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.

Health Help for Your Feline Friend

(Family Features) Cats are typically self-sufficient family members, but owners tend to forget that those furry feline friends do need help when it comes to their daily nutrition. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to look for a cat food with high-quality ingredients to help with their nutrition needs from head to tail.

“March is National Nutrition Month, which is the perfect time to re-evaluate what your cat is eating and make necessary changes to ensure you both are on the right path for a happy, healthy life,” said Dr. Jeff Werber, registered veterinarian. “Like humans, cats need a balanced diet to be healthy; look for a premium food that has animal protein as the No. 1 ingredient to help satisfy their nutritional needs and carnivorous appetites.”

Other key elements to look for in your cat’s 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 contribute to healthy energy levels.

Keeping your cat healthy and happy doesn’t stop with general nutrition. It’s also important to pay close attention to other health concerns, like oral care, which is often overlooked.

“In my experience, one of the most common health concerns I see cats face today is oral care,” Werber said. “That’s why I was happy to see that IAMS released a great-tasting cat food, IAMS Oral Care Complete, specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar while also providing cats with a 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition. It’s a win-win.”

With the proper nutrition from a quality food, your cat can be healthier inside and out, which means more energy and vitality for playing and bonding. Whether you’re starting a kitten on a new eating routine or reassessing your adult or senior cat’s nutrition, remember the importance of supplying them with a premium cat food that includes high-quality ingredients for lifelong health.

For more nutritional information for cats of all sizes and ages, visit IAMS.com.