Top Five Health Related Presents for your Pet

There are thousands of pet presents that flood the market this time of year, from treats to toys and various expensive accessories. However, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, why not give your pet something even more valuable this year – a healthier lifestyle!

1. A balanced, nutritious diet suited to their needs

Although you may be tempted to slip your pet a Christmas dinner scrap or two, your pet’s diet can have a significant impact on both their short and long-term health. The wrong diet can lead to obesity and life-long health issues, so it's important to feed them the right food to keep them at a healthy weight and make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need.

Dog are omnivores, who need a balanced diet of proteins, fats, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that some of the nutrients they require can only be sourced naturally from animal protein. Cats also prefer to eat lots of small meals – around 10-12 throughout the day, although their feeding behaviour will depend on their environment and experience.

If you’re unsure about the best foods to feed your pet, your vet should be able to support you with choosing a healthy, balanced diet for them to follow.

2. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date

All puppies should be vaccinated to protect them from the following nasty diseases:

• Canine distemper
• Canine parvovirus
• Kennel cough
• Leptospirosis
• Parainfluenza

Kittens are commonly vaccinated against:

• Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
• Feline infectious enteritis
• Feline leukaemia virus

As your pet grow up, you’ll need to ensure that their vaccinations are kept up to date, and your vet will help you by providing a vaccination record, which you should keep safe for future reference.

3. Regular check-ups

Have your veterinarian examine your pet at least once a year to make sure they are healthy and so that they can detect and treat any problems earlier. This is especially important if your pet is getting older and are susceptible to age-related issues such as teeth problems.

4. Keep your pet free of parasites – fleas, ticks and worms

Not only are they uncomfortable for your pet, parasites can also carry diseases that can lead to more severe health problems. Keeping your pet up to date with flea and worm prevention treatments is a great way to avoid problems later down the line and your vet can advise the right treatment for your pet if you’re unsure.

It’s also important to regularly check your pet’s fur for those sneaky ticks that may have found a home there – and not just during the spring and summer – pets are susceptible all year round.

5. Make sure your pet gets regular exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best gifts you can give your pet when it comes to looking after their health. Not only is it good for their physical well being, exercise is mental stimulation for your dog to smell, see and hear beyond the limits of your house and garden, and playing with your cat for at least thirty minutes each day can increase their happiness.

Regular exercise helps preserve your pet’s muscle tone and joint movement and if your pet is overweight or obese, exercise can be a great way to shed those extra pounds.