National Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month, and while for many of us our pet’s health is always at the forefront of our minds, it serves as a great reminder for us to be the best pet parents we can be. Even with our pet’s health on our minds, we tend to spoil them out of love, so we have some tips to be sure you get a good balance of spoiling them and giving them what they need.

Regular checkups

Most of us take our pets to the vet once a year for a checkup and any boosters they may need, but it can be highly beneficial for a wellness check every six months. Things can change quickly in our pets’ lives and they’re really good at hiding ailments until they become severe. Taking your pet for a wellness check every six months can help catch things before they become a problem.

Healthier treat options

If your pet is food-motivated, or you just like having treats included with a few scraps from every meal, looking into healthy treat options could be highly beneficial. This can help ensure your pet stays at a healthy weight and isn’t over-indulging on things that could have negative effects on their overall health. Depending on the animal, there are great options for treats ranging from healthy low-calorie options like freeze-dried treats to small pieces of fruits or vegetables!

Weight maintenance

Keeping our pets at a healthy weight is beneficial to their long-term overall health. Portion control instead of free feeding, and being mindful of what other treats we give our pets can have a big impact on maintaining their weight. You also want to make time in your daily schedule to be sure your pet is receiving exercise; this not only helps with maintaining or losing weight, but it improves their general health.

Grooming

Grooming, or taking your pet to the groomer on a regular basis, benefits different parts of their lives. Regular grooming can help you notice any changes in skin and coat health, reduce matting and chances of hot spots, and help keep your floors or furniture free from the damages of long, sharp nails. Grooming also allows you to spend time with your pet one-and-one and further strengthens your bond with them.

Dental Health

While it does get its own month, dental health for our pets is important, which is why it’s also such a big focus for general pet wellness. Your pets’ teeth and gums can tell you and your vet a lot about their overall health, so ensuring we maintain them is pivotal. Not only will this reduce the frequency of very stinky kisses, but it reduces their chances of periodontal disease (which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other damages to their health).

Help your pet lead a long, happy, and healthy life by keeping their overall health and wellness in mind—not only this month but every month!