Because our lives are so intertwined with the habits of our pets, we think we know right away if they’re having problems. However, it is only in retrospect that pet owners often times recognize signs of declining health.
But when your pet is sick, they usually don't hide it. Dogs for instance tend to tell us when things are going wrong. A dog in pain may become quiet and subdued, or bark or whine more than usual. Sudden loss of appetite is a big signal that something is wrong. So is rapid weight loss. Remember if any problem persists for a few weeks, it’s best to visit the vet to be certain the problem isn’t a symptom of a serious illness.
Vomiting and diarrhea are pretty obvious signs that something isn’t quite right with your pet. Allergies, illness, cancer, infections, drugs, parasites, plants, and poisons can all cause vomiting. Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses of dogs and cats, and is especially common in puppies and kittens. Another factor in their health is what you feed your pet. Cats and dogs do not have the digestive organs or digestive bacteria to benefit from grains (corn, wheat, rice, oats) the way cattle, sheep, and horses do. For cats and dogs to benefit from grains, the grains must be prepared properly. Some pet diets consist mostly of grain, but they come in terrific packaging and have enticing names so that we assume it’s healthy.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you pets happy and healthy this holiday season
- Rethink what your pet eats
- Introduce daily probiotics into your pet's diet
- Spay or neuter your pet
- Keep your pet fit
- Brush your pet's teeth
- Maintain their coat with probiotic skin and coat care
- Trim your pet's nails
- Don't skip your pet's wellness visits
Mental and Physical Exercise
On cold winter days it may seems difficult to provide exercise for your pets, but it is critical to their well being that you do
so. Dogs should have a chance to play with humans and other dogs, along with opportunities for enrichment and mental stimulation.
At one point in time, all dogs had to scavenge or hunt for their food, so toys and games that encourage dogs to work for their food can be both mentally and physically satisfying. Cats need mental stimulation as well to keep them happy and healthy.
Keeping Pets Happy & Safe during the Holidays
Holiday homes become pet playgrounds at this time of year. Cats delight in un-decking the halls and climbing the tree. Dogs eat decorations and baptize the tree. The result is a holiday that's anything but merry. Refer to these tips to keep your pets safe and your holiday happy.
Holiday Tree Tips.
Cats consider the tree a feline jungle gym with cat toys that swing, sparkle, and invite paw-pats and biting. Some dogs take "aim" at the tree just as they would your outside shrubs and baptize the greenery. Drinking from treated water in the base can poison pets. Eating tinsel and ornaments can result in very sick pets.
Consider creating a "pet safe" tree decorated with dog toys and catnip mice. Place these within paw reach on lower branches and reserve the off limits decorations for the top of the tree.
