Pets are beloved companions for so many people. From dogs and cats to guinea pigs and ferrets and so many more species, humans have brought animals into their homes for hundreds and even thousands of years. Animal companions give so much to humans, and part of our responsibility to them is helping them stay healthy. October is National Pet Wellness Month, and there are many ways to focus on your furry or feathered friends' well-being.

REMOVE DANGEROUS HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Protect your animal friends by learning and thinking about common household items that can poison pets. Items that seem ordinary to you but that are harmful to pets include:

•       Plants

•       Medications

•       Chemicals

•       Human food

•       Cleaners

Look up the ASPCA's list of plants poisonous to pets. Keep medicines and chemicals put away out of reach. Avoid feeding your animal companions human food. Switch to all-natural cleaners, which are safer for you as well as your pets. They are better for the planet as well.

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR COMPANIONS

Pets help you prioritize. If you are rushing around without seemingly any time to breathe, stop. Sit down with your animal friends. Play. Be silly. Just sit quietly and listen to the world around you, gently stroking your friend's soft fur. Perhaps your friend has feathers or fins. Make time to be with your pets. Time spent together helps them and you. They will know they are loved and be saved from boredom and feeling neglected, and your life will become so much richer and more meaningful.

OFFER QUALITY FOOD

An important part of helping your animal friends stay healthy is by offering quality food. Learn to read labels. Avoid foods with added colors, which are only for the benefits of humans. Animals cannot detect colors, and they inject your pet's diet with unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals. Do not let expensive labels deceive you, because some foods considered high quality contain added colors and fillers. Make it your business to understand the healthiest diet for your particular animal companions. Do this for love, just as you feed your human family well.

HELP YOUR PETS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Just like humans, with the wrong type of diet and lack of physical movement, animals can gain weight. Overweight pets are more subject to health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. There are specific ways you can help your pets stay at a healthy weight, including:

•       Avoid feeding table scraps

•       Do not overfeed

•       Give treats carefully and sparingly

•       Make getting adequate exercise fun

A healthy diet of quality food helps pets stay fit and lean.

SCHEDULE REGULAR WELLNESS CHECKS

Take your pet for regular wellness appointments. Scheduled veterinary care can spot potential health problems and manage them early. This includes dental issues and problems with kidneys and joints. Your vet is your partner in keeping your pet healthy.

Trust your beloved animal friends to Pet Hospitals of Hawaii. We offer compassionate care at our three locations because we love animals as much as you do. Schedule an appointment through our convenient online portal.