Healthy Habits for Pets means keeping Fido and Fluffy Fit
As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry companions, meaning a long, happy, and healthy life. Research shows that, like humans, implementing healthy habits like regular exercise, proper nutrition, and supplements can support your pet's overall well-being. Establishing these healthy routines while your cats and dogs are young sets them up for success as they grow older. Believe me, they will let you know when it’s time for their exercise.
The Importance of Exercise
We all know exercise is essential for our own health, but did you know it’s just as crucial for your pets? Regular physical activity keeps your cat or dog’s body systems working properly and prevents obesity, which plagues over 50% of pets, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
For cats, exercise comes in the form of playing, climbing, scratching posts, chasing toys, and even activities like chasing the laser pointer. Our cats love their new Cattasaurus Cat Cave for play and rest. Aim for at least 15 minutes of active playtime twice a day. Dogs need more vigorous workouts that get their heart pumping, like going for walks, playing fetch, socializing at the dog park, or training. Veterinary experts recommend 30-60 minutes of exercise 1-2 times daily based on your dog’s age and breed. You need a break too, so take that break and do something fun with your pet.
Providing appropriate activities tailored to your pet’s abilities and energy levels lets them act on their natural behaviors. Additionally, exercise helps prevent boredom and destructive tendencies while stimulating their mind. Mentally and physically tired pets tend to have better behavior. Most importantly, an active lifestyle supports healthy muscles, joints, digestion, metabolism, and emotional health from all those feel-good endorphins!
Fueling Up: Nutrition Fundamentals
The old adage “you are what you eat” also applies to pets. Supporting your cat or dog’s dietary needs is the foundation for good health. Many medical conditions stem from nutritional deficiencies or intolerances to certain ingredients. That’s why veterinary experts stress the importance of high-quality, species-appropriate diets.
Cats need high amounts of protein from animal sources, moderate fat, and minimal carbohydrates to align with their natural carnivorous metabolic process. Look for meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient, and avoid grain-heavy foods. Based on your vet's recommendation, feeding a portioned meal 2-3 times a day prevents obesity and digestion issues.
Adjust the dog carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratios based on breed, size, and activity level. Small dogs do better with around 30% protein and 20% fat. Medium and large breeds need higher protein (around 18-25%) to build and maintain muscle mass. The right nutritional balance will fuel your dog’s active lifestyle while maintaining a healthy weight. Consult your vet on portion sizes and frequency based on your dog's needs.
Supplements Health
While whole food sources are ideal, supplements support pets with increased nutritional needs for joint pain, allergies, anxiety, digestive health, and more. Glucosamine and chondroitin treat and support bone & joint function in aging dogs. Turmeric will reduce any inflammation that crops up. Probiotic chews help regulate digestion in dogs and cats with stomach sensitivities. Oil supplements like fish, krill, or flaxseed oils reduce skin irritation and shedding. Always check with your vet before starting supplements to ensure safety and efficacy.
I have always been a firm believer in supplements for myself as well as my pets. I have a compromised immune system, and supplements have more than leveled the playing field for me. I get sick less and have fewer health issues than all of my friends and co-workers, even at age 59. When I go in for a checkup, the doctors can't believe I am not on meds yet.
Top 7 Health Tips from the Experts
Here are the top recommendations from veterinarians to raise the healthiest, happiest cat or dog:
1. Maintain annual wellness exams to catch problems early
2. Keep vaccines and preventatives, like heartworm medication, current
3. Brush teeth regularly to prevent dental disease
4. Trim nails every 2-4 weeks to prevent cracking/bleeding
5. Schedule regular grooming to prevent mats/skin issues
6. Ensure a balanced, species-appropriate diet + supplements if needed
7. Provide daily exercise tailored to ability and energy
Implementing healthy habits through every stage of your cat or dog’s life ensures they live their best life. An ounce of prevention goes a long way. Stopping issues before they develop keeps pets mentally sharp, physically fit, and emotionally happy well into their senior years. Use these veterinarian-recommended tips to raise the healthiest cat or dog possible!
My cat tells me it’s time for bed, so we will call it good for this one. Give her some love over on YouTube and she will make you smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMsAfboxNWU/
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Information in this content may become outdated or inaccurate at the time of your viewing. You are responsible for making pet health decisions based on this information. Please consult your veterinary professional for health questions regarding your pet.
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