Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in pets like cats and dogs? With this unfortunate statistic in mind, Top Tails Dog Walking & Pet Sitting would like to share three things you can do to reduce the chances your furry friend will get cancer:
- Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Just as it does in humans, obesity can set the stage for serious health problems in pets. In fact, if your pet is packing extra pounds, it has an increased chance of developing high blood pressure, malignant cancerous tumors, diabetes, liver disease and more. To lower these risks, provide your pet with a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and plenty of exercise. If your furry friend is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss plan.
- Give your pet a safe environment. Because our pets go pretty much wherever we go, they’re exposed to the same environmental factors as we are. Thus, it’s important to consider what you’re allowing your pet to breathe. Secondhand tobacco smoke, landscape chemicals and fire retardants have all been linked to a heightened risk for cancer in cats and dogs. Therefore, you should refrain from smoking around your pet, use chemical-free fertilizer and choose products that have not been treated with flame retardants.
- Be on the lookout for warning signs. Your pet may still get cancer even if you provide it with a healthy lifestyle, but thankfully many types of cancer can be cured if caught early enough. Therefore, it’s essential to take your pet to the vet for regular check-ups. And in between vet visits, you should keep your eyes peeled for signs of cancer. These include unexplained weight loss, bleeding or discharge, difficulty breathing or going to the bathroom, abnormal swelling that persists or worsens and ongoing lameness or stiffness. If you notice any of these things in your pet, be sure to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
By following these tips, you’ll give your pet the best possible chance of living a cancer-free life. Interested in reading about ways to keep your cat healthy and prevent heart worm disease in dogs? Check out our recent blog posts now!
Choose Top Tails for Pet Care in Philadelphia
In addition to reducing its risk of cancer, there are many ways to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy. One of these is making sure it’s well taken care of when you can’t be at home to do so yourself. By hiring Top Tails for pet care in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to rest assured that your dog, cat or small animal is in good hands while you’re away.
Whether you need a certified pet lover to walk your dog, scoop the litter box or care for your bird, we’re the ones to call. To read a detailed list of the Philadelphia pet care services that we offer, visit our website now. You can also call 215-508-1903 to speak with one of our friendly Philadelphia pet care providers. We look forward to showing you what makes Top Tails the place for pet care Philadelphia residents trust!