A pet is more than a loyal companion; they’re an important part of the family and truly make a house feel like a home. It is important to create awareness around pet health among our South African friends, communities, networks and show them how to care for, love and look after their pets. With that in mind, here are a few tips every pet owner should know when it comes to ensuring your pet’s health and happiness.
Invest in nutritious food
Just like people, pets need food that meets their specific nutritional needs. The right pet food will provide them with the energy and nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a long life. Feed your pet the best food you can afford and ensure it is always offered with clean, fresh water.
Keep up home care
Keep a clean and hygienic environment for your pet and make sure they are given antiparasitic medication to prevent parasites such as fleas, mites, ticks, and worms. Your pet’s lifestyle will also influence the type and regularity of the antiparasitic treatment required. Products like NexGard Spectra for dogs or Broadline Spot-On solution for cats are available and are an essential monthly expense for your pet’s health.
PriceCheck tip: Another great way to ensure your pets are free from ticks and have a safe environment to play in is to keep your garden neat and in-check. If you need to grab some gardening tools or outdoor-enhancing items, PriceCheck has a wide variety of gardening goodies and items to get your outdoor area in tip-top shape.
Identify health issues
There are common areas of concern that you may encounter with your pet:
- Skin problems, it’s important to look out for unrelenting scratching and unusual biting of the paws and the rear,
- Joints and bones, if your pet struggles to get up from a lying position, stops running around, and looks stiff, these are general indicators that they could be in some form of discomfort,
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as changes in behaviour like them not eating or wanting to play – especially with puppies since they always want to play and eat.
Keep up with regular vet visits
Pets require doctor visits and healthy habits. Making sure you adhere to your pet’s regularly scheduled wellness can help detect diseases and other conditions that could put your pet’s health at risk if left untreated.
Similarly, keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations is essential. Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses and are an essential part of your pet’s healthcare plan.
Make time for exercise
One of the most important aspects of responsible pet care is ensuring your pet gets enough exercise, and proper socialising is a part of that. Playtime is another key form of exercise for your pet so make sure they also have a range of toys available at home for your pet to play with. Dog toys come in a range of different styles, and include everything from ropes for tug of war to plush toys, and even ‘hide the treat’ puzzle toys. Cat toys are also essential for cat owners to invest in and can help keep your cat occupied and happy when you’re not able to be home or entertain your pet.
