Give Your Pet a Little Extra Love During National Pet Week

As a dedicated pet owner, you may feel like every week is technically pet week in your house. But there is actually one week each year dedicated to our pets and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them. The Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association founded National Pet Week in 1981 in order to recognize the human-animal bond, and to honor the tireless work that veterinarians do to ensure that our pets are happy and healthy.

 Looking for some special ways to celebrate National Pet Week this year?

Here are some helpful tips show your gratitude to your pet.

Go for a Check Up With a Veterinarian

The best thing you can do to ensure that your pet is living the healthiest life possible is to take them in for routine checkups. Regular checkups will help both you and your vet keep track of any changes in your pet’s demeanor and general health.

As your pet ages, it’s normal for their habits to change a little, but more dramatic behavioral shifts may be symptoms of something more serious. Regular visits to the vet will allow you to monitor any changes. To help celebrate National Pet Week, bring your vet a card or a “treat” from you and your pet to show how much you appreciate all they’ve done for your pet’s health.

Give Your Pets a Spa Day

Going to the groomers may or may not be one of your pet’s favorite activities, but the health benefits of keeping up with your pet’s hygiene make the task almost as important as the routine checkup. Whether you have a dog, cat, or exotic pet, a good nail trimming, a thorough teeth brushing, and a little hair trim will keep your pet healthier and your home cleaner.

Going to the groomer on a regular basis will reduce hairballs and shedding, ensure that your pet smells fresh, and keep your pet looking radiant for years to come. Many veterinary offices offer grooming services, so check in with your vet to see if you can add a grooming onto your routine checkup.

Get Active With Your Pet During National Pet Week

If you have a pet that requires lots of exercise, like a dog or a horse, you can always use National Pet Week as an extra opportunity to get some active playtime in with your pet. Go to the dog park, check out that new system of trails in your city, or just take an extra long walk around the blocks in your neighborhood (of course, not with a horse unless you live in the country!).

Studies have shown that having active playtime with your pet is actually beneficial to your health. Spending time with pets can reduce stress in both children and adults, and people who walk their dogs regularly have better physical health than those who don’t.

According to a study conducted by researchers from University of East Anglia and the Center for Diet and Activity Research, people who regularly walk a dog are active for approximately 30 minutes on the average every day than people who don’t regularly perform dog walks.

Show Your Pet and Your Vet How Much You Care

With National Pet Week happening right now, it’s also time to ask about volunteer opportunities to get involved with local shelters or other projects that help give animals a healthy home. Write your vet a thank-you note that expresses how much you appreciate all that they do for the pets and animals in your community.