Every owner wants their pet to be at their best, but many people are unaware of all the ways they can help their pets enjoy longer, healthier lives.

1. Nutrition

When it comes to feeding your pet, the right balance of nutrients is crucial. To function normally, animals (and people) require a specific combination of protein, carbs, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water on a daily basis. It’s critical that your pet’s nutrition be complete and balanced, whether you’re providing commercial kibble, a homemade diet, or a specialized diet.

Every component in your pet’s food has a specific purpose. Your pet wouldn’t be able to maintain muscular tone, grow and repair tissues, perform routine everyday activities with ease, or fight infection without enough of each nutrient type.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut. Animals’ gastrointestinal systems are home to billions of these bacteria (as well as some yeast). These beneficial gut bacteria keep the internal environment in check, preventing sickness and promoting good health. Up to 70% of a pet’s immunity lies within their gut making gut health of extreme importance.

In addition to strengthening the immune system, probiotics also aid in breaking down food, synthesizing vitamins and other nutrients, and fighting off bad bacteria.

Check with your vet about which type is appropriate for your pet before you go shopping.

3. Dental Hygiene

Many pet owners overlook the importance of dental health when it comes to keeping their pet’s well-being. Periodontal disease can create major health problems in pets, so it’s critical to keep their mouths healthy. Dental illness left untreated can result in tooth loss, as well as painful abscesses and systemic infections throughout a pet’s body. Untreated dental health can also result in irreversible jaw damage and heart disease.

The importance of brushing a pet’s teeth cannot be overstated. Imagine how your mouth would feel if you didn’t brush for a few days, let alone months or years!

Your veterinarian will be able to determine what is best for your pet’s teeth and will be able to address any problems they discover. A professional dental cleaning is the greatest approach to maintain your pet's oral hygiene.

4. Flea & Tick Preventatives

Fleas and ticks are common on pets without any sort of preventative and can wreak havoc on a pet’s body. And, they can wreak havoc on your home.

Taking proactive measures to keep the fleas and ticks away is the best bet, but if your pet has already experienced fleas and ticks, it’s still important to get ahead of them before conditions worsen. You’ll not only have a bug-free home, but you’ll also be helping to avoid diseases spread by fleas and ticks like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis.

Your veterinarian can advise you on the safest year-round flea and tick protection.

5. Visit the Veterinarian Regularly

Veterinary appointments on a regular basis can help your pet enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life. Annual or biannual exams catch developing health problems early and help you extend your pet's life with you.

Early detection and action allow your veterinarian to treat a disease in its early stages, then manage it with medication or simple lifestyle adjustments. They can also provide advice on how to assist your pet with living the healthiest life possible and potentially avoid future medical problems.

Be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian!