February 14, 2022
Love is in the air. Your pup and kitty can smell it. Happy Valentine’s Day! While February is known for being the month of love, it’s also American Heart Month. American Heart Month is an initiative that raises awareness about heart health and the prevention of heart disease. Now, let’s talk about caring for your best friend’s heart.
There are a few things you need to consider when aiming to keep your pet’s heart in top condition. For example, an emphasis on heartworm prevention is extremely beneficial for cats and dogs because these nasty parasites can block their blood vessels, which may lead to heart complications. With that in mind, it’s important to understand how critical a pet’s diet and exercise is for their health. Similar to humans, pets need to have a healthy, balanced diet and sufficient amounts of exercise.
When it comes to diet, at Care First, we often recommend a well-balanced food, like Hill’s Pet Nutrition. This brand offers a wide array of food options for cats and dogs that aren’t full of fillers. They have prescription foods to help alleviate health conditions ranging from digestive complications to excessive weight gain.
Depending on the size of your cat or dog, the amount of food you should feed them will vary. It’s best to speak to your veterinarian about what they think is best for your pet.
Along with a healthy diet, your pet needs to get adequate exercise. For dogs, that’s easy enough. You can take them on a walk, run, or have them do agility training. You want to aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise per day for your dog. Not only does owning a dog make you happier, but according to the American Heart Association, owning a dog helps lower your own cardiovascular disease risk.
Exercise for cats looks a little different. Believe it or not, a cat is leash trainable, and it’s best to start at a young age. You can take your cat on walks if you’d like. You can also give your cat a climbing tower, a running wheel, or plenty of toys to keep them fit and healthy!
Regular checkups at the vet will ensure that your pet is happy and healthy. At Care First, your pet’s health is our number one priority and we pride ourselves on being the premier veterinary practice in the Triangle area. Schedule an appointment to get your furry friend on the right track to good heart health!
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