, you shouldn’t dismiss it as a hairball reaction. Mention any details in your pet’s daily life that may seem suspicious to your vet. 

3. Keep Them Entertained 

Much like humans, animals need to be kept entertained when you’re not spending time with them. Cat toys can be easy to make yourself or purchased for cheap at pet stores. You can fix a piece of straw or plastic on a string and have your cat chase that. On the other hand, dogs love squeaky toys, especially naturally flavored toys that they can pretend are prey. 

Don’t buy toys in bulk. Some of the toys you buy may not entertain your pet. Cats can be a little picky when it comes to materials and may reject certain kinds of plastic because they find the scent of them to be repulsive. Meanwhile, if dogs don’t have enough toys, they may chew through your furniture. Canines enjoy biting as an exercise, while felines enjoy scratching. If you have a rodent, you can invest in a wheel, or upgrade their tank to include more interactive toys. 

4. Pay Them Attention 

No matter how well-fed and entertained your pets may be, they’ll always need your attention to be at the top of their game. Animals can be very affectionate with their owners and tend to expect attention from them on a regular basis. Learn their favorite spots to be petted, and do so as often as you can. This will help you develop a healthy connection with them and will drive them to be more loyal to you. If you spend the majority of your day working, you may want to invest in a pet sitter.

5. Encourage Them to Exercise 

Exercising will help keep your pets fit. When animals don’t get their needed exercise, they’re more inclined to be obese as they grow older. This may cause a myriad of health complications for them, namely heart and liver diseases. You should encourage your pet to exercise by taking them on walks, or by playing with them. Many cats like to be walked, while dogs can easily be made to exercise by playing fetch in your garden. 

Keeping your pets well-fed and taking them to regular vet visits is key to making sure that they’re both healthy and happy. If your pet is not as active as it usually is, this may be because it’s lacking attention and affection from you, or it could be a medical emergency, which is also affecting its mood. Always keep your pets company, and pay attention to their behaviors. If there’s a drastic change in behavior over a short period of time, consult a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. 

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