From everyday nutrition to preventative care, Dr. Elizna explains the essentials of keeping your dog or cat healthy through every life stage.

Your pet is 100% reliant on you. What goes into their bowl, how often they get out for a walk, and when they see a veterinarian are all decisions that rest with you. That is the starting point for everything related to pet health and wellness. The fundamentals are not complicated. Good pet care comes down to proper nutrition, regular exercise, grooming, preventive healthcare, and providing the care and attention your pet needs to thrive.

Hear It From Our Vet

Elizna walks through the essentials of pet health and wellness in just a few minutes. Watch the full video below or read on for a summary.

Nutrition Changes as Your Pet Ages

A pet's nutritional needs change throughout their life, and it helps to think of these needs in three key stages.

Growth
This includes puppies and kittens. Nutritional requirements differ significantly between dogs and cats, as well as between large- and small-breed dogs.

Adult
Adult pets require balanced nutrition that supports their size, breed, lifestyle, and activity level.

Senior
This is where breed size becomes especially important. Large-breed dogs tend to age more quickly and are generally considered seniors from around eight years of age. Smaller and toy breeds are typically considered seniors between 10 and 12 years of age.

Five Things Every Pet Needs

1. Nutrition

Feed your dog or cat according to their life stage, activity level, and any specific health requirements they may have.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for every pet. It supports healthy weight management, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing.

3. Grooming

This is often overlooked. Grooming is particularly important for long-haired dogs and cats, helping to maintain healthy skin and coats while preventing matting and discomfort.

4. Socialisation

Starting at a young age can make a significant difference in raising a confident, well-adjusted pet. Experiences such as visiting parks and interacting with other animals can help build positive social behaviours.

5. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Vaccinations are critical during the early stages of life, followed by annual veterinary examinations. Unless there is another reason to visit your veterinarian, a yearly check-up should be considered the minimum standard of care.

Common Health Issues and How Nutrition Can Help

Some of the most common health concerns seen in pets include obesity, arthritis, digestive issues, and skin and coat problems. While these are only a few examples, they share an important characteristic: many can be effectively managed with the right nutrition and appropriate dietary choices.

Obesity and arthritis are especially closely linked. Excess weight places additional strain on joints, which can worsen arthritis and reduce mobility. Maintaining a healthy weight can often help manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Nutrition plays a significant role in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and there are a variety of diets available to support this goal.

"Pet owners tend to overfeed their dogs and cats, and they often give too many treats."

Being aware of this is half the battle. Once you understand appropriate portion sizes and how treats fit into your pet's overall diet, you can continue rewarding them in a healthy and balanced way.

Parasite Control and Vaccinations

Parasite prevention is an essential part of pet healthcare. This includes both endoparasites (such as worms that live inside the body) and ectoparasites (such as ticks and fleas that live on the skin and coat).

The goal is to maintain a consistent prevention programme rather than waiting until a problem develops.

For deworming, recommendations generally range from every three to six months, depending on your pet's lifestyle and household environment. Tick and flea prevention usually requires monthly treatment, although some products, such as certain collars, may offer longer-lasting protection.

Vaccinations are equally important. Keeping vaccinations up to date and administering them at the correct times is essential, particularly for puppies and kittens. Their initial vaccination schedule plays a critical role in protecting them against several serious diseases.

Two Things to Do Before Anything Goes Wrong

Get Pet Insurance or Accident Cover

This is worth considering before you bring a pet home. Having insurance or accident cover can make a significant difference when unexpected medical expenses arise and can help ensure your pet receives the care they need.

Vaccinate Against Rabies

Rabies vaccination is required by law in South Africa. Rabies is a serious viral disease that is always fatal once symptoms develop, yet it is highly preventable through vaccination. Keeping your pet's rabies vaccinations up to date helps protect both animals and people.