Considered family to most, pets are an important part of any pet owner’s life. Most pet owners worry about pet illness, whether or not their pet is happy and getting enough exercise, and their overall wellbeing. The reality is that while these worries are important, pet owners have the ability to take their pet’s care into their own hands in a few simple ways. If you own a pet and are looking for ideas on how to improve their quality of life and better look out for their well-being, read on.

Get pet health insurance.

  Any great pet parent knows just how expensive their furry friend’s vet bills can be. From vaccines and emergency surgeries or preventative care, vet bills can add up quickly. If you’re a pet owner and never want to be in a situation where you don’t want to worry about paying for emergency medical treatment for your pet, it might be time to look into pet insurance for dogs, cats, and other furry friends. The reality is that a chronic and common condition like hip dysplasia in a large breed dog could cost thousands of dollars if surgery’s required. In having a pet insurance company behind you, you’ll have the luxury of illness coverage and peace of mind.   If pet insurance might be for you, talk to your veterinarian about pet insurance plans they might recommend and if they think pet insurance is worth it. You might be surprised to learn just how low your monthly premium is for a new pet insurance policy.

Talk to your vet about pain management.

  Another great way to take care of your pet is to consult your vet as soon as problems arise. Particularly with chronic conditions like pain or allergies, vets can often offer affordable solutions to manage your pet’s pain and increase their quality of life. Maybe you have a Yorkie with back pain after a jumping injury. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend pet pain management to help with not only the initial acute pain, but chronic back issues as well. That is, to help your pet live their best life, it’s important to pay close attention to your pet’s behavior and take them to the vet at the first sign of issues rather than waiting until they need emergency care. What you do now to offer your pet pain relief could add up to faster diagnoses, quicker recovery, and fewer expenses and pain later on.

Maintain a pet-friendly home.

  To avoid your pet getting sick or injured in the first place, there are some things you can do to make your home safe. For example, pet-friendly indoor plants are a great way to ensure a curious furry friend won’t ingest a toxic plant and wind up needing that emergency vet trip. If you’re a pet owner and hope to make your home as safe as possible, think about picking up safety gates, appropriate pet bedding, and storage locks to pet-proof your home the same way you would for a new baby.   Pet-proofing your home might take a little research, depending on the animal you have and their breed. For example, lilies are toxic to cats and dogs but less harmful to rabbits. Ungated stairs could be dangerous for toy breed dogs or small puppies, where they won’t be an issue for working or bigger breeds. Taking into account your pet’s specific needs and danger zones is a must when it comes to pet-proofing your home.   When pet-proofing, don’t forget about outdoor spaces. Whether you put in a fence, only allow your pets out on a harness and leash, or opt for an outdoor kennel, your pet safety efforts shouldn’t stop at the door. For cats who are declawed, the outdoors can be a dangerous place without their ability to protect themselves from predators. Even for cats with claws, most veterinarians recommend keeping feline friends indoors.

Create healthy habits.

  Like humans, our furry friends do best when they’re getting enough sleep and exercise. This, combined with a healthy diet, is a great way to keep your pet healthy. Taking your dog for daily walks or giving your cat a safe, indoor area to freely roam is a great way to keep them happy and in shape. To keep your pet healthy, talk to your vet about the right diet and exercise routines for them and make it a habit.   At the end of the day, you can make sure your pet is well cared for by getting them routine care from a licensed veterinarian, picking up pet insurance, doing some research on healthy habits, securing a healthy living space, helping your pet get the proper sleep and exercise, and more. In treating your cat, dog, or other pet as you would any member of the family, they’ll likely live longer and happier lives.