By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
Happy Valentine’s Day! Nowadays pets are more than just companions. They are family members, and most people consider themselves pet parents. We are their caregivers and are responsible for every aspect of their lives from the time we rescue, adopt, or obtain them to the time that they are ready to leave this earth. So, what can we do in the meantime to show that we love them?
Enrichment – Toys are great as long as pets have the motivation to use them. Playing with them and getting them excited about their toys is a great way to keep them active and in a healthy positive state of mind. Puzzle feeders are also a great way to entertain them while we are away and honestly great entertainment for us too. Safe chew toys not only entertain our canine companions but can help keep their teeth clean longer and reduce the number of dentals in a lifetime.
Adventures – Taking them out on frequent walks and to pet friendly parks and hiking trails not only is great exercise but can be great for socialization. Just like with us, the more positive and diverse experiences we have the more well-rounded we become as individuals and the healthier we stay both physically and mentally.
Health – Regular visits to your veterinarian, especially for positive reinforcement, will greatly improve the overall experience that your pet has while there. The pokes and prods become tolerable over time with additional positive experiences there. It will also reduce your anxiety with veterinary visits, which will reduce the anxiety your pet feels overall because they are more in tune with your emotions and feelings. Regular checkups lead to early detection of issues that could become more severe if unnoticed until it’s more advanced.
Insurance – Life is full of surprises and now may be the time to think about insuring your pet. This isn’t a gift that you would directly give your pet but one that would make a lifesaving or life improving procedure much more affordable, giving you peace of mind that you’ll be able to provide for your pet in any event. Most insurance offers 90% coverage for accident and illness care, which is significant when life throws a curve ball. You can contact your veterinarian for a list of top providers.
These are just a few ways that we can show love for our pets directly and indirectly. We hope that you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce
5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107, St. Petersburg
727-289-3776
islandlifeanimalhospital.vet