Pet Care Tips

Feed your dog a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Avoid human foods that are toxic to dogs — especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Look for foods with a named protein as the first ingredient. Fresh water should always be available.

Most dogs need at least 30–60 minutes of exercise per day, though this varies greatly by breed. Regular walks, off-lead play, and mental stimulation all contribute to a well-balanced, contented dog.

Brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding and prevent matting. Bathe every 4–8 weeks, trim nails monthly, clean ears weekly, and brush teeth several times a week to prevent dental disease.

Annual vet check-ups are recommended for adult dogs; twice yearly for seniors (7+). Keep vaccinations, flea/tick, and worming treatments up to date.

Cats are obligate carnivores — they need animal protein to thrive. A combination of wet and dry food works well for most cats. Wet food supports hydration, while dry food can help with dental health. Feed adult cats twice daily at set times rather than leaving food out constantly, to help maintain a healthy weight.

Scoop litter trays at least once a day and do a full clean weekly. The general rule is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. Place trays in quiet, accessible spots away from food and high-traffic areas.

Indoor cats especially need mental and physical stimulation. Provide scratching posts, climbing structures, window perches, and interactive play with wand toys for at least 15–20 minutes per day.

Annual vet visits and up-to-date vaccinations are essential. Microchipping is strongly recommended for both indoor and outdoor cats. Dental care is often overlooked — dental disease affects most cats over three years old.

Keep these general health principles in mind for any pet:

• Regular vet checks: Annual check-ups catch problems early. Seniors benefit from twice-yearly visits.
• Fresh water always: All pets need constant access to clean, fresh water. Change it daily and clean the bowl regularly.
• Safe products: Pet-proof your home by securing toxic substances (cleaning products, medications, certain houseplants) and removing choking hazards.
• Parasite prevention: Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are year-round concerns. Use vet-recommended preventative treatments consistently.
• Healthy weight: Obesity is one of the most common and preventable health problems in pets. Ask your vet to assess your pet's body condition score at each visit.