Veterinary Surgeon Elise O’Byrne White says these are the top five wellbeing pillars all pet owners should tick
Recent research from Petmania found that 60% of pet owners are deeply concerned about age-related health issues, while 42% admit they are worried about their pet’s mental wellbeing, but 40% have no idea how to manage it.
This significant knowledge gap can cause stress and worry among pet owners, especially as we see how important and integral to our lives and the family unit pets have become.
To help us make more informed decisions when it comes to our pets wellbeing, Veterinary Surgeon Elise O’Byrne White shares the five pillars that lay the foundation for a healthy pet. They are:
Vaccinations
Keep pets protected by ensuring all core vaccinations and boosters are up to date. Review records annually with your vet.
Exercise & Enrichment
Daily walks for dogs and interactive play for cats support physical health and mental wellbeing. Puzzle toys and sniffari walks add valuable enrichment.
Parasite Control
Year-round protection against fleas, ticks, mites, and worms prevents illness and discomfort and protects your household.
Nutrition & Body Condition
Feed a balanced diet, measure portions carefully, and keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Learn to body condition score to maintain an ideal weight.
Annual Vet Check-Ups
Regular visits, including dental checks, allow early detection of issues such as arthritis or kidney disease. Subtle changes in behaviour should always prompt a vet visit.
If you’d like to start actively taking care of your pet’s health now, Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation is still ongoing through the month of March. The campaign provides expert-led guidance to help pet owners make small, achievable changes that can dramatically improve their pets’ long-term health and wellbeing. The campaign in stores nationwide, offering personalised advice, weight and Body Condition Score checks, and guidance across all five wellness pillars.
