Top 5 Tips For Keeping Your Pets Healthy

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

They may not be able to talk to us the way we talk to others, but our pets can truly be some of the best friends we ever have in our lifetime. That said, we know you'd probably do just about anything to keep them healthy and ensure a long, prosperous life - are we right?...We thought so!

Although there are always things that we can't control, the following are a few ways that you can help keep your pets healthy for years to come.

Limit stress.
Just like stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health, it can also be pretty damaging to animals. Knowing this, it's important to do whatever you can to create a stress-free environment for your pets to live in. One of the best ways to do so is by making sure that your pets have access to the things they need - food, water, room to exercise, and perhaps even a toy or two to prevent boredom.

Promote exercise and good heating habits.
Cats and dogs that are overweight are more likely to experience health problems, so you'll want to ensure that your pet is getting the exercise they need and eating the right foods. Since nutritional needs may differ for each individual animal, ask us which foods we recommend as well as which exercise routines we suggest the next time your pets come in for a visit! If you don't want to wait, you can always give us a call too!

Focus on hygiene.
We brush our teeth every day, so why shouldn't your pets get the same care? Although it's a bit different considering they can't brush their teeth themselves, as the owner, it's up to you to do it for them regularly to prevent problems such as gum disease. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that your pets don't go too long without a nail trimming, as healthy nails promote healthy joints! Last, but certainly not least, have your pets follow a regular grooming schedule - this can help with skin health and may even alert you of issues that you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

Provide water.
Your pets are just like us in the sense that they need to stay hydrated. During periods of dehydration, their kidney and hearts need to work harder, and it can even slow the passage of blood through the spleen and the liver. That said, your best bet is to provide your pets with a bowl of fresh water every day.

Schedule check-ups.
You should never - we repeat, never - skip a vet appointment! Even if nothing appears wrong, it's imperative that you bring your pets in for a wellness exam to have them checked out. For dogs and cats under 7 years of age, we recommend an annual exam. However, for pets over 7 years of age, we recommend a wellness exam every 6 months.

If you're located in New Jersey and have pets at home that need to be cared for, choose Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital for all of your veterinary needs! We've been caring for animals since 1976 and would love to be able to care for your pets next.

For information about our veterinary services or to make an appointment, please call (908) 464-0023. If you haven't seen us before and are a new client, your first exam is FREE!