It’s true what they say about pets being with us for a “good time, not a long time,” so we are here with some tips on how to extend the life and wellbeing of your pet! 1. Maintain your pet’s teeth: Tooth decay is a very common, yet dangerous health problem for both dogs and cats. Did you know that tooth decay not only creates dental problems, but it can cause infections throughout the body, especially in the heart and kidneys? This is a commonly overlooked health issue our pets experience which can turn fatal, so it’s best to stay on top of your pet’s dental health and incorporate daily brushing into your pet care routine. Are you wondering how to get your pet acclimated to daily tooth brushing? At Brook Farm Veterinary Center we recommend brushing your pet's teeth at least a couple of times per week to help keep them clean. Please do not use human toothpaste as it has ingredients that are harmful to our pets. There are pet specific toothpastes and toothbrushes you can purchase to get the job done safely. If your pet has noticeable buildup of plaque, then you should book a dental appointment with Brook Farm’s team of experienced staff as soon as you have time! 2. Keep your pet at their ideal weight: Obesity is a nationwide crisis, not only affecting humans, but our furry companions too.  Work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight. Once that ideal weight is established you can easily maintain that weight by keeping track of how much they eat and how often they exercise on a regular basis. ‍3. Give your pet regular exercise: Dogs need to exercise the same way people do. Ideally, your dog should get at least an hour of exercise each day to improve their overall health and help regulate their weight. This can be in the form of walks in your neighborhood, visits to the local dog park, doggy daycare, or playing a couple games of fetch outside. Cats on the other hand are known to be less active than dogs. A couple ways you can entice your cat to exercise would be to use catnip to get them running around, getting a cat tree that they can climb on, and playing with lasers that they will surely try to catch! 4. Get regular exams and essential vaccinations: The early phase of a serious condition can quietly develop inside a perfectly healthy-looking dog or cat. And since pets age faster than we do, their diseases can also advance more quickly. This is the main reason that getting your pet to the veterinarian for regular exams and staying on top of their essential vaccines are crucial. 5. Give your pet time to relax: Everyone needs time to relax; this includes our pets.  It’s important to remember that as much as we crave a good work / life balance, our pets require a good balance too.  It takes a lot of energy to keep us humans entertained, so our furry friends need some time to rest without distractions. Incorporating all of these elements into your pet parenting routine will help extend your pet’s quality of life. Another way you can show your furry companion you care, is bringing them to a trusted facility, filled with dedicated and caring people. Sumber: https://www.brookfarmveterinarycenter.com/

TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA - Memiliki hewan peliharaan menjadi salah satu aktivitas yang menyenangkan dan juga menyehatkan.Dari jenisnya, hewan peliharaan yang paling banyak dipunyai publik Indonesia ialah kucing, kemudian diikuti burung, ikan, dan anjing.Berdasarkan hasil survei, kepemilikan kucing oleh publik Indonesia mencapai 47 persen yang sejalan riset ini sejalan dengan temuan jajak pendapat Litbang Kompas pada Januari 2020.Kucing  mempunyai tingkah laku yang menggemaskan dan penampilannya yang lucu menjadi daya tarik hewan ini untuk dipelihara.Bahkan banyak influencer yang memelihara dan mengadopsi kucing domestik menjadi kucing yang sangat lucu dan terawat.Menurut International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAH), populasi kucing domestik di seluruh dunia terdapat sekitar 220 juta ekor.Selain menjadi hewan peliharaan di rumah, pet owner yang hobi berjalan sambil mengajak anabul ke tempat perbelanjaan seperti mall juga menjadi tren saat ini."Juga makin banyak mall pet friendly yang menyediakan fasilitas seperti area taman terbuka untuk anabul diajak jalan-jalan," kata Owner Bridge PetCare, Jerry Xu di sela-sela peluncuran series terbaru Daily Care dengan tiga produk yaitu Nature Bridge Hair & Skin, Urinary, dan Mother & Baby di Jakarta, Kamis (25/7/2024).Fakta ini  menjadi bukti bahwa pertumbuhan pet lover Indonesia meningkat sehingga usaha pet shop menjadi peluang yang menjanjikan dengan semakin meningkatnya pet lover di Indonesia.Namun di sisi lain, kucing terkadang menghadapi masalah kesehatan."Apalagi dengan kondisi iklim tropis dan kelembapan yang tinggi di Indonesia, ditambah dengan karakteristik kucing yang tidak suka minum bisa memicu gangguan kesehatan kucing," kata Jerry.Dikatakannya, berdasarkan survei internal yang dilakukan di klinik hewan Indonesia, penyakit kulit bulu dan saluran kencing menjadi penyakit yang sering dialami kucing.Ini pula yang mendorong NatureBridge memperkenalkan series terbaru Daily Care, functional daily pet food yang menggunakan teknologi freeze dried melalui proses pembekuan daging asli di suhu -380C selama 26 jam.“Kami berharap berharap para pet owner dan hewan kesayangannya dapat hidup lebih sehat, bahagia, dan menua bersama,” tegas Jerry. Sumber: https://www.tribunnews.com/lifestyle/2024/07/26/iklim-tropis-indonesia-dan-kelembaban-yang-tinggi-berdampak-pada-kesehatan-kucing  

No matter how long you’ve been a cat parent, deciphering your feline friend’s emotions can sometimes feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Our four-legged companions have a unique language of their own. Thankfully, with a little insight, you can learn to read the signs that indicate when your cat is happy, content and thriving. From subtle body language to joyful behaviors, discover the fascinating world of feline happiness. Reading the signs of a happy cat How can you tell if your furry friend is comfortable and happy? Here are the telltale signs you’re raising a joyful cat. Relaxed body language: A relaxed and happy cat will have soft, smooth fur and a body that is neither tense nor stiff. They might sprawl out comfortably on their side or back, showing that they feel secure and at ease in their environment. Purring: Ah, the soothing sound of a purring cat. While it’s true that cats purr for various reasons, it’s usually a sign of contentment. If your cat purrs while cuddling with you or when you’re petting them, it’s a clear sign they’re feeling happy. Playfulness: Playfulness is a strong indicator of a happy cat. Engaging in playful behaviors like chasing toys, pouncing and even “hunting” objects (or you!) around the house suggests that your feline friend is enjoying life and feeling mentally stimulated. Slow blinking: Cats often express trust and affection through slow blinking. If your cat blinks at you in a slow, deliberate way, they’re essentially sending you a feline kiss. Acknowledge it with a slow blink in return! Tail position: The position of your cat’s tail can reveal a lot about their mood. A tail held high with a slight curve at the tip (like a question mark) indicates confidence and happiness. A “neutral” posture, with the tail held gently behind them and curved slightly, shows that your cat is content. Kneading: Kneading—when a cat rhythmically pushes and pulls their paws against a soft surface—is a behavior inherited from kittenhood. It’s a sign of comfort and contentment, often reminding them of nursing from their mother. Relaxed ears and eyes: Happy cats have relaxed ears that are facing forward or slightly to the side. Their eyes will be half-closed, indicating relaxation and trust. Signs of feline stress, anxiety or discomfort While understanding the signs of a happy cat is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety in your furry companion. Cats are masters of masking illness and stress, but subtle changes in their behavior and body language can help clue you in. “Airplane” ears: When your cat is scared or distressed, their ears might flatten toward the back of their head or to the side. This is often called “airplane” ears because they resemble the wings of a plane. Puffy or thrashing tail: Your cat’s tail will also indicate aggression, fear and distress. Watch the way it moves—if it’s thrashing back and forth, something might be agitating your furry friend. Cats may also puff up their tails or tuck them when frightened and hold their tail stiff and straight when aggressive. Aggressive behavior: Uncharacteristic aggression toward you, other pets or even themselves can signal that your cat is experiencing emotional distress. Your cat might growl and hiss, swat or bite to show aggression. Changes in appetite: A sudden decrease or increase in your cat’s appetite can indicate stress or health issues. Any changes in eating habits should be monitored and addressed right away. Excessive grooming: Cats may groom themselves more than usual when stressed. Excessive grooming can lead to hair loss, skin irritation and even digestive problems. Hiding: If your normally social cat suddenly becomes reclusive and spends more time hiding, it’s a sign they might be feeling sick or anxious. Changes in litter box behavior: Any changes in litter box habits, such as avoiding the litter box or urinating outside of it, can be indicative of underlying stress or health issues. If you notice signs of anxiety, stress or aggression in your cat, don’t ignore them. Cats get stressed for a variety of reasons—some random and fleeting, and others serious and long-term. Determine whether you cat’s anxiety is sudden or normal for them. Some cats take time to adjust to new environments and won’t display happy behaviors right away after adoption. Others have chronic anxiety that will require persistent treatment. You might be able to help calm them with environmental enrichment and herbal supplements. Ingredients like chamomile, valerian root and L-tryptophan are known for their calming effects on cats. However, if your cat is usually happy and relaxed, sudden anxiety might indicate something more serious, like a health problem. Address any household or lifestyle things that might be stressing your cat out, like loud noises or other aggressive pets. Consult with your vet if the anxiety continues to check on their health and build a stress management plan. Clue in to your cat’s mood While it’s gratifying to know that your cat is content and happy, it’s equally important to remain attuned to all their emotional needs. By understanding your cat’s body language and behaviors and taking proactive steps to address anxiety and stress, you’ll help them live as happy a life as possible! Source: https://petwellbeing.com/