July 2025
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to bump seemingly non-urgent pet-care tasks to the bottom of your to-do list. Of course, you’d never forgo the necessities, such as feeding your pets, refilling their water bowls, and giving them some daily love. But are you prioritizing their health too? These five tips can help you put your pet’s health front and center.
Schedule a yearly exam
When was the last time your pet saw a veterinarian? If you opted to give your pet the three-year rabies vaccine, you might think it’s okay to skip those two years in between. Don’t.
Pets can’t communicate when they’re not feeling well. A yearly exam can prevent serious illness and prolong your pet’s life. Some diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or heart problems, can be detected early before irreparable damage is done.
If your pet gets anxious going to the vet or if you are physically unable to get there, ask your veterinarian if he or she offers house calls. Mobile veterinary clinics may sometimes also provide diagnostic services, such as X-rays. If cost is a problem, the Humane Society has a list of national organizations that can help you afford health care for your pet.
Practice parasite prevention
When you’re at your pet’s annual exam, ask about steps you can take to prevent problematic parasites from affecting your pet. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme Disease, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Excessive flea bites can cause skin irritation, hair loss, infection, and even anemia — plus, fleas can transmit tapeworm if your pet ingests an infected flea while grooming. Monthly topical flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats are available. These will seep in through your pet’s skin and kill any fleas or ticks that bite them, preventing them from reproducing.
Ask your vet about preventative measures for heartworm and intestinal parasites (like tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms). Getting your pet on the right preventative protocol can help prevent these infections. Heartworm, a parasite transmitted by mosquito bites, can attack the heart and lungs and can potentially be fatal. Intestinal parasites can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Complications include malnutrition, anemia, and intestinal blockage. Regular preventive treatment can spare your pet from these problems. Hookworms and roundworms can be spread to humans — so these preventive treatments will help protect you, too!
Brush your pet’s teeth
Doggie breath isn’t just a yuck factor. Bad breath in dogs and cats can be a sign of serious oral disease, which can cause pain and weight loss because it hurts to chew. As in humans, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, contributing to other health issues, such as heart disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends brushing your pet’s teeth daily and yearly professional dental cleanings.
Watch their weight
Pet obesity is a growing epidemic in the U.S. The results of a 2022 survey by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese. Obesity can have serious health consequences for pets: It can reduce life expectancy and is associated with serious illnesses, such as renal failure, heart disease, and cancer.
Your veterinarian can help you develop a weight loss plan suited to your pet’s age and health. The APOP offers online pet weight loss resources to help you get Fido and Fluffy back in tip-top shape. And go easy on rewarding your pets with table food or treats, which are often higher in calories than regular pet food.
Make fun a priority
Your pet’s health also includes their mental health. In the wild, animals balance rest with activity. Providing your pets with a way to release their energy keeps them happy and may even prevent destructive behavior, like chewing furniture. Exercise also keeps your pet from packing on the pounds. Break up your usual dog-walking routine with some new adventures. Techwalla recommends these four apps for finding dog-friendly parks, beaches, and other locales you can enjoy. Cats also need exercise, and Pet Life Today reviews the best interactive cat toys.
