General health of dogs and cats
Annual check-up, dental care, weight and exercise. The pillars of a healthy pet.
Annual check-up at the vet, dental care, monitoring weight and enough exercise—those are the pillars. Watch for changes: appetite, energy, drinking, urination. A happy, active dog or cat is usually a healthy one.
📋 The pillars of a healthy pet
🩺 Annual check-up
An annual visit to the vet helps catch problems early. For seniors (dogs and cats from about 7 years), many vets recommend two check-ups per year. Blood tests can be useful in older animals.
🦷 Dental care
Tartar and gum disease are common. Daily brushing is ideal; otherwise: special chew sticks or food that cleans teeth. Have your vet check the teeth—bad teeth can cause pain and infections.
⚖️ Weight
Overweight leads to diabetes, arthritis and heart problems. Portion control, no table scraps and enough exercise keep your pet at a healthy weight. Feel the ribs—you should be able to feel them slightly.
🏃 Exercise
Dogs need daily walks and play. Cats: toys, scratching posts and space to climb. Exercise keeps body and mind fit and prevents boredom.
👀 What to watch for
Changes can indicate a problem. Watch for:
- • Appetite—suddenly eating more or less
- • Energy—lethargy or restlessness
- • Drinking and urination—much more or less than usual
- • Behaviour—hiding, aggression, no longer jumping or playing
✂️ Spaying and neutering
Spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters but also certain cancers (such as uterine and testicular cancer) and behaviour problems. Ask your vet about the right time—often around 6 months, but this varies by breed and situation.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your veterinarian for a consultation and tailored advice.
More about health
View our health guide for more information.
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