13 Ways You’re Cutting Your Pet’s Life Short

We know you love your pets and you would do almost anything to keep them healthy, happy and safe as much as possible. That’s why we’ll cut right to the chase.

Here Are 13 Ways You’re Cutting Your Pet’s Life Short:

1. Letting your pet gain weight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of pets were said to be overweight last year. Unfortunately, most of these pet parents don’t even realize that their best furry friend is obese. Since pets don’t process or break down food like we do, giving even one ounce of cheddar cheese is the same as eating 1.5 hamburgers or 3 chocolate bars for a human. Feeding too much pet food is also an issue for overweight pets. That’s why it’s important to follow the suggested guidelines, or talk to your veterinarian about a low fat pet food diet plan.
2. Neglecting pet dental care. Over 80% of pets suffer from gum disease, which develops after food and bacteria collect along the gum line and form plaque in a pet’s mouth. Just like in humans, a build up of this oral bacteria can lead to all sorts of health issues for your pet, including heart valve problems and kidney infections.
3. Skipping annual vet check ups. Most pets don’t show symptoms of illness until it has progressed into later stages, which can lead to further complications and even death. The best way to keep your pet healthy is to visit the vet once or twice a year to make sure your pet’s blood work and other levels are in the normal range.
4. Ignoring vaccination schedules. Without proper vaccines at the correct time intervals, pets can be susceptible to rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and bordetella. It’s so easy to guard your best furry friend from these terrible conditions simply by staying up to date on all their vaccinations.
5. Lack of daily exercise. Just like humans, all pets require daily physical exercise. Not only does it keep the body active, it also helps mental stimulation, keeps any extra weight off, and is a great way to burn off excess energy.
6. Second hand smoke. Just like for humans, it’s extremely dangerous for pets. Long-term exposure can cause increased cancer risks and harmful respiratory issues.
7. Skipping monthly preventatives. It’s so easy to forget the little things, but heartworm and flea and tick issues can lead to serious and even fatal medical conditions. That’s why it’s so important to put them on your calendar and make sure you give and apply as directed.
8. Being too pushy. Certain breeds, such as short nosed dogs and cats, as well small and toy dog breeds, have different exercise requirements than other types of dogs. They also have a lower tolerance to heat. Being aware of your pet’s limitations could not only keep them more comfortable, it could literally save your pet’s life.
9. Feeding table scraps. Besides the extra calories that your pet doesn’t really need, pet parents can inadvertently induce pancreatitis by feeding their pets certain table scraps. If your pets have the cutest faces and the saddest eyes that you just can’t ignore at meal times, be sure to have healthy pet snacks on hand that will be safe for your pets.
10. Unsupervised outdoor time. Pet parents that let their pets roam the outdoors unsupervised are running a huge risk with their best furry friend’s lives. Cars, coyotes, other predators and even “mean” people are just a few of the dangers that could injure or even kill your pet.
11. Not socializing your pet. Your pet is bound to come in contact with other pets, whether of the same species or different. How your pet reacts in these situations could mean the difference between a friendly greeting or a fight that can lead to injuries, infections and even death. Be sure to socialize your pet with any pets or animals it may come in contact with so that it is familiar with their scent and behaviors.
12. Not spaying or neutering. Besides adding to the already uncontrolled pet population, which leads to millions of pets being euthanized every year, keeping your pet intact can lead to health issues. Spaying and neutering is still the best way to reduce the risk of several cancers and even prevent certain unwanted behaviors.
13. Not having pet insurance. With most plans costing less than $1 per day, and the cost of veterinary care continuing to rise, there’s really no good reason not to have pet insurance for your pets. Accidents happen, and pets get sick and need care, just like people. Find out how you can save with pet insurance for cats and pet insurance for dogs only with epetsure.

Originally published at epetsure.