10 Ways to Keep a Pet Healthy and Happy

October is National Pet Wellness Month, a yearly reminder to make sure you’re giving your sidekick the proper care and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. This may involve everything from reassessing their nutritional needs to switching up their exercise regimen to devoting time to work on training — and, of course, scheduling their annual checkup.

The idea for National Pet Wellness Month started with a 2002 Purdue University program, backed by the National Research Council, that focused on nutrition, training, and activity to fight canine obesity. The study resulted in a 14 percent weight loss in overweight dogs — and that success eventually evolved into National Pet Wellness Month.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy, so you can celebrate National Pet Wellness Month every year — brought to you by our friends at Lemonade.

Getting ahead of your pet’s needs helps them stay healthier for longer, keeps their medical costs down, and makes both of your lives a lot more pleasant. 

1. Make play a priority

Play is not just fun — it’s essential to your pet’s happiness and mental health. Dogs thrive when they bond with their humans through play. The same applies to cats, who may require less playtime, but reap the same benefits that their canine counterparts do. In both animals, mental and physical enrichment contribute to weight maintenance, alleviate boredom-related (mis)behaviors, play into their instincts (such as chasing or pouncing), and provide an instant mood lift.

Save up to 90% on vet bills with affordable plans

Lemonade offers a number of preventative care options, including a package designed especially for puppies and kittens. Save on vaccines, wellness visits, and so much more.

Get a free quote

2. Daily exercise and enrichment

Exercise is one of the biggest keys to your pet’s overall health and happiness — it keeps their body strong, their weight in check, and their stress levels lower. And while moving their bodies is essential, it’s just as important to stimulate their minds. A few ways to enrich dogs include puzzle and lick mats, sniff walks (and scent games), as well as agility training. Meanwhile, for cats, consider puzzle feeders and interactive toys, as well as various perches around your home where they can focus on “hunting” birds and other wildlife through windows. 

3. Feed them a healthy diet

Keeping your pet well-nourished can make or break their health, and their needs often change with their age. Dogs require a mix of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients, including fiber and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, cats, being obligate carnivores, need a mix of animal-based proteins and nutrients, with less carbs. Ask your vet for tips on what (and how much) you should be feeding your pet, based on their life stage, breed, size, and health.

4. Keep up with training

Training requires diligence, but the payoff — bonding meaningfully with your pet, as you teach them boundaries and manners  — is priceless. Your cat may be less eager to please you than your dog, but they can absolutely learn and thrive when you tap into what motivates them. At its core, training is about patience, routine, and plenty of positive reinforcement — all of which build trust and make life smoother for both of you.

5. Brush teeth regularly

Toothbrushing isn’t the most exciting part of pet parenthood, but it can make a world of difference for their health and comfort. Good dental care helps prevent painful problems and keeps their whole body healthier — from their heart to their kidneys.

The reality is that you should be brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth each and every day, but even a few times a week can help if every day feels out of reach. Pair brushing with dental treats, chews, and oral rinses for best results. And, of course, be sure to visit the vet for periodic professional dental cleanings.

6. Use preventatives

Preventatives can help you get ahead of common health issues. This includes making sure your pet is spayed or neutered if that hasn’t already been done. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and keeping up with parasite and flea preventatives is a great way to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy — well before these common nuisances can become a problem.

7. Schedule annual vet visits

Your pet’s annual vet visit helps them stay healthy and happy. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s overall health, administer any tests (if necessary) to catch early signs of illness, and confirm if they’re up to date on vaccines and preventatives. 

If cost is a concern, there are plenty of resources, including pet insurance, to help with vet bills.

8. Maintain a healthy weight

A few years back, a study from the Association for Pet Obesity found that a whopping 61 percent of cats and 59 percent of dogs are overweight. Those are pretty alarming numbers, and point to why exercise and nutrition are so crucial to your pet feeling their best. If you’re unsure what your pet’s ideal weight should be, check with your vet. (If your pet is still in their early years, consult our cat weight guide or puppy weight chart for rules of thumb regarding their weight.)

9. Keep up grooming and hygiene

Regular pet grooming goes beyond keeping your pup or your kitty pretty, although that can be motivation in itself.  Plan to brush your cat and groom your dog a few times a week, which will vary by fur type. Brushing fur helps your pet avoid tangles and keeps their coats healthy, protecting them from skin issues and preventing infections. 

Although you probably won’t need to do more than brush your cat because they meticulously self-groom, you will need to give your dog a shampoo and fur trim (or take them to the groomer) every so often. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your pet’s ears to prevent infections, check their eyes for irregular color and film, and trim their nails to avoid pain or mobility issues.

10. Get pet insurance

As many pet parents have learned the hard way, accidents and emergencies happen at the most unexpected times, and can be expensive. Having pet insurance lets you make the best medical choices for your pet without worrying about costs — and helps protect your savings account if an unexpected issue comes up. With Lemonade, you can customize your policy to give your pet the coverage they actually need, and visit any licensed vet in the United States. It’s fast and simple so you can purchase a policy, manage it, and submit claims — all in the Lemonade app.

The best way to tell your pet you love them is to show them. When you invest time and energy in them, they’ll send you appreciation right back. Take the time to make sure you’re addressing all their needs, and if something seems off, always consult a vet for a professional opinion.

Commonly asked questions

How to know if your dog feels well?

Signs your dog is unwell include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, your pup may exhibit lethargy, a diminished appetite, or whine, limp, or cry. If the reason for their uncommon behavior isn’t clear, always visit a vet who can examine your dog and perform relevant tests if necessary.

Is a healthy dog a happy dog?

Yes, a healthy dog is usually a happy dog. Of course, personalities may vary, with each dog expressing their contentment differently. But, in general, if you invest the time and effort into your dog’s health, they will be both mentally and physically at ease.

References

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, www.petobesityprevention.org/2023.

Mitchell, Sandra C. “8 Tips for a Healthy Dog.” Petmd.com, PetMD, 28 Sept. 2023, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/tips-for-a-healthy-dog.

“National Pet Wellness Month.” National Today, 6 June 2022, nationaltoday.com/national-pet-wellness-month.