Your pet’s health is just as important as your own, right? So it makes sense that just like humans, pets have their own checklist of health requirements to keep them in tip-top shape.
- Regular exerciseIt may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s vitally important that your pet gets regular exercise. This will both keep their weight in check, and also help keep their muscles strong and joints nimble, which can assist ageing pets in managing conditions like arthritis. You don’t need to be running marathons — a daily 30-minute walk, jog, or even a swim which is great for pets that having aching joints, will be beneficial for your pet.
- Feed them a balanced diet
Most of us pay close attention to what we’re putting into our bodies, so why shouldn’t we do the same for our pets? Some pets are picky eaters, and others are very active, so they may be missing out on key vitamins and nutrients they need to remain happy and healthy. - Watch out for creepy crawlies
Fleas and ticks can pose big health problems for pets, so remember to perform a regular “nose to toes” check on your pet’s body, looking for any signs of fleas or flea dirt. Try to regularly use a vet-recommended treatment for fleas and ticks and combine this with a gentle, sulphate-free flea wash to keep your pet comfortable but protected against any nasties. - Look after older joints
Ageing pets will often have aching and swollen joints — this is a normal part of getting older! However, you can help ease the symptoms by ensuring they have a diet rich in Omega 3s, which helps reduce joint inflammation. - Keep their teeth sparkling
Pets love having pearly whites just as much as their owners! Check your pet’s mouth regularly for signs of poor oral health: inflamed gums (they’ll be a dark red), wobbly or brown (tartar) spots on their teeth and bad breath are all indicators your pet needs a dental check by your veterinarian. - Clean their ears
Keeping your pet’s ears clean is an important part of caring for your pet to prevent the build-up of ear wax, odours and possible infections.
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