Healthy at home: Pet essentials
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
As fellow pet parents, we know that many of you are worried about keeping your fur family happy and healthy while your usual routines are disrupted. In this guide I've put together my top picks for pet essentials to have on hand to support your furry best friend's health and wellbeing while staying at home in isolation.
1 - Pantry staples
So that you know your pet's nutritional needs are always met, it's a good idea to make sure you have two to three weeks of food on hand and any one time. There's nothing worse than opening the bag only to find a few crumbs left at the bottom!
TIP: Set your food on a regular auto delivery schedule so that it arrives when you need it, not when you remember to order it! If you find you're running low or are using less than you needed, it's easy to adjust your delivery interval via your Pet Circle account.
2 - Flea & worming
Heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks can be active year round, which is why it's important to remember to keep giving your pet their flea, tick and worming medication even though your routine has changed. Whether you use a single product or combination, make sure you pop a reminder for the next due date in your phone or calendar with every dose.
TIP: Not sure which flea, tick or worming product is best for your pet? Read Choosing a flea and worming product for your dog and our Guide to worming, fleas and ticks for cats.
3 - Daily dental care
Plaque and tartar never take a break - so neither should your regular pet dental care routine! Veterinary dentists recommend daily brushing with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste for optimal oral health, and there are also a range of food, treats and other dental care products available to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy.
TIP: Bad breath is often the first sign of dental disease in dogs and cats, to find out more read Dental care for dogs and Dental care for cats.
4 - Litter and clean up
Keeping on top of the litter box or 'landmines' in the backyard is important for the health of your pet and family. Regular removal of waste means it's more likely your pet will continue to toilet in the place you have chosen for them, it also helps to reduce the risk of transmission of nasty parasites and bacteria from pet to pet or pet to human.
TIP: For multicat households, make sure you have at least one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. This ensures each cat has ready access to a clean tray when they need it and can help reduce unwanted behaviours like toileting outside of the tray.
In a time of uncertainty, loneliness and isolation, having more time to spend with our pets can be a silver lining. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as our team brings you more hints, tricks and tips for keeping your pets and family happy and healthy at home.
Further reading
Teach your dog to play hide and seek
How to tell if your cat loves you
Your guide to fleas, ticks and worms
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.