Ensuring Your Pet Lives a Long, Healthy Life

Many of us consider our pets to be almost family, so it makes sense that we would do what we could to ensure a pet’s health—just as we would for a child. Here are some ways to ensure that your cat, dog, or other small pet is healthy, helping it to live a long and healthy life with your family.

Take your pet to the vet regularly. This one is a no-brainer, of course, but it’s worth the extra reminder. Taking your pet to the vet regularly will ensure that it’s getting the vaccines it needs, as well as regular screenings for common diseases. Your vet can also tell you how you might improve your pet’s diet, employ better grooming practices, or give your pet more effective regular exercise.

Restrict the ‘people food’. Yes—it’s so much more convenient to let your dog be the ‘garbage disposal’ of the household, cleaning off plates right before putting them in the dishwasher. The trouble with this, however, is that so much of the ‘people food’ we give our pets is detrimental to their health. In addition, those extra bits of food quickly add up and could lead to obesity in your pet. Try to avoid giving your pets people food as much as possible; at the very least, refrain from feeding them those foods that are known to be harmful, including alcohol, avocados, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, citrus, coconut, dairy, grapes, nuts, onions, raw meat, snack foods, yeast dough, and anything with bones in it.

Refrain from overfeeding. Many pet owners have a habit of keep their pets’ food bowls filled continually; and this is easy to do considering that our pets are great at acting like they’re hungry all the time. But with an estimated 54 percent of cats and dogs in the United States being overweight or obese, risk levels of diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and some types of cancer in our pets are higher than ever. Talk to your vet about how much food your pet truly needs on a daily basis, and make it a point to stick to this amount.

Give your pets regular exercise. On a related note, it’s important not to underestimate the physical and psychological benefits that regular exercise can have on your pet’s health. How much exercise your pet needs will depend on its size, age, and whether it’s a dog, cat, or other small pet, of course. In general, dogs need anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours of physical activity every day; this might mean going on a walk, playing fetch, or playing at a dog park with other dogs. Cats, meanwhile, often don’t get enough exercise if they are indoor cats. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity is a good starting point for your cat, and how your cat gets to play with a laser pointer, and others even like to go on walks. Small rodents, meanwhile, often take care of themselves when given ample space and perhaps an exercise wheel. exercise will depend largely on its preferences. Some cats like to chase feathers, some like to chase feathers, some like to play with a laser pointer, and others even like to go on walks. Small rodents, meanwhile, often take care of themselves when given ample space and perhaps an exercise wheel.

Groom your pet regularly. Grooming isn’t just a matter of appearance; it can have major effects on your pet’s health, as well. First, if you groom your dog or cat yourself, this gives you an excellent opportunity to examine your pet’s skin and fur up close. You might, for example, notice a mysterious rash or parasite, allowing your pet to get the attention it needs in a timely manner. In addition, regular grooming, especially with medicated shampoos, can discourage parasite infestation. Don’t forget about tooth brushing, either. With more than 85 percent of cats and dogs over 4 years old being affected by dental disease, dental hygiene for your pet is an excellent topic to bring up to your vet at your next visit.

Beware of household toxins. As this article details, many of the paints, finishes, and other decorative coats we use around the home could be damaging our pets. This is because pets of all varieties have a tendency to chew or gnaw on household items; and because of their lower weight, it takes much less of a toxin to cause harm to a dog, cat, bird, or rodent. These toxins can cause cancer, organ damage, fur loss, and so much more. So before you take on that next DIY painting project, ask yourself: Is this something that my pet could be exposed to? Additionally, consider safe paint alternatives such as sandblasting or powder coating.

Consider a pet trust. Many people do not consider creating a pet trust when they sit down with an attorney to do their estate planning, but a pet trust is a great way to ensure that your pet will be cared for as you wish in case something happens to you. In a pet trust, you can designate a caregiver for your pet, allocate money to be used toward the care of your pet, and outline specifics on how you would like your pet cared for (such as what food it should be fed, how often to take it to the vet, etc.) This page contains more information on pet trusts.

Are You Ready for a Puppy?

Who doesn’t love a puppy? They’re cuddly, funny, and loveable. However, for most people, the appeal dims once that puppy grows up into a dog. In fact, the problems may happen even before that, when the puppy proves to be more of a handful than expected.

When people get in over their heads with a pet, the results are awful. Animals are dumped and abandoned, and animal shelters are filled up. I don’t want to be an alarmist, but I want to be clear about something: a puppy is a huge responsibility! That little life is dependent on your care and devotion.

Never go into pet adoption lightly. Consider these four essential questions before you get sucked in by a pair of puppy eyes.

Do You Have the Funds? Animals can get expensive. Even if the upfront cost is minimal, there are costs that build up over time, and significant surprise-costs that will put a dent in your pocketbook. It’s said that a child costs $200,000 or more to raise, or about $12,000 per year.

Animals aren’t quite as costly, but it’s still good to put things in perspective before you adopt. An animal is very much like a child. It’s estimated that dogs cost $1,000 the first year of ownership, and an additional $500 each year after that. And that’s a modest estimate. Many pets end up costing a lot more, depending on the pet itself, and what kind of an owner you are. So consider your money needs before you pick up that “free” puppy outside of the grocery store… it’s far from free. Costs will include:

• Veterinarian fees: There will be upfront costs in shots and neutering, and then subsequent costs when your pet gets sick, or hurts himself.
• Registration fees
• Supplies: a collar, leash, dog house, pillows, dog bowls and toys.
• Regular grooming
• Flea and tick treatments
• Food
• Damage to your home: Many pet owners find it wise to invest in a carpet cleaner, or a better vacuum. Also consider that even with a well-behaved dog, there’s always a possibility that you’ll come home to a shredded-up couch.
• Doggy day care, or a dogwalker if you’re someone who’s away from home during the day
• Training
• A dogsitter or kennel for when you’re on vacation

Do You Have the Time? Pets are long-term commitments. One should expect a dog to live 10-15 years, depending on the breed. Not only should you consider time in terms of years, but also hours in a day. Dogs need time with you. They need companionship for the sake of their health and well being. If you live alone, and if you’re usually gone during the day, consider doggy day care, or a dogwalker, or even a neighbor who can check in during the day.

Do You Have the Space? Ask your landlord what the terms are for pets. Many people don’t like to rent to pet-owners because they can devalue their property. At the very least, if you’re renting, most places will require a pet deposit, or a monthly fee on top of your rent to cushion the cost of cleaning and repair when you leave. Make sure that at every property that you rent, this is at the top of your list of questions to ask the landlord. If you are unable keep your dog in your house, you might have to give it away.

Will your pet be inside or outside or both? If they’re going to venture outside, do you know their safety needs? For example, scan the yard for poisonous plants that puppies might chew on. If there are prowling coyotes, take safety precautions for a small dog. Dogs should always be in fenced-in-enclosures to protect them from passing traffic, and to keep them from wandering off and getting lost.

Do You Have the Heart? Dogs require more than your time, money, and space. They require honest care and emotional investment. If you’re not made of stone, prepare for them to take up a lot of room in your heart, too. Making judgment calls about training, discipline, time spent together, health expenses, and travel arrangements can be difficult. Prepare for this creature to become a part of your family. If you’re ready to welcome your puppy into your home and heart, the amazing rewards will be worth all of the sacrifice and effort required.

By: Christine Hill