Family
Prior to the mid-1900s, pets were considered working animals. If you had a dog, a cat, or even a pet cow, their role was to work or “earn their keep” in some capacity. Since the mid-1900s, pets have been viewed differently. The advent of suburban life after World War II meant families lived differently, including viewing their pets as family members instead of pets providing help to sustain their family’s well-being.
Keeping Up With The Times
The change in perspective about pets caused their people to become more nurturing toward them and focus more on their pet’s health. This change precipitated advances in veterinary medicine, including advances in keeping your pet healthier to enjoy longer lives.
What Pet Wellness Means
As a valued member of your family, of course, you want your pet to enjoy a good long life with you, being present in family photos for a decade or more if possible. To create that kind of good health and longevity, pets will benefit from care in the following areas:
- Behavioral and emotional – addressing anxiety
- Physical – providing a healthy lifestyle
- Social – spending time playing with and loving your pet
Your pet will benefit from the same kinds of TLC you give yourself and other members of your family.
Providing TLC For Your Pet
There are a variety of ways to provide the care your pet needs to be their healthiest. You can:
- Provide a healthy diet consisting of the right number of calories for your pet
- Ensure they get plenty of exercise
- Make an appointment for an annual wellness visit with their veterinarian
- Address behavioral concerns that might stem from anxiety
- Ensure that your pet is up to date on vaccines
- Protect them against common parasites
- Have a record of current vaccines in your possession
- Purchase pet insurance
- Make sure you’ve made plans for your pet in case of an emergency
If you have something like a go-bag or bug-out bag for yourself and your human family members, it’s a good idea to consider one for your pet, too. It should include:
- A collapsible bowl for food and water
- Food for three days
- A three-day supply of medications for your pet
- A comfort object
- A copy of their vaccines and license
An ounce of prevention will assure your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind.
Prevention Provides
On a daily basis, the kinds of food your pet consumes and the amount of exercise they get are the two most important ways to ensure their wellness. Proper nutrition and adequate exercise are two ways to prevent many ailments or illnesses associated with pet obesity, including:
- Joint problems
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Some types of cancer
- Endocrine disorders
- Liver or kidney disease
Obesity in pets can cause the same problems as obesity in people, so maintaining their weight is an important part of the focus of National Pet Wellness Month.
We Can Help
Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, in Shoreview, MN is as concerned about your pet’s longevity as you are. We want you both to enjoy a good, long life together and to see them in family photos for years to come. Contact us to help keep your pet well.
Image credit: Andy Dean Photography