Here are things about pet health that often go under the radar

Should I get pet insurance?

15 things to know about pet health

1. Giving too much food to your pet isn't being affectionate - A highly mistaken notion about being a "good" pet parent is over-feeding your pet. Imagine yourself in a situation where you know you cannot eat any further but the pies are too delicious. At least you know when to stop. Unfortunately, your pet doesn't. Overfeeding your pet can lead to an array of health issues that include the following:
   
   • Obesity
     
   • Fatty liver
     
   • Recurring vomiting tendencies
     
   • Renal issues
     
   • Many other serious health issues in dogs
     
     
2. Maintaining the curves - It isn't just you who needs to keep up with a lean figure. Unlike you, your dog doesn't want to fit into that pair of jeans you desire so much. But pet obesity is the last baggage it requires. Pets often have a tendency of putting on extra weight, which can turn out to be harmful for their:
   
   • Joints
     
   • Bone density
     
   • Hearts
     
   • Blood sugar level, etc.
     
     
   Nutritious diet combined with sufficient daily exercise help to keep your dog happy and healthy.
   
   
3. Brushing teeth twice a day, keeps germs away - A common mistake dog and cat owners make is not take care of their pet's dental hygiene. Oral hygiene is as important to our pets, as it is to us. Not brushing their teeth can lead to diseases that cause severe pain to the point where your pet may stop eating. Oral diseases often spread out to kidney and heart problems. Don't forget to brush your pet's teeth after you're done with yours. Start brushing your dog's teeth while your pet is still a young puppy. If you have an older pet, start getting your dog accustomed to getting the teeth brushed. While it may be easier to train a puppy to accept dental care, older dogs may take longer to get used to having their teeth brushed but this procedure is important for your pet's overall health.
   
   
4. Your pet is your responsibility - You cannot leave your pet alone, while they tour your house without any supervision. However, that does not mean you will keep it locked up inside a cage all the time. Your pet should be allowed to roam about freely within the premises of your house, given that someone is always looking out for them. Keeping an eye on a younger puppy that is still learning the house rules is important for your dog's safety and health. Be sure to make your home safe for your new pet by removing any objects that may be harmful for your new best friend. Young puppies often like to chew on things and owners need to remove any live wires from the dog's access to help prevent dangerous accidents. For example, you should watch out for:
   
   
   • Automobile accidents
     
   • Despoiling
     
   • Important documents that can be "torn for amusement"
     
   • Poisonous material such as disinfectants, mosquito repellents, shoe polish, etc.
     
     
5. Your pet doesn't have to fall sick in order to visit the vet - Veterinary care is a common requirement for your pet even if it seems physically fit to you. Not to mention, vaccinating them properly is of the highest priority. Visiting the vet regularly will let you keep a check on their health issues thoroughly because pets don't know how to tell if they are feeling under the weather.
   
   
6. Costly vs. Healthy; what should you prioritize first? The answer is pretty obvious. Food that meets the required nutritional value should be provided to your pet. The cost of the food doesn't matter if it isn't healthy for your dog's appetite. Healthy food helps in:
   
   • Producing shiny hair coat
     
   • Healthy and moist skin
     
   • Better eyesight
     
   • Boosting immunity system
     
   • Looking after intestinal health
     
   • Sharpening memory and mental strength; i.e., making them smarter and brainier.
     
   • Strengthening joints and muscles, etc.
     
     
7. Do not feed them what you eat - Giving your pet things such as table scraps is equivalent to feeding them sweet poison. Your dog or cat cannot digest what you can and you should strictly never feed them your leftovers. The ingredients which we can eat but are harmful to them are:
   
   • Garlic
     
   • Salt
     
   • Mustard
     
   • Onion
     
   • Tea/coffee
     
   • Sugar
     
   • Chocolate
     
   • Oil and other spices, etc.
     
     
8. Your pet should be hydrated at all hours - There is no point on earth which can counter the fact that every living being needs water to survive, be it a human or a dog. Your pet requires easy access to drinking water all the time because it cannot tell you when it is thirsty. A good drinking habit can be developed if you keep the bowl of water alongside your pet's food bowl.
   
   
9. Pet's need to answer nature's call at regular intervals - Since our pets can't tell us when they need to "excuse themselves" and we don't want pungent smell and bizarre views around our house, it is our duty to provide them with a litter box and train them to use it. Puppies and kittens need refreshment breaks more often than grown up cats and dogs. Since small dogs and cats mark their territory with their disposals during the initial days of coming home, it is important to teach them your desirable spot so that they don't make a mess.
   
   
10. Keep their loo clean - Your pet's bathroom needs to be as clean as your own one. Keeping it clean and tidy will stop the entry of harmful bacteria and germs. Furthermore, pets do enjoy a clean place to finish their business.
    
    
11. Providing the pet with a safe haven - Most pet owners are only concerned about their pet's physical health and while taking care of their fur and paws, people often forget about their mental health. Providing your dog with a place where your pet may feel safe works greatly towards building a strong pet-owner bond and also helps in taking care of their mental health. Did you know pets can be depressed too? Spending quality time with the owner, daily opportunities for exercise and plenty of playtime are important for keeping your pet in good shape both mentally and physically.
    
    
12. Exercise is the key to all major problems - Pet owners often avoid taking their pets out on walks and physical activities. This can turn out to be worse for the pet's physical and mental health. Keeping them cooped up inside the house is no better than keeping them locked inside a cage. Your pet needs regular physical exercise because:
    
    • It helps in keeping your pet fit
      
    • Helps in maintaining a good physique
      
    • Helps in controlling obesity
      
    • Keeps your pet happy and jolly all the time
      
    • Keeps depression away
      
    • Increases their life-span by two years, etc.
      
      
    A great way of exercising with your pet is by playing different games and training them on muscle memory, hand gestures, etc.
    
    
13. Grooming helps in keeping your pet healthy - a very common, yet unknown way of keeping your pets happy is getting them regularly groomed. You might end up with a sick pet if you don't brush your pets' fur regularly. In fact, matted fur is extremely harmful to dogs. Even though it might seem that your pet hates the idea of taking a bath or trimming the nails, believe us, they need it.
    
    
14. Watch out for ticks - Ticks are your pets' worst enemies. Ticks and lice latch onto the deepest pothole of your pet's fur and it is almost invisible to your naked eyes. They suck the blood out of your pets' body like a mosquito does to yours. Running your fingers through their skin is a habit you should adapt yourself to as soon as you get home a pet.
    
    
15. Dogs and Cats aren't the only pets who need to be taken care of - If you have a water-dweller like turtles or fish as your pet, cleaning the aquarium at least once a week should be made a regular affair. You don't want a smelly tank in your living room; neither do you want your pet to become breathless. Unclean aquariums often aid in the lack of oxygen and you already know what adverse effect that can have.
    
    Taking care of your pet's health should not seem like a hassle once you follow the tips mentioned above. Your pawed buddy's happiness ever after depends on how well aware you are about them and taking good care of their health is the first of many steps.