When you make the decision to bring a pet into your life and welcome them into your family, their health and wellbeing becomes your responsibility. From what you should feed your pup to how to clean their teeth, becoming a pet-parent is a wonderful experience learning how to best care for your pup.
October marks National Pet Wellness Month, so whether you are thinking of getting a dog or already have a furry best friend, now is the perfect time to learn how you can promote the overall wellness of your pet.
What is National Pet Wellness Month?
National Pet Wellness Month is an annual awareness month sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health, designed to raise awareness on the ageing process of pets and highlight how this can change their health requirements and their overall wellbeing.
Why is National Pet Wellness Month important?
It goes without saying that every month, week, day is a pet wellness day. You should always be thinking about what is best for your canine, attending regular vet visits and paying attention to their behaviour, in case anything suddenly changes.
National Pet Wellness Month, in particular, looks at the ageing process of pets. Pets age much faster than humans do - especially, dogs! Because of this, your pet’s health - everything from their joint health to their digestive requirements - can change very quickly. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to promote optimal health of your pet.
Here are 5 top tips to promote optimal health in your pet
Regular check-ups
This may sound obvious but one of the best ways that you can ensure your pet is in good health, is to make sure that they receive regular health check-ups. Not only do routine checkups help protect your pet from preventable illnesses with the help of vaccinations and preventive medicine and provide the opportunity to spot signs of disease early on, but your vet will be knowledgeable about the pet ageing process, too! This means that they can recommend certain diets, exercises, joint supplements or vitamins, that will help your pet stay healthy.
Weight management
Just like humans, dogs can quite easily become overweight if they are eating too much or not moving enough. Excessive weight gain can come with a whole host of health problems. Pet obesity can place significant stress on the body, from adding extra pressure on the joints to negatively impacting your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy. Managing your pet’s weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise will help promote overall wellness.
Don’t forget about dental health
Regular dental cleanings and at-home dental care are just as important for our pets as they are for us. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean can help to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to infection, diseases and other complications, including potential internal organ damage, in worst-case scenarios. So protecting your pet’s oral health isn’t just a way to keep their smile looking great and their teeth nice and strong for digestive reasons, it is also a key part of maintaining their overall health!
Spend quality time with your pet
Spending time with your pooch and interacting with them, is an important factor in their physical, emotional, and mental health. Dogs are social creatures who need social interaction and mental stimulation, just like we do!
Pets who don’t receive enough attention or physical activity may develop bad habits out of boredom or rebellion. Paying attention to your pet and getting to know them has other benefits, too. It helps you become familiar with your pet’s character and “normal” behaviours, which will help you recognise when your pet isn’t acting as they normally would or is feeling well.
Consider a range of supplements
Sometimes our pets need an extra helping hand to keep them feeling happy and healthy. Dog supplements and vitamins can be a great way to ensure that your pet gets everything they need. Here at YuMOVE, we offer a range of high-quality supplements to improve the health and well-being of pets. From our award-winning joint supplements which are designed to keep your dog active for longer, and our YuMOVE Digestive Care supplement for easing digestion to our YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care range which promotes a healthier coat and assists doggy skin conditions. If you think your dog may benefit from a supplement, take a look at our guide on how to find the right YuMOVE supplement for your dog.
Our four-legged friends depend on us for their safety, health and happiness, so it’s important to take steps to promote their health and wellness at all times. National Pet Wellness Month may be celebrated in October, but it’s a lifelong commitment that should be promoted all year long!
