4 Feline Summer Health and Safety Tips

(Family Features) Summer may be the perfect time for family trips and outdoor activities, but it’s also a great time to reset and make sure you’re keeping the whole family healthy, including your feline friend.

To live their best lives, cats need to feel healthy from the inside out, and much of that stems from what they eat. Help your cat stay active, healthy and safe during the summer months by following these tips from the experts at the IAMS™ brand.

1. Focus on Food – Cats are natural carnivores and need the proper amount of protein in their diets. One way to get that is with IAMS High Protein cat food, which is formulated with 84 percent of protein sourced from chicken and salmon. The high concentration of high-quality chicken and salmon helps cats maintain strong muscles and keeps them active.

Other key elements to look for in a high-quality dry cat food include:

• Optimal levels of fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat
• A fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, for healthy digestion
• A good mix of premium, high-quality ingredients to support healthy energy levels

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2. Prioritize Playtime – Though they tend to sleep a lot, especially in the heat, cats also require exercise. Playing a cat-and-mouse game with toys that encourage aerobic activity is one way to give your cat necessary exercise and create a fun bonding experience.

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3. Keep Hydrated – Cats need help to stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Make sure their water dish is always full and consider placing a few additional water dishes throughout the house. Whatever rooms your cat is drawn to or wherever the family spends quality time, have water readily available so your pet can easily quench his or her thirst and avoid dehydration. You can also incorporate wet cat food to their routine for added moisture in their diet.

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4. Create a Cool Space – When the weather is warm, your cat will likely seek out cool places in and around the house to lounge. Make sure he or she has plenty of shady places to lay and that those spots are free of clutter or obstacles. Cats are curious by nature, so tuck cables and cords away, limit the amount of free-standing, sharp or glass objects and keep anything with hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, locked away to help reduce the possibility of illness or injury.

For more information on establishing healthy habits for your feline friend, visit IAMS.com.

SOURCE:
IAMS

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy in the Heat

(Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup, such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While more outside playtime can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to keep your pet healthy, inside and out, especially during the hot months.

Maintaining your dog’s hygiene – including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth – is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle, from head to tail.

These five tips can help keep your pup hygienic and cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.

1. Sit, Stay, Hydrate

Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.

2. Bond Over Bath Time

After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from the hot weather. When bathing your dog, don’t forget about his sweet puppy-dog eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face clean.

3. Throw Some Shade

Warm weather can make you want to spend the whole day outside. While your dog may love the extended outdoor playtime, make sure to fetch a spot that has a mix of sun and shade for when your dog needs a rest and a quick drink of water.

4. Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean

Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it’s important to keep it nice and clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may pick up will follow him into the bed. Choose one with a removable cover to make cleaning it as simple a quick load of laundry.

5. Keep a Clean Smile

When considering your dog’s health, don’t forget about his oral care. Dental treats such as GREENIES™ Dental Treats or PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™  Treats help freshen breath and clean your dog’s teeth down to the gum line, helping to keep bad dog breath from getting in the way of snuggling with your pup all summer.

For more information and tips for your pet’s oral care needs, visit pedigree.com and greenies.com.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia

SOURCE:
Pedigree
Greenies

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat

(Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While spending quality time with your canine companion is essential, making sure your furry friend is healthy and clean inside and out is also a must. 

"Warm weather means more outside play time, and while that can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to be sure you’re keeping your pet healthy, starting with proper hygiene,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and Mars Petcare spokesperson. “Maintaining your dog’s hygiene, including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth, is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle – from head to paws.”

These five tips can help keep your pup cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.

Bond Over Bath Time
After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from a hot day. When bathing your dog, be sure to clean his whole body, including his eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face to clean it.

Sit, Stay, Hydrate
Keeping your pet clean and healthy starts on the inside. Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.

Freshen Up Snuggle Time
There’s nothing like a good snuggle with your furry best friend after a long day, but bad dog breath can put a damper on getting too close. Give your dog dental treats like Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats to help keep teeth clean and breath fresh so you can enjoy more snuggle time together.

Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean
Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it is so important to keep that area clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may contract will follow him into the bed. Using a bed with a removable cover can make keeping it clean as simple as regular washes.

Keep Clean on the Road
If you’re planning to travel with your dog in the car, groom your pup before you leave to reduce messiness in the car. Also while you are packing your toothbrush, don’t forget to pack dental treats for your furry family member as well.

“Oral care treats such as Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats not only help freshen breath, but they also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums,” Ward said. “They’re great to have on hand whenever traveling with your pets.”

Find more information and tips for your pets oral care needs at greenies.com.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia.

SOURCE:
Mars Petcare