5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy Throughout 2016

Happy New Year! Make a resolution to keep your pet as healthy as possible in 2016. Below, your Pickerington, OH veterinarian tells you about five ways to do just that:

Preventative Medicine

Preventative medicine is far more effective, not to mention cheaper, than treating an illness or infection after the fact. Keep your pet on year-round preventative medications against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms. Also be sure that your four-legged friend is up-to-date on all essential vaccinations. If you’re unsure whether or not your pet needs these items, check with your vet.

Veterinary Visits

Most vets recommend that they see your pet at least twice a year. This way, any problems can be caught early and dealt with before they’re allowed to develop into more serious issues. Your vet can also check your pet’s weight, body condition, eye and ear health, and overall quality of life.

Proper Supervision

Generally speaking, pets who aren’t supervised properly tend to get into trouble much more easily than pets who are. This is especially true of pets who spend time outdoors—if you’re not keeping a close eye on them, they’re likely to have encounters with cars, wild animals, sharp objects, bacteria, pests, toxic materials, and more. Even indoors, pets can face hazards like poisonous foods and harmful medication. Supervise your pet properly to make sure they don’t run into anything they shouldn’t.

Quality Diet

Feeding your pet a premium, age-appropriate diet is one of the best ways to keep them healthy for an entire lifetime. Remember that the nutritional requirements of older pets aren’t the same as, say, puppies or kittens, or even middle-aged animals. Additionally, low-quality diets are full of filler material that isn’t contributing to your pet’s nutritional well-being. Talk to your veterinary professional to find out exactly what to feed your furry companion.

Exercise

Coupled with a great diet, regular exercise will keep your pet as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Get your pet moving every day—go for walks, jog around the backyard, play fetch, or simply romp around on the floor. Not only will your pet’s body be kept in tip-top shape, his or her mind will stay stimulated and engaged! Would you like more advice on your pet’s overall health? Call your Pickerington, OH vet’s office today for assistance. We’re here to help you with all of your pet care needs throughout 2016!