Sehat Ki Chhoti Chhoti Baatein! 6 Essential Pet Care Tasks We Often Forget 🧐

As pet parents, we all try our best—we feed them, take them for walks, and rush them to the vet when they look sick. But in the rush of life, it’s easy to overlook the small, yet most critical, details of their care.

True responsibility (zimmedari) means focusing on prevention for a long, happy life. Here are six essential pet care tasks that many owners skip but should become a permanent part of your routine:

 

1. The Weight Check: Prevention Starts Early 🏋️

The Mistake: Showing too much pyaar (love) through too many treats! The Solution: Preventing Obesity starts the day you bring your pet home. Being overweight is a silent killer, leading to joint pain, diabetes, and heart problems.

• Ask Your Vet: Always ask your veterinarian about your pet’s ideal weight and the right portion size of food.
• Exercise: Just like us, pets need regular physical activity. This is non-negotiable for their health and mental well-being.

2. The Toothbrush Test: Dental Health is Key 🦷

The Mistake: Assuming dental chews fix everything. The Solution: Dental disease (bad breath, swollen gums) is one of the most common problems. If left untreated, the infection can travel to the heart and kidneys!

• Routine Brushing: You should aim to brush your pet’s teeth a few times a week using a pet-specific brush and toothpaste.
• Professional Cleaning: Ask your vet if your pet needs a professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia to remove deep plaque.

3. Routine Screenings: Catching Problems Early 🩸

The Mistake: Only going to the vet when the pet is visibly sick. The Solution: Many diseases, like kidney issues or early cancer, hide until they become severe. Routine health screenings are your early warning system.

• Annual Bloodwork: For adult and senior pets, ask your vet about annual blood tests and urine tests. This helps catch silent issues with the liver or kidneys when they are still manageable.
• The Sooner, The Better: The faster a problem is detected, the simpler and less expensive the treatment will be!

4. Spaying/Neutering: Health and Shanti (Peace) ✂️

The Mistake: Delaying the decision due to cultural beliefs or hesitation. The Solution: This is a crucial health and ethical decision.

• Health Benefits: Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) drastically reduces the risk of certain cancers (ovarian, uterine, and testicular).
• Behaviour and Zimmedari: It also helps prevent unwanted litters (a major issue in Indian cities), reduces territorial marking, and often leads to a calmer, more balanced pet. Consult your vet for the right time to do the procedure.

 

5. Mind Over Matter: Mental Well-being 🧠

The Mistake: Focusing only on walks, forgetting mental exercise. The Solution: Pets, especially high-energy breeds, need mental stimulation to stay happy. They can suffer from stress and anxiety, too!

• Puzzle Toys: Use puzzle feeders or slow-feeder bowls to make them work for their food. This engages their brain and reduces boredom.
• Behaviour Check: If your pet suddenly starts excessive barking, licking, or hiding, don’t dismiss it—it could be a sign of anxiety or even pain. Talk to your vet!

6. Year-Round Parasite Protection: No Breaks! 🛡️

The Mistake: Only using flea/tick treatment during the summer. The Solution: In the Indian climate, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which transmit heartworm) are threats all year round.

• Consistent Schedule: Talk to your vet and commit to a year-round schedule for powerful, vet-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Skipping a month leaves your pet dangerously exposed.

By paying attention to these six often-forgotten tasks, you are investing in a longer, healthier, and much happier life for your furry family member!