Easy Wellness Routine For Your Cat or Dog

Just like us, cats and dogs can benefit from consistent and thoughtful wellness routines. It is important to establish a wellness plan right when you bring your pet home, as this will ensure optimal health promotion and disease prevention. As your pet grows, their health needs will change over time. The staff at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center have compiled a list of things you can do to support your pet’s wellness at any stage in life.

Regular Annual Check-ups

It is imperative that you take your pet to the veterinarian annually for regular exams.  Annual wellness exams will allow your veterinary team to track your pet’s weight and lab work year-over-year. At these visits, they will make sure your pet is up to date with all of their vaccines. Your vet will also educate you about any preventive care measures, such as heart-worm medicine. Feel free to discuss anything strange you may have noticed about your pet’s daily habits during this visit. As your pet gets older, annual exams can detect the onset of acute or chronic conditions that require treatment. Early intervention and prompt treatment can ensure that any conditions do not get out of control and decrease your pet’s quality of life.

Diet

What you feed your pet plays a large role in your pet’s wellness. Optimal nutrition may be the easiest way to maintain your pet’s overall health. Your pet may need a special diet based on breed or allergies. We can perform tests to determine if your pet has any food allergies, and, if so, we can create a a customized nutrition plan to minimize discomfort. Along with their daily food intake, you may consider giving your pet a natural supplement appropriate to their stage in life. For example, an older dog or cat may experience joint pain and could benefit from a natural pain-relieving supplement. Before starting your pet on any new foods or supplements, please call your vet to discuss your pet’s needs in greater detail.

Playtime

Playtime for both dogs and cats are integral to their overall wellness. Finding toys and other activities that they enjoy will help keep their minds calm and provide the stimulation they need. There are a variety of intellectually challenging toys, including puzzle toys, available on the market which can help your pet exercise their brain. Playing with your pet helps you to feel bonded to them and vice versa. Playtime can also be great exercise for your pet! Ensuring your pet participates in enough exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy weight throughout your pet’s life can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer later in life.

Holistic Remedies

Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care aren’t just for pet owners. Dogs and cats can benefit from these holistic remedies just as we would. Several holistic remedies are effective in treating pain, allergies, and anxiety-driven behaviors. Herbs and supplements can be utilized in conjunction with traditional medications to treat a variety of conditions. These holistic remedies often result in less side effects than traditional medications and can help improve your pet’s quality of life. It is important to discuss your ideas for your pet’s wellness routine with your veterinarian before starting or attempting any changes. Pets are sensitive and need to be gradually introduced to new things, especially changes in diet. Please call us if you would like to set up an appointment or have any questions about your pet’s wellness needs.