As a pet owner, you are likely always searching for ways to make your pet’s life better. Your pet brings so much joy to your life, and you want to see them as happy as possible. While every pet is different, there is no perfect formula for making every pet thrive. Though, there are some things that you can do to keep them happy and healthy. In this article, we cover 7 simple ways to improve your pet’s quality of life.
Offer More Ways to Exercise
Obesity and inactivity can be detrimental to a pet’s physical and mental health. This is why it’s important your pet gets enough exercise, so consider treating them to more of this important activity. You can let your dog frolic in your backyard and let them run around to their heart’s content. Or if you have a kitty, you can get them moving with a toy mouse or feathers on string. Just a few minutes of physical activity every day can help your pet look and feel their best, and you can feel good about providing fun activities for them to enjoy.
Fight Boredom
Pets that don’t have enough opportunities to express their positive, natural behaviors may instead exhibit unwanted and unhealthy behaviors. Examples include excessive licking/grooming, pacing and circling, destroying objects, marking, and more. By giving your pet more mental stimulation with mind-engaging activities (i.e puzzles, training sessions, new toys etc.) they can instead display more healthy, natural behaviors.
For tips on fighting your pet’s boredom check out two of our previous blogs here:
Keep them Squeaky Clean
Good grooming is essential; dogs are most comfortable when their coats are clean and free of mats, dirt, and debris. Not to mention trimmed nails allow for easier, more comfortable movement. And no matter how cute your pup may look with fur hanging over the eyes, or how popular a certain hairstyle is for a breed, a visit to the groomer for a haircut that is comfortable and practical is a better choice, particularly if it helps them see better.
As for your kitty companions, they have their own built-in grooming tools (tongue and teeth). Which makes them well-equipped to tackle their own grooming needs. However, if your cat isn’t able to reach every spot or they get into something sticky or smelly, you may need to tend to them yourself or schedule a trip to the groomer.
Better Nutrition
If you want to upgrade your pet’s food, always consult your veterinarian first. They will be able to give you advice on how much and how often to feed your animal, and you can also ask for specific food formulas that would be beneficial for your pet. For example, some cats may need hairball control food, while some dogs may need special digestive health products. After just a few weeks of feeding your pet higher-quality ingredients, you will likely notice a difference in their overall health and well-being.
Spend More Quality Time Together
Most pet parents have extremely busy lives, and it can be difficult to find extra time for anything. Therefore, quality time with your pet may be neglected in some instances. Of course, you are still providing food, love and the occasional petting, but your pet may be craving more. Try to find a few hours to devote to your pet during the week. It can be something as simple as a game of fetch in the backyard or some extra cuddle time and treats. Your pet will be much happier when they get to be the full focus of your attention for a little while longer each week. If you can’t find extra time to spare, consider taking your pup to doggy daycare a couple of times a week, or hiring a pet companion to come to your home to exercise and play with your pets.
More Opportunities to Socialize
Some animals crave interaction with other animals. Dogs may want to go to a dog park and frolic with their friends. While your cat may need a companion at home if you’re out and about a lot. Consider asking your vet or trainer if your pet would benefit from another animal in the home. Some animals are quite territorial and may not want a housemate. Others, though, may thrive with a friend always there to play with.
Annual Exams and Screenings
It’s of the highest priority that your pet is seen by a veterinarian for routine exams. At these yearly wellness visits, veterinarians have the opportunity to check for early signs of illnesses or conditions, while also administering vaccinations and necessary medications. However, your pet may need to see the doctor more frequently depending on age, breed, or pre-existing conditions. If you lose track of time and forget to schedule these appointments, try to set up the next visit before you leave the office!
Your Pets are our Priority!
At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and wellbeing of your pets. That is why we created the NASC Audit Program and the Quality Seal, which helps you identify animal health and nutritional supplements that come from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest quality, most consistent products available. Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members that have earned the Quality Seal.
