Pages

Healthy Pets Live Longer And Happier Lives

By Donna Stone


Mankind has kept domestic animals for hundreds of years. Initially, the purpose of these animals was to serve as food or as labour. Today, however, millions of households cherish tame household animals purely for their companionship and the joy that they provide to the members of the household. These animals can indeed make an important contribution to quality of life of their owners but owners should understand that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have healthy pets.

Animals kept as part of a household need love and attention. Not all animals need the same level of personal attention from their owners, however. Cats, for example, are often quite happy to be by themselves while dogs need constant attention. There is no captive animal that does not need at least some love and attention from time to time. If this is not given their health will most certainly suffer.

The health of any household animal is also directly related to the quality and quantity of exercise he gets. This is especially the case when the animal is caged or kept in a confined space such as an apartment. Some animals, such as cats, rats and hamsters, for example, can satisfy their own exercise needs but others, such as dogs need their owners to exercise them.

Diet plays a critical role in the health of an animal. Owners should strictly maintain the diet suitable for the animal in question and refrain from feeding them snacks and food not conductive to their health. Treats should not be given too frequently and only suitable treats should be used. Vets agree that the biggest cause of disease in household animals can be ascribed to an unhealthy diet.

Animals often develop medical conditions that are not obvious to their owners. That is why it is necessary to schedule regular visits to the vet. Routine tests will quickly reveal potential problems which can be dealt with in good time. Animals should also receive their inoculations on a regular basis. Any sudden changes in the habits of an animal may be indicative of a health problem.

Boredom and stress can definitely influence the health of an animal. They need variety, just as humans do. Dog owners should vary the routes they take when they take the animal for walks. All animals should have a variety of toys and distractions and owners should avoid exposing the animal to situations known to cause anxiety and trauma.

It is unfortunate that many animal owners adopt animals that are simply not suited to the environment where they will be kept. The living environment intended for an animal should be a vital consideration when choosing a household pet. Some animals need more space, others need hiding places and yet others need privacy. Keeping an animal in an unsuited environment will affect its health.

Household animals can play an important role in the lives of their owners. However, their needs, preferences and well being should always be of prime concern. They do not have a choice about what they are fed, how they are treated or where they are kept. Sensible people will understand that and refrain from subjecting an innocent animal to a life of misery.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment