October is National Pet Wellness Month

October 3, 2024

The Significance of National Pet Wellness Month

The AVNMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health together sponsor National Pet Wellness Month, which is a program created to shed light on pet health and wellness. Thousands of veterinary clinics are expected to participate, all of which have received a free in-clinic education kit. These kits contain useful information on the latest pet research, providing insights into how to best support pets throughout the aging process and via twice yearly wellness examinations.

By year two, most cats and dogs have reached adulthood, as they age five to seven times more quickly than people. If pets were to only see the vet once a year, this would equate to humans only seeing the doctor or dentist every five to seven years. Thus, routine wellness exams every six months are essential to supporting your dog or cat’s health. National Pet Wellness Month aims to increase awareness regarding the importance of regular wellness checks (1).

Key Areas of Pet Wellness

How can we promote pet wellness? Let’s discuss the main pillars of pet health that you should keep in mind this month and beyond.

Regular wellness appointments

As aforementioned, regular wellness visits are essential to keeping your pet healthy. At these visits, your vet can:

Diagnose and treat any health conditions
Provide vaccinations to prevent and protect against disease
Keep your pet’s overall wellness on track

Weight management

As many as 50 percent of cats and dogs in the US are considered overweight or obese. Pets with excess weight are at increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, digestive problems, liver issues, and other conditions. Help to support your pet’s weight by:

Getting in enough exercise daily
Providing them with a balanced diet appropriate for their species and age group
Using treats sparingly
Avoiding giving them table scraps (2)

Dental care

Dental care isn’t just important for human’s – it’s an essential part of your pet’s wellness. If pets don’t receive routine dental care, they are at increased risk of periodontal disease, which can cause pain, internal organ damage, and loss of teeth. Thus, adequate dental hygiene and early intervention is critical. Getting your cat and dog in for regular dental exams can help vets identify issues early, and at-home dental care helps to maintain their overall dental health (2).

Tips for Pet Owners During Pet Wellness Month

Knowing these key pillars of pet wellness, here are some ways you can support your cat or dog’s health during October and beyond:

Schedule a check-up at the veterinarian
Assess your pet’s diet and make any changes as necessary
Make sure your pet is getting in enough exercise and mental stimulation
Keep a close eye on any behavior changes that could indicate bigger health issues
Consider wellness plans or pet insurance

Aside from supporting your own pet’s wellness, you can also get involved in the community with your pet during this month. Some ideas include:

Participation in local events. For example, try out pet health fairs or charity runs. These are likely to be much more prevalent during the month of October, so be on the lookout. You can promote pet wellness at these events while also meeting other pet owners and lovers.

Connect with other pet owners. There’s no better way to celebrate your pet than getting together with other pets! During these playdates, share wellness tips and tricks with your friends.

Visit local vet clinics for wellness specials and educational events. You can gain some great insights into pet health or grab some great wellness deals to treat your furry friend.

Conclusion

We know how much our pets mean to us, which is why we want them to live as long as possible. To support the longevity of our pets, we need to routinely maintain their health at home and through regular wellness visits. Take part in National Pet Wellness Month to learn more and spread awareness!

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