Take Your Dog on More Walks: Given that obesity is the leading culprit in poor canine health, taking your dog on more walks is beneficial for both you and your dog’s health. Before you begin a walking regime with your dog, ensure you provide adequate exercise for your particular dog’s breed and age, and always check the pavement before heading out. A rule of thumb is to place the back of your hand against the pavement and hold for 7 seconds; if it’s too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads.

Volunteer and Support Animal Welfare Organizations: Animal welfare organizations are typically non-profit and involve communities coming together for the well-being of all animals. National Pet Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to volunteer at your local animal shelter or rescue. Even if you don’t have the time to volunteer, you can make a monetary donation or simply spend time with the animals—they love visitors! You can also support your local low-cost spay/neuter facilities and pet vaccination clinics. If you have a local horse rescue, inquire about volunteering or making a donation. Any type of rescue facility will be ecstatic to have any help you can give, and it truly is a rewarding experience to help animals. Animals cannot speak, and it’s up to humans to ensure they are being cared for mentally and physically.

Join PetFit: PetFit offers two packages you can purchase. The Basic Package offers diet plans, activity plans, coaching videos and articles, and community support via Facebook groups. If you desire the whole kit and caboodle, the Personalized PetFIt Plan with Dr. Leigh offers a complete diet plan personalized to your pet, a personalized activity plan, two one-on-one consultations with Dr. Leigh, coaching videos and articles, and community support via Facebook groups.  Purdue University conducted a study in 2005 that proved overweight dogs who participated in the PetFit program lost 14% of their body weight in 12 weeks.

Schedule a Wellness Appointment With Your Veterinarian: National Pet Wellness Month is the perfect time to take your pet in for a physical examination if you haven’t done so already. Yearly checkups with a licensed veterinarian are vital in ensuring your pet’s health. It’s important to keep up with regular veterinary checkups, regardless of the type of pet you have.

Check Your Pet’s Teeth: Dental hygiene is something that often gets overlooked in pet care. Periodontal disease is commonly seen by veterinarians in over 80% of dogs, and roughly two-thirds of dogs over 3 years old develop some form of dental disease. Depending on the type of pet you have, your pet will benefit from having some sort of dental hygiene regime in place. For example, when you bring a new puppy or kitten home, establish a dental routine early so your pet can acclimate to teeth brushing sessions. Your dog or cat will significantly benefit from having his or her teeth brushed three to four times per week to keep tartar at bay, which eventually turns into plaque. Bad breath and teeth loss are common consequences of dental disease; plus, it’s painful for your pet.

Inquire About Pet Insurance: Pet insurance can be beneficial if your pet gets hurt or sick. Many pet insurance companies are out there, and they all work similarly. You can generally customize your deductible, annual payouts, and reimbursement rates to fit your budget. Pet insurance can save you from spending thousands on your pet’s care should an issue arise. Tip: Insure your pet while they’re young for cheaper rates.

Switch to High-Quality Pet Food: Your pet’s health starts with nutrition, and if you don’t already have your pet on high-quality food, National Pet Wellness Month is a prime time to start. Ensure the pet food is free from artificial flavors, fillers, and preservatives, and if you’re not sure what to feed your particular pet, consult your veterinarian for guidance.