Wellness for the Whole Family
Now is the perfect time to recommit to healthy habits in the new year for our beloved animal companions. Small, consistent changes can significantly impact their overall wellness and quality of life! Let’s explore three key habits that can transform your animal family member’s health and strengthen your bond.
Regular Exercise: Steps to Good Health
Consistent physical activity is essential for your animal family member’s health. Outdoor walks, games like fetch or chasing a feather wand, and even practicing tricks on cue offer both physical and mental health benefits.
For dogs, regular walks or a game of fetch help:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improve joint mobility and muscle strength
- Provide mental stimulation and reduce anxiety
For cats, regular indoor play and structured exercise can:
- Prevent weight-related health issues
- Reduce the risk of diabetes
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Enhance mental well-being and reduce behavioral problems
Nutrition Matters: Choosing Healthier Pet Treats
What we feed our animal family members directly impacts their health. Ideally, treats should be more than just a treat – they should contribute to overall nutrition. Replacing high-fat, processed treats with nutritious alternatives can help support your animal’s health—while still making them feel like they’re getting a special snack!
Consider these healthier treat options:
- Fresh vegetables like carrots or green beans
- Small pieces of lean, cooked chicken
- Specially formulated low-calorie treats
- Small portions of fruits safe for animals (like apple slices)
Avoiding high-fat, sugary, or processed treats can help prevent conditions like pancreatitis, obesity, and digestive issues.
Regular Vet Check-Ups
Ensuring your animal family member receives a physical exam & vaccinations on an annual basis is key in preventing trips to the vet for illnesses during the year. As our dog or cat gets older, a routine physical exam & diagnostics help screen for early onset disease which is easiest to manage in early stages.
Make these an annual healthy habit:
- Physical exam
- Core & Lifestyle Vaccinations
- Dental Care
- Fecal Screen & Heartworm Screen (or Feline Screen)
Shake off Stress: The Power of Quality Time
While it might seem simple, spending quality time with your animal family member contributes to their overall wellbeing, and yours, too! Quality time means activities you both enjoy such as fetch on the beach or cuddle time on the couch. Blowing off steam, or time to unwind together can help reduce stress levels, and strengthen the bond between you and your animal family member.
The benefits of more cuddle time include:
- Reduced anxiety for both you and them
- A deeper, more bonded relationship
We’re Here to Support Your Wellness Journey!
