February is a big month for our furry friends! Not only does this month’s calendar include a few of our favorite pet holidays (February 22 is “Walking the Dog Day,” while February is the Humane Society’s “World Spay Day”) but it is also a month-long chance to think seriously about pet health. Indeed, February is both “Cat Health Month” and “Pet Dental Health Month.” If you’ve been lax about the physical or dental health of your cat or dog, this month is the perfect opportunity to redouble your focus on their wellbeing and overall happiness.
If you are reading this blog post, it goes without saying that you want to give your pet a great life. Why else would you pamper your cats or dogs with a Cuddle Bed or Throne Bed from J’adore Custom Pet Beds? However, because we are used to human healthcare and human hygiene, we sometimes forget what constitutes “healthy habits” for our four-legged friends. With that thought in mind, here are a few key health tips that you can implement this month to keep your kitty purring and your dog wagging.
1. Consult your vet about diet
Making sure your pet is eating the right food—and eating the right amount of it—is crucial to ensuring a happy, healthy life. This month, think critically about what you are feeding your dog or cat. Are you choosing food based on price or convenience (e.g., what’s available at the grocery store)–or is it based on nutrition? Are you tweaking your pet’s diet accordingly to match with different life stages? Would your pet be better off with a dry food diet or a wet food diet—or a mixture of both? If you haven’t had a detailed conversation with your vet about diet, make February the month to change that. (Regular exercise will also help to keep your pet lean and healthy.)
2. Clean (or replace) your pet’s belongings
Pet bowls are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Pet toys, blankets, sweaters, and beds can quickly accumulate dirt, dust, yeast, bacteria, and mold. To keep your dogs and cats healthier—and to keep your home fresh and hygienic—make a habit out of cleaning your pet’s belongings more frequently.
Instead of rinsing food or water bowls once every few days, wash them thoroughly with soap and water every day. Instead of throwing toys back in the “toy box” after every use, wash them every few weeks—whether in the washing machine, in the dishwasher, or in the sink. Instead of letting your pet’s bedding go without a clean, try to vacuum any hair or debris weekly and wash when needed. One of the wonderful things about custom dog beds and custom cat beds from J’adore is that our beds include washable covers that are easy to remove.
3. Make oral health a priority
Many pets never receive at-home dental care. This oversight is understandable: many pet owners don’t know how to handle oral health care for their pets and don’t realize how important it is. Unfortunately, dental disease is common in cats and dogs. This type of oral health issue can leave your furry friend in near-constant pain, making it difficult for them to eat and drastically diminishing their overall quality of life. Oral health problems can also lead to even more serious issues if left untreated, such as heart disease or kidney failure.
Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid dental disease in your dog or cat. First, keep up with your veterinary appointments. Your vet should perform a dental exam as part of the standard annual checkup. Secondly, you can try brushing your pet’s teeth. Some cats and dogs are more open to it than others, so it’s at least worth an attempt. Third, look for pet toys, treats, and food that are good for oral health. Certain treats are specifically billed for their plaque-fighting abilities, while some toys include enzymes that are great for your pet’s teeth.
Finally, don’t forget to give your pet a comfortable place to sleep! With a brand new custom bed from J’adore Custom Bet Beds, your cat or dog will truly be living like a king or queen.