Love is in the air, and nobody loves you more than your pet. And, of course, the feeling is mutual. Our team At Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of Calder shares five ways to show your pet how much they mean to you this loving season. 

#1: Go on an adventure with your pet

Sure, pets thrive on a consistent routine, but every once in a while, they enjoy a good ol’ adventure with their favorite person. Exploring a new environment provides your pet with physical exercise as well as mental enrichment. Switch up your routine by walking your pet in a new neighborhood, or head to a new pet-friendly trail. Let your pet sniff, climb, jump, and run and completely explore the new territory. If your pet enjoys the company of other people and pets, invite a friend along, or head to a dog park for some off-leash fun. 

#2: Upgrade your pet’s bed

Nothing says “I love you” like a good night’s sleep. Don’t forget that sleep is equally important to your pet’s overall health. After all, your pet spends much of their day sleeping, so a high-quality, comfortable bed is essential. If your pet’s bed is looking a little lumpy, consider an upgrade. Orthopedic pet beds are designed to provide support while cushioning your pet’s bony joints—especially hips, knees, and elbows. A heated bed or insert that eases joint and muscle pain is especially comforting for older, arthritic pets. A soft, comfortable, high-quality bed is the perfect way to show your pet you care. 

#3: Pamper your pet

Help your pet look and feel their best. Pamper them at home with the ultimate spa experience that includes the following pet-friendly treatments:

  • Massage your pet — You know how good a massage feels when you have a sore back or stiff shoulders, and a relaxing massage will feel equally good to your pet. Find a quiet spot in the house, have your pet sit or lie down, and use your fingertips to gently massage their muscles in a gentle, circular motion. 
  • Run them a bath — If your pet enjoys water, run them a warm bath, and use a pet-friendly shampoo that conditions their skin and makes their coat shine. 
  • Brush your pet — After your pet has relaxed in the bath, dry them gently with a towel, and brush their coat from head to tail. Regular brushing not only keeps your pet’s coat looking good, but also helps release dead hair, cuts down on excess shedding, removes mats, and distributes the natural skin oil. 
  • Give your pet a “pawdicure” — Long nails can be uncomfortable, and should be trimmed when your pet has grown a long, thin curve from the nail. Grab the clippers and trim them yourself, or enlist the help of a professional groomer. 

#4: Give your pet a DIY toy made with love

You know what they say—the best gifts are those made with love. Your pet may not understand this sentiment, but you will save some money—and get in touch with your crafty side. Try your hand at some of these popular DIY pet toys and games:

  • Snuffle mats — Hide small treats or kibble in a snuffle mat and watch your pet sniff out each tasty morsel.
  • Towel games — Scatter treats or dry food on an old towel. Scrunch or roll up the towel, and your pet will have a fun activity that costs you nothing extra. 
  • Cardboard tube treat puzzles — Place treats inside the cardboard center of a paper towel or toilet paper roll, push in the sides, and you’ll have a fun, problem-solving challenge for your pet.
  • Busy boxes — Fill a cardboard box with your pet’s favorite toys and treats wrapped in crumpled packing paper or folded cardboard tubes and let them dig out each prize.

#5: Prioritize your pet’s health

Regular preventive care is the most loving gift of all to give your pet. An annual wellness visit helps ensure you will enjoy many years together by providing your pet with lifelong health benefits, including:

  • Early disease detection — Diseases are easier to treat and manage when they are diagnosed in the early stage. At your pet’s regular wellness screening, your veterinarian can identify disease long before your pet shows signs. 
  • Established health baseline — Regular wellness screening tests help your veterinarian establish your pet’s normal baseline values that they can compare with future test results. Any changes help them identify potential health problems before a disease has progressed.
  • The veterinarian’s time — During a regular wellness screening, you have the full attention of our veterinary professionals to ask questions and share concerns about your pet. 

Your pet loves you unconditionally, so return the love by showering them with attention and taking good care of their health and general wellbeing. To give your pet the gift of a wellness examination and screening, contact Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of Calder for an appointment.