Today, more than ever, humans are BUSY! Whether it’s work, running to the grocery store to grab ingredients for dinner, or picking up your kids at school, we’re always on the run. But what about your pets? You can’t forget them...or they might get into trouble!
Having a pet is somewhat similar to having a child, and it’s important to create a pet wellness routine for them so that they can be on a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Let’s think about a pet wellness routine in four categories: feeding, bathroom, exercise, and rest. All of these are equally important and necessary for having a healthy and happy pet!
The Four Key Areas of a Successful Pet Wellness Routine
Feeding
It’s essential to feed your pet at the same time every day so that they stay on schedule. Depending on the breed and age of your pet, they might eat a different amount of meals throughout the day. Most adult dogs will eat first thing in the morning and at dinner time.
Talk to your vet about your pet’s personal feeding schedule at their next pet wellness check-up. Feeding a high-quality, diet is equally as important as the schedule to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. Make sure to consult with your vet to choose the best, balanced food for your pet.
Bathroom
Cats and dogs (obviously) have quite different bathroom needs. If you’re a cat owner, consider yourself lucky that you don’t have to take your pet out throughout the day. All you have to worry about is making sure the litter box always stays clean!
For dog owners, bathroom routines are incredibly important, especially in the puppy stages. For a troubleshooting guide on why your cat refuses to use the litterbox, read our blog ‘Help! My Cat Is No Longer Using the Litter Box.’
Dogs cannot relieve themselves like humans (or cats), so it’s important to teach your pup when potty time fits into the day to avoid any accidents. As a rule of thumb, always let your pup out first thing in the morning and before bed. Throughout the day, create a schedule that works for you, and make sure to stick to it! Most dogs will go outside around four times per day.
Exercise
Your pet needs to get enough exercise during the day to exhaust energy. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a hyper dog or cat who won’t leave you alone. Dogs need to get their energy out during the day in order to meet their mental and physical needs. A great way to get your pup’s energy out is by hitting a dog park once per day. For more ideas, check out our top recommended dog exercise ideas.
Playing with other dogs will exhaust your pup, while also helping with socialization. Cats, on the other hand, are often less energetic, but some do require a level of activity throughout the day. Scratch pads and toys are great items to keep your kitty’s mind stimulated - a core part of a pet wellness routine.
Rest
Rest is equally as important as exercise when it comes to wellness for cats and dogs. By implementing rest into your pet’s routine, they’ll be more comfortable when you’re not around. If you have a puppy, try crating them sporadically throughout the day so that they get used to settling down. Like daily rest, it’s important to have a consistent bedtime schedule so that your pet gets an excellent night's sleep. Pets need proper sleep, just like humans!
How Wagmo’s Pet Wellness Plans Can Keep Your Pet Healthy
Being a pet parent means keeping your furry family member as healthy as possible through how you feed, exercise, and love them. At Wagmo, we know that sometimes despite your efforts, you’ll need professional help to ensure the wellness of your dog or cat.
Our pet wellness plans reimburse you for the cost of many routine wellness appointments that you make for your pet, such as vet visits, vaccines, and grooming. By signing up, we’ll help ensure that your pet is receiving high-quality care and attention throughout the year.
As always, we’re here to help you become the best pet parent ever, so be sure to check out Wagmo’s blog for more helpful tips. Got questions? Slide into our DMs or email us at community@wagmo.io.