National Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month! While we think that pet wellness is important all year, this is a great time to shine a light on it. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet discusses some key facets of pet wellness.

As the old saying says, you are what you eat. This applies to pets as well as people! Feed your furred, scaled, or feathered friend a high-quality, nourishing diet. Treats are fine, but don’t let your little buddy cajole you into overfeeding them. This can lead to obesity, which can cause or contribute to some very serious health issues.

Small things can make a big difference. Always keep your pet’s comfort in mind. This actually entails quite a few different things, from proper grooming to comfy beds to parasite control. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Keeping your pet active is also very important. For dogs, this typically entails regular walks and play sessions. If you have a cat, you can keep Fluffy in shape by playing with her regularly, and offering her furniture that encourages her to jump and climb.

Just like people, pets can get bored and unhappy with nothing to do. Provide your animal companion with lots of fun toys. Change these out regularly to keep things fresh and fun. Cats and dogs also enjoy looking out windows and watching birds and squirrels. Smaller pets, like birds and rabbits, need plenty of free time.

Going to the doctor’s regularly is just as important for pets as it is for people. Stay current with your pet’s exams and recommended vaccinations. Many of our animal companions—especially dogs and cats—should be spayed or neutered. It’s also important to contact your vet at the first sign of illness. Don’t wait to see if things resolve themselves. The sooner an issue is treated, the better!

No good pet care regimen is complete without lots of love and affection. Spend some quality time with your pet every day. This will only strengthen the bond between you, which will be good for you both.

Here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to offering the best veterinary care around. Please contact us for all of your pet’s needs.