As summer comes to a close, it’s time to get back to our routine. Just like us and our kids, our pets need a daily routine and what better time than now to implement a routine that can really benefit your pet’s health.

TOOTH BRUSHING: Periodontal disease is one of the main issues animals present with which can lead to heart, kidney and liver problems. Both cats and dogs benefit from daily brushing to reduce the buildup of tartar. Other solutions to help keep your pet’s mouth sparkling clean include feeding Royal Canin Dental, a veterinary exclusive diet, clinically proven to improve oral health. There are also water additives and oral gels which contain enzymes to help keep your pets mouth clean. Lastly, veterinary exclusive dental treats are also available making teeth cleaning a breeze.

Click here for step-by-step instructions.

NAIL TRIMMING: For puppies and kittens, nails should be clipped about every 2 weeks to get them used to nail trimming. For adult pets, nail trims should be done on average once a month.

Click here – Instructions for Cats.  Click here – Instructions for Dogs.

GROOMING: With fur comes shedding and with shedding comes brushing. It is important to keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy. For cats, especially those with long hair, brushing their coat daily or every couple of days can help reduce the number of hairballs as well as as reducing matting. As for dogs, brushing is very breed and season specific. Dogs should be brushed at least twice a week if not more, especially for those seasonal shedders and long haired breeds.

BATHING: Unlike cats, dogs require baths from time to time. To help keep a clean and shiny coat, dogs should be bathed once a season. However, over bathing your dog can strip the healthy oils from their skin and cause dry skin.

Click here: How To Bathe Your Dog.

EAR CLEANING: Cats have very sensitive ear canals which should only be cleaned if advised by your veterinarian. Dogs however should have their ears cleaned after baths, swimming or any contact with water. Certain breed’s ears require more attention than others but your dog’s ears can be cleaned on average once a month.

Click here: How To Clean Your Cat’s Ears    Click Here: How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears

EXERCISE: Every pet needs some daily play time. Don’t forget that exercise and playing are essential to a happy, healthy pet.