Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month - a  campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association that aims to bring awareness to regular pet wellness checks. Here are a few ways you can give your dog or cat a happier and healthier life.

Twice-A-Year Exams

Wellness Exams enhance the quality of life for your pet and minimize the possibility of illness or disease. Pets age at a faster rate, so they need check-ups more often. Certain breeds are at a higher risk of  medical conditions, so take the time to learn about your pet's specific needs. Speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet as healthy as possible. 

Dental Hygiene

Your pet's dental hygiene is very important to his or her overall health, Dental problems can cause more serious health issues, such as heart, kidney or joint problems. Avoid dental diseases by promoting oral health, and talk to your vet about ways to keep your pet's teeth healthy and clean. 

Spay/Neuter

If you haven't done so already, spay/neuter your pet. This has many health benefits, including making your pet less susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Female pets have a higher chance of getting uterine infections and breast cancer if they are not spayed, according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA also suggests neutering male pets before they are 6 months old, in order to protect against testicular cancer. 

Your Pet's food 

The quality of your pet's food is essential to their overall health. Take a look at your pet's food label. Avoid cheap fillers like protein "meal", which provide no nutrition. Incorporate foods like chicken and eggs, which are highly digestible protein that help build muscle. Check with your veterinarian to determine the healthiest food for your pet. Aim to create a high standard of nutrition for your pet, because as we all know, "You are what you eat".

Exercise

 The foundation of your pet's health is diet and exercise. Exercise will keep your pet's muscles and bones strong and keep them happy and healthy. As we approach the cold winter season, there are also ways to get your dog or cat some exercise indoors. Your dog can burn some calories by running up and down stairs or going for a jog on a canine treadmill, like the one used in Morris Animal Inn's canine cardio sessions. Cat's sleep approximately 22 hours a day, but they can enjoy a workout routine as well. Here at Morris Animal Inn we like to use laser lights and teaser toys in our teaser play sessions to help your kitty burn some calories and stay healthy. Your pet should get exercise on a daily basis. Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog! 

Morris Animal Inn is excited to support Pet Wellness Month, and we make the wellness of your pets a priority. You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by incorporating more activity into your pet's life, creating a pet wellness plan, and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Call us at 973-539-0377 or visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com. 

Source: PetMD.com Wondercide.com, SynergyLabs.com, Petcentric.com

October is National Pet Wellness Month

October may be filled with fall festivities and Halloween costumes, but this month also celebrates pets with more than just the image of a dog howling at the moon. As National Pet Wellness Month, October is a time for reevaluating your pet’s health and preventing disease. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers tips for considering your pet’s wellness this month in order to keep them healthy all year round.

Make sure your home is safe for your pet. Pet-proofing your home is important whether you have a new pet or have had pets for years. There are many everyday objects (medicines, pesticides and some household plants) that can prove poisonous to our pets. Go through your home to be sure that all potentially harmful objects are out of your pet’s reach.

Schedule a veterinary check-up. Just like with humans, it’s important that you pet visit the vet more than just when they are ill or injured. Having a regular physical can help ward of diseases by getting routine vaccinations and allowing your vet to look for any signs of potential health problems.

Consider your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Dog and cat obesity can lead to extensive health problems as your pet ages. Speak with your vet about what specific foods and physical activities are best for your pet to help extend and increase the quality of their life.

We are excited to encourage pet wellness this month at Morris Animal Inn, where the wellness of our pets is a priority every month! You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by taking these safety precautions and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Our Canine Fitness Program, which was recently featured in The New York Times, offers healthy snack options like yogurt and vegetable parfaits and high levels of physical activity like dog treadmills, swimming sessions and stair climbs. Call us at 973-539-0377 to join us in recognizing National Pet Wellness Month today!