Who wouldn’t want their beloved animal companion to live as long as possible? After all, that way you and your family can experience many more years of love, loyalty, and companionship! Use these tips from a North Suffolk, VA veterinarian to lengthen your pet’s lifespan:
Practice Preventative Care
There’s nothing quite like preventative medicine—it helps your pet avoid health troubles before they can even begin. Your pet should be vaccinated against dangerous diseases like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, Lyme disease, rabies, and others. It’s also important that they’re up-to-date on parasite medications that ward off ticks, fleas, and worms. These steps keep your pet healthy all year round, ultimately extending their lifespan significantly!
Maintain Dental Health
Few things can sideline your pet’s health quicker than a dental issue. Dental problems are quite common amongst cats and dogs! Brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis using a canine- or feline-formulated toothpaste and a pet toothbrush, and make sure that your companion has plenty of chew toys to help scrape away loose plaque on the outer tooth surfaces. You can also try dental sticks or dental chews; ask your vet for a recommendation.
Feed a Quality Diet
When your pet gets the proper nutrition through their food, all body parts stay healthy. It’s simply one of the best ways to make sure your pet lives as long and healthy a life as they possibly can! Remember: your pet should be fed a diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and breed. Consult your vet if you would like a recommendation on a great pet food choice.
Exercise Your Pet
Coupled with a great diet, exercising your pet on a regular basis is another key way to maintain their health in the long-term. Exercise works out your pet’s body, keeping muscles limber and burning off excess calories to avoid dangerous obesity. Plus, it keeps your pet’s mind engaged—pets who get regular exercise and playtime are generally happier and healthier than those who don’t!
Visit Your Veterinarian
Don’t forget about regular checkups at the vet’s office—it’s one of the most important steps for helping to lengthen your pet’s lifespan and keep them healthy for years on end. Regular visits allow your vet to monitor your pet’s health and catch any concerns early on, treating them before they’re able to progress.
To make an appointment, call your North Suffolk, VA vet.
