Pets are people, too. Just like people, pets can get sick. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and too few trips to the vet can shorten pet lives. Keep your treasured cat or dog as healthy as possible, for as long as possible, by knowing what is best for them, and taking them to the vet. What steps are pet owners taking to make sure their loved ones live long, happy lives?

Limit Table Scraps

Making your pet happy and knowing what is best for them are not always the same thing. Dogs and cats enjoy foods that are not good for them, especially table scraps. Everyday household foods and items like raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, and onions can be toxic to cats, and cats need to eat cat food regularly. Cats who eat human food or dog food only will suffer from malnutrition, and are likely to go blind. Why? Cat food contains essential vitamins and minerals. One of them, taurine, keeps cat vision healthy and stops them from going blind. What else can owners do?

Schedule Regular Checkups

A third of dog owners have a framed picture displayed in their homes. Owners are proud of their pets, and they should do what they can to keep them safe and healthy. One of the easiest ways to do this is to find a vet. Ask family and friends to review veterinarians, or go online and read veterinarian reviews straight off company websites. Schedule your pets for checkups an absolute minimum of once per year, and biannual checkups can offer an extra peace of mind.

Chances are, your cat or dog is part of the family. Keep them in the family for as long as possible. Take care of their health, by knowing what is healthiest for them, and doing whatever you can to find a vet who will do the rest. Helpful info also found here.