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Unlock Your Pet-ential!
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Lifestyle Wellness recently ran Pet Health events across 13 Lifestyle Communities®. Pet-ential was unlocked with showbags, a photo-booth, an obstacle course, a dog walk, prizes, a seminar, local pet experts and plenty of pet and parent friendships being made. Don’t worry if you missed out on attending — read on for five top tips to keep your pet happy and healthy!
Prioritise dental health
Over 85% of dogs and cats 4 years or older have some form of dental disease. It only takes 2-3 days for plaque to calcify on the tooth and form tartar that cannot be removed by simple brushing. If left untreated, tartar build-up can lead to periodontal disease which can cause heart and kidney problems. Avoid these issues by brushing your pet’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week with pet toothpaste or providing regular dental chews.
Treat for fleas and worms regularly
Fleas and worms can be dangerous and even deadly for our pets. Provide your pet with a routine worming treatment every three months. Flea treatment frequency depends on the product used, but monthly treatments are recommended.
Educate yourself on pet nutrition
Many dog and cat foods do not provide all the nutrients that you need! Ensure to purchase a nutritionally complete and balanced food. Not sure what to feed — ask a local pet expert! Feeding treats? Make sure the treat size you give is proportional to your pet. A matchbox serving of cheese is equivalent to two donuts for the average dog and two burgers for the average cat. These unhealthy snacks can add up so aim to only give a fingernail sized treat a day.
Exercise your pet
Aim to walk your dog for 15-30 minutes a day. However, remember that if the ground is too hot to rest your hand on for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Aim to engage your cat in a few 10-minute play sessions a day to get them moving and work off their energy.
Enrich your pet’s environment
To avoid boredom for your pet, rotate treat or catnip filled toys and puzzles around the house to mentally engage and entertain them.
Prioritise dental health
Over 85% of dogs and cats 4 years or older have some form of dental disease. It only takes 2-3 days for plaque to calcify on the tooth and form tartar that cannot be removed by simple brushing. If left untreated, tartar build-up can lead to periodontal disease which can cause heart and kidney problems. Avoid these issues by brushing your pet’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week with pet toothpaste or providing regular dental chews.
Treat for fleas and worms regularly
Fleas and worms can be dangerous and even deadly for our pets. Provide your pet with a routine worming treatment every three months. Flea treatment frequency depends on the product used, but monthly treatments are recommended.
Educate yourself on pet nutrition
Many dog and cat foods do not provide all the nutrients that you need! Ensure to purchase a nutritionally complete and balanced food. Not sure what to feed — ask a local pet expert! Feeding treats? Make sure the treat size you give is proportional to your pet. A matchbox serving of cheese is equivalent to two donuts for the average dog and two burgers for the average cat. These unhealthy snacks can add up so aim to only give a fingernail sized treat a day.
Exercise your pet
Aim to walk your dog for 15-30 minutes a day. However, remember that if the ground is too hot to rest your hand on for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Aim to engage your cat in a few 10-minute play sessions a day to get them moving and work off their energy.
Enrich your pet’s environment
To avoid boredom for your pet, rotate treat or catnip filled toys and puzzles around the house to mentally engage and entertain them.