My Furry Valentine

Our pets bring so much love into our lives. Sometimes, the only bright spot during a tough day is your pup’s happy dance or the kitty hug against your leg when you return home. So it’s only natural that during Valentine’s Day (or any time!), we want to show them we feel the same. Unfortunately, overfeeding or overtreating can harm your pet’s health. Here are some healthy ways to give your pets some love!

Exercise and Play Give Your Pets Some Love

One way to show your dogs and cats you care is to exercise! Not only do dogs and cats enjoy a little run-around time with their people, but it also improves their health and can lead to longer, more fulfilling lives!

Many of us have dogs that love nothing more than a walk with their owner. We may even have to spell it out if we don’t want them to catch on before it’s time to leash up! But even when walks aren’t practical (like in the hottest or coldest weather), we can still give our pets exercise with the help of toys.

Cats love to play with just about anything that dangles, and dogs might enjoy fetching or a puzzle toy. Brain exercise is just as important as working the body!

New Toys

Speaking of brain exercise, new toys are crucial to your pets’ mental stimulation. Your dogs and cats may have their favorite toys that they still play with or carry around, but they need novelty for mental stimulation.

Whether you have a squeaker-seeker, problem-solver, super-sniffer, or something else, find the toys that get them thinking and moving!

Affection and Attention

Some of our pets want nothing more than to be around us 24/7, so showing pets some love can be as simple as being there! But there’s time together, and there’s quality time. Remember to put down your phone and pay attention to Fido or Chester.

It’s okay to spend some of your time in our ever-connected world, but your dogs and cats give you their undivided attention to make sure you spend some of your time doing the same.

Affection

Every animal has their own favorite forms of affection. Some dogs get a lot of joy out of giving their owner kisses. So even if you’re normally like Lucy from The Peanuts, you can give your dog a Valentine’s Treat by allowing a kiss without a “Yech Dog Germs!”

Likewise, some cats want to be held, while others don’t. Some dogs want hugs, while others prefer chin scratches. Get to know what makes your pets happy!

Healthy Treats

If you have a food-loving feline or hungry hounds who looks at you with betrayal when you don’t share a bite of your dinner, don’t worry! You don’t need to abstain 100 percent from sharing food and treats with your pets. You just need to make wise decisions about how you treat and how often.

Remember, not every “healthy” treat is healthy for everyone. Just like people, dogs and cats have their own dietary needs based on their life stage, amount of exercise, and even allergies. Talk to your friendly Roanoke vet about the best treats for your animals.

In general, avoid anything in the list of toxic foods for dogs and cats and anything high in fat.

Some pet-safe people foods (in moderation) are fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes, and low-fat, lean meat. The best pet treats are healthy treats designed for your best. With that said, every once in a while, healthier pets can get a little piece of some of their favorites, as long as it doesn’t make them sick.

Whatever you do, and give your pets some love and keep them safe and healthy!