by Judith Willson

Created on: June 17, 2010   Last Updated: June 21, 2010

Whether your pet is a dog, a hamster, a horse or a lizard there are some things that all pets need to be healthy.  While the specific needs of your companion vary according to species and breed, the basics don’t.  These are an appropriate diet, enough exercise, regular vet check ups, and in many cases neutering.  The emotional well being of your animal also affects their physical health and you need to make sure he or she is happy.

Diet 

Research is important here.  Don’t assume that what is a good diet for one animal is appropriate for a similar one.  For example certain dog breeds, such as Dalmatians, need particularly low protein diets.  Rats will probably get ill if fed entirely on hamster food and different fish need different foods.  The nutritional needs of your pet are also likely to change with age.  Generally young animals need more calories and protein than older ones. 

Exercise 

All animals, including ourselves, need exercise to stay fit.  Without sufficient activity your pet can develop all kinds of health problems including obesity, diabetes and heart conditions.  Exercising your pet might be as simple as installing a wheel in a mouse cage or as time consuming as walking an active dog for miles a day.  It is however essential for their health. 

Trips to the vet

This might be unpleasant for your pet and expensive for you but is not something to be skipped.  Put aside enough money to cover vet bills in case your pet gets ill and take your animal in at the first signs of illness.  Pet insurance may or may not be a cost effective solution and is worth investigating.  You should also arrange for all necessary vaccinations to be done as soon as you get your pet and yearly check ups are a good idea. 

Neutering

In most cases this will make your pet happier and easier to look after.  It also prevents many serious illnesses, not to mention yet more unwanted animals needing homes.  Cats, dogs and rabbits should be spayed or neutered routinely unless you are a breeder.  With other animals it is sometimes a good idea and sometimes not essential.  

Emotional wellbeing 

Of course you want your pet to be happy and you also want to prevent the physical health problems caused by stress.  The signs an animal is unhappy might be obvious, such as a parrot pulling his feathers out, or nearly impossible to see. 

To keep your pet content he needs a suitable environment, usually a companion of the same species (although some animals prefer to be alone, such as hamsters), and plenty of attention from you.  Some animals need more attention than others so ensure you have enough time to care for your pet properly. 

Before getting any animal you need to research what its needs are and consider whether you can supply them.  Keeping your pets healthy is not difficult provided they have what they need.

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