As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Achieving that goal for your pet requires at-home care and regular veterinary visits. Our Kauai Veterinary Clinic team wants to help your four-legged friend live their best life, so we have outlined essential tips and best practices for maintaining your pet’s health at home and through professional veterinary care.

Ways to improve your pet’s health at home

Good health and improving your pet’s wellness starts at home. Focus on the following measures.

Balanced nutrition

A well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of your pet’s health. Pets require a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs based on their species, age, size, and health conditions. Consult with our veterinarian before selecting a food brand or type. They will recommend the best dietary choices for your pet. 

Overall, opt for high-quality pet food that lists meat as the first ingredient and avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, and colors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is linked to various health issues, so follow the feeding guidelines provided by our veterinarian.

Regular exercise

Exercise is vital for your pet’s physical and mental health. Dogs in particular benefit from daily outdoor activities that help maintain a healthy weight and provide mental stimulation. Engage your pet in interactive play with toys, which will burn off energy and strengthen your bond. Additionally, engage your pet’s mind with puzzle toys or training exercises.

Grooming 

Regular grooming keeps your pet’s skin and coat clean and healthy. Brush their fur regularly to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and disperse healthy skin oils. Different breeds have different grooming needs, so determine your furry friend’s needs based on their coat type and lifestyle, and bathe and brush as needed.

Preventive measures

Preventive care can avert many health issues before they start. Use high-quality, veterinarian-recommended parasite preventives to protect your pet from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Administer these preventives year-round to defend against parasitic infections.

Monitoring

Keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior and physical condition. Perform at-home health checks, looking for any weight, appetite, or behavior changes. Be aware of illness signs, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in eating and drinking habits.

Ways veterinary care improves your pet’s health

Pair at-home pet care measures with routine veterinary care to keep your four-legged friend in tip-top shape. Schedule the following veterinary care tasks for your pet.

Regular veterinary visits

Regular veterinary exams are essential for early detection and prevention of health issues. Schedule at least one annual visit for a comprehensive health check-up. Older pets require more frequent visits to monitor age-related conditions, as do pets with chronic health issues.

Dental care

While daily toothbrushing and other at-home dental care measures help prevent dental disease, veterinary dental care is also essential for warding off periodontal problems. Schedule regular professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup and assess your pet’s overall oral health. 

Diagnostic testing

Routine diagnostic tests help in early detection of potential health problems. Regular blood tests can identify issues such as anemia, infection, inflammation, kidney disease, and diabetes. A urinalysis can reveal urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and other metabolic disorders. Fecal exams can check for internal parasites and other gastrointestinal issues.

Emergency preparedness

Be prepared for emergencies by maintaining a pet-specific first aid kit for minor injuries and by knowing how to respond to urgent health issues. Also, keep a list of emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. 

Your pet’s best health and longevity rely on a proactive approach that combines at-home care and regular veterinary visits. Book online or call our Kauai Veterinary Clinic team to schedule your pet’s preventive care appointment to help them stay in good health.