Healthy Habits & Exercises for Your Pets

Healthy Habits & Exercises for Your Pets: A Complete Guide to a Happier, Longer Life

Just like humans, pets thrive when they have a routine built around healthy habits, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or a small furry friend, building the right lifestyle for them can dramatically improve their quality of life. From preventing obesity to boosting mood and strengthening your bond, healthy habits are essential for every pet.

Below is your easy guide to creating a strong wellness routine for your pet—no matter their age or breed.

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Healthy Habits & Exercises for Your Pets

Keeping your pet healthy isn’t hard—small daily habits can make a huge impact on their longevity and happiness. Start with a balanced diet tailored to your pet’s age, size, and needs. Hydration is essential too, especially for cats who naturally drink less water.

Exercise is a must! Dogs thrive on daily walks, fetch, and agility play, while cats enjoy laser toys, climbing trees, and puzzle feeders. Even small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs need supervised playtime to move freely.

Mental stimulation keeps your pet’s mind sharp. Try rotating toys, introducing new scents, using treat puzzles, or teaching fun tricks. Grooming is another vital habit—regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care prevent infections and discomfort.

Finally, routine vet visits ensure early detection of health problems. With consistent daily routines, emotional bonding, and lots of love, your pet will enjoy a healthier, happier life. Build these habits step-by-step, and watch the transformation!

1. Balanced Nutrition: The Foundation of Good Health

A healthy pet starts with a healthy diet. Your pet’s meals should be: Just like humans, pets thrive when they receive the right balance of nutrients every day. A healthy diet is the cornerstone of your pet’s overall well-being—it fuels their energy, supports their immune system, strengthens their muscles and bones, and keeps their skin and coat in excellent condition. What your pet eats today directly impacts their health tomorrow.

A well-balanced diet ensures your pet gets the essential nutrients they need, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each component plays a vital role:

• Proteins build strong muscles and support growth.
• Healthy fats provide energy and nourish the skin and coat.
• Carbohydrates supply fuel for daily activities.
• Vitamins and minerals support organs, bones, immunity, and metabolic functions.
• Water keeps every cell in the body functioning properly.

Your pet’s meals should be:

✓ Nutritious and High-Quality

Choose foods that list whole ingredients—like chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef—as the first item. Avoid brands filled with fillers, artificial colors, or low-quality by-products. The more natural and wholesome the ingredients, the better your pet’s overall health.

✓ Appropriate for Age, Size, and Breed

Puppies and kittens need calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods to support rapid growth. Adult pets require balanced maintenance diets, while seniors may need specialized formulas to support joint health or digestion. Larger breeds often need different nutritional ratios than smaller ones.

✓ Portioned Correctly

Overfeeding is one of the leading causes of pet obesity, which can lead to diabetes, joint issues, and heart problems. Follow feeding guidelines on the food packaging, but also monitor your pet’s weight and adjust as needed. Your veterinarian can help determine the ideal daily calorie intake.

✓ Free from Harmful Foods

Some human foods—like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and certain artificial sweeteners—are toxic to pets. Always check before sharing table scraps.

✓ Adapted to Your Pet’s Lifestyle

Active pets may need more calories, while indoor or less active pets may need fewer. Pets with allergies or sensitivities might require specialized diets like grain-free, limited ingredient, or prescription foods.

A balanced diet lays the groundwork for a long, healthy life. Feeding with purpose ensures your pet has the energy, strength, and vitality to enjoy every day to the fullest.

✓ Nutritious & Balanced

Choose high-quality food rich in:

• Protein
• Healthy fats
• Essential vitamins
• Fiber

Always check for whole ingredients, not fillers.

✓ Appropriate for Age & Size

Puppies and kittens need calorie-dense meals, while seniors benefit from lighter, joint-supporting formulas.

✓ Portion-Controlled

Pet obesity is rising—overfeeding contributes to diabetes, joint problems, and heart issues.

Tip: Your vet can help determine ideal daily calories.

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2. Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy

Clean, fresh water should always be available. Pets that stay hydrated: Some pets naturally drink more than others, and factors like age, activity level, diet, and temperature all affect how much water they need. Pets who eat dry kibble need more water than those on wet or fresh food diets. Active or outdoor pets also require extra hydration, especially in warm weather.

Staying properly hydrated helps your pet:

✓ Maintain a Healthy Coat

Adequate water keeps the skin hydrated and the coat shiny, soft, and less prone to shedding or irritation. Dehydration can lead to dandruff, dryness, and dull fur.

✓ Regulate Body Temperature

Pets cannot sweat the way humans do. Dogs pant to cool down, and cats groom themselves to release heat. Water is crucial for helping them manage their body temperature, prevent overheating, and stay comfortable in warm environments.

✓ Reduce Urinary and Kidney Problems

Hydration keeps the urinary system flushed, helping to prevent infections, crystals, and kidney stones. Cats, in particular, are prone to urinary issues, and keeping them hydrated is one of the best ways to support their long-term urinary health.

To encourage hydration:

• Refresh water bowls daily
• Provide multiple water stations around the home
• Use pet-safe water fountains—many pets drink more when water is flowing
• Add a little water or broth (no onions or garlic) to meals if your pet drinks very little
• Monitor water intake, especially during hot weather or after exercise

Water truly is life. Keeping your pet hydrated is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support their overall health, comfort, and longevity.

• Maintain a healthy coat
• Regulate body temperature
• Reduce urinary and kidney problems

Cats, especially, may need encouragement—try fountains, multiple bowls, or wet food.

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3. Essential Daily Exercise for Pets

Exercise doesn’t just burn calories—it supports mental health, prevents boredom, and stabilizes behavior. Daily exercise is one of the most important pillars of your pet’s physical and mental health. Just like humans, animals need regular movement to keep their bodies strong, their minds engaged, and their moods balanced. Without enough activity, pets may become bored, anxious, overweight, or even develop behavioral issues.

Exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type and amount your pet needs depends on their breed, age, size, and energy level. But no matter what kind of pet you have—dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion animal—consistent daily movement plays a vital role in their overall well-being.

Regular exercise helps pets:

✓ Maintain a Healthy Weight

Physical activity burns calories, increases metabolism, and prevents obesity—a common cause of diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease in pets.

✓ Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Movement releases pent-up energy and helps your pet relax. Pets who exercise regularly are usually calmer, happier, and less reactive.

✓ Improve Mobility and Joint Health

Exercise strengthens muscles and supports healthy joints, especially important for senior pets or breeds prone to hip and joint issues.

✓ Support Digestive and Cardiovascular Health

Just like for humans, exercise boosts heart health, improves circulation, and keeps digestion running smoothly.

✓ Prevent Destructive Behaviors

Bored pets often find their own “activities,” such as chewing furniture, scratching, barking, or being overly clingy. Exercise channels their energy in healthy ways.

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Dog Exercise Ideas

Dogs generally need walking, playing, and mental challenges each day. The amount depends on breed:

• High-energy breeds (Huskies, Border Collies, Labs): 60–90 minutes a day
• Medium-energy breeds: 30–60 minutes
• Low-energy breeds: 15–30 minutes

Great dog activities include:

• Walks or hikes
• Fetch or frisbee
• Tug-of-war
• Obstacle or agility training
• Swimming
• Outdoor adventures at dog parks
• Interactive toys and scent games

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Cat Exercise Ideas

Even though cats sleep a lot, they still need daily play to stay healthy—especially indoor cats.

Try:

• Laser pointers
• Wand toys
• Climbing towers or shelves
• Chasing balls or toy mice
• Tunnel play
• Short bursts of interactive play 2–3 times a day

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Small Animal Exercise

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters also benefit from safe play and supervised movement.

Offer:

• Playpens
• Tunnels and hideouts
• Chew toys
• Exploration time outside their enclosure
• Simple obstacle courses

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Keep It Fun and Consistent

Exercise should be enjoyable for both you and your pet. Rotate activities to prevent boredom, and pay attention to your pet’s preferences. Some love active play, while others prefer calmer, structured movement.

No matter the pet, daily exercise is essential for a long, healthy, and joyful life.

Exercise Ideas for Dogs

• Daily walks (15–60 minutes depending on breed)
• Fetch or frisbee sessions
• Agility training
• Hiking or dog-park play
• Swimming for joint-friendly cardio

High-energy breeds (Huskies, Border Collies) require more intense activity.

Exercise Ideas for Cats

Cats need movement too—even if they pretend they don’t.

• Laser pointer chasing
• Wand toys
• Climbing trees or towers
• Puzzle feeders
• Short daily play sessions (5–10 minutes, 3x/day)

Small Pets

Rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs also benefit from supervised movement:

• Tunnels and hideouts
• Safe playpens
• Chew toys
• Obstacle mazes

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4. Mental Enrichment: Keep Their Minds Sharp

Pets can get bored easily. Mental stimulation keeps them happy and reduces destructive behavior. Just like physical exercise keeps your pet’s body strong, mental enrichment keeps their mind active, curious, and emotionally balanced. A mentally stimulated pet is a happy pet. When animals don’t get enough mental engagement, they may become bored, anxious, or even develop unwanted behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, over-grooming, or restlessness.

Mental enrichment taps into your pet’s natural instincts—problem-solving, hunting, exploring, sniffing, or learning. It offers them a purpose, boosts their confidence, and keeps their brain sharp at every stage of life, from energetic puppies and kittens to aging senior pets.

Mental stimulation helps pets:

✓ Prevent Boredom and Stress

Bored pets often resort to destructive behavior. Enrichment gives them productive, satisfying activities to focus on.

✓ Strengthen Cognitive Function

Just like puzzles support human brain health, enrichment activities help pets stay mentally sharp and slow age-related decline.

✓ Build Confidence

Solving puzzles or learning new skills makes pets feel capable and secure.

✓ Improve Behavior

A mentally challenged pet is calmer, more centered, and more responsive to training.

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Enrichment Ideas for Dogs

Dogs love activities that involve scent, exploration, and problem-solving.

Try offering:

• Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
• Hide-and-seek with treats or toys
• Nose work games (hide treats for scent-tracking)
• Training sessions to learn new tricks
• Interactive toys like snuffle mats
• Rotating different toys to keep things interesting

Even 10–15 minutes of brain games can tire out a dog more than a long walk.

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Enrichment Ideas for Cats

Cats are natural hunters and explorers. Mental play helps satisfy their instincts.

Try:

• Laser toys
• Wand toys with feathers
• Climbing trees and shelves
• Puzzle feeders
• Crinkle tunnels
• “Hunt and pounce” games
• Boxes, bags, and new textures to explore

Engage your cat with short play sessions throughout the day to keep them lively and stimulated.

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For Small Pets

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters also benefit from mental challenges.

Provide them with:

• Foraging trays
• Cardboard tunnels
• Shreddable toys
• Treat puzzles
• Safe obstacle courses
• Items to rearrange, chew, or explore

Even small changes to their enclosure—like added platforms or new textures—can enrich their day.

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Make Enrichment Part of Everyday Life

You don’t need fancy equipment. Simple, creative activities can transform your pet’s routine. Rotate toys, introduce new scents, use feeding puzzles, or teach a new cue. Mental enrichment strengthens your bond, reduces unwanted behaviors, and creates a happier, healthier pet.

Your pet’s mind matters just as much as their body—and keeping it active is a gift they’ll enjoy every single day.

Try These Mental Exercises:

• Puzzle toys
• Treat hide-and-seek
• New walking routes
• Teaching tricks
• Social interaction with other pets

Cats benefit from vertical spaces, scratching posts, and scent-based enrichment.

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5. Grooming Habits That Support Health

Regular grooming prevents skin infections, matting, and discomfort. Grooming is much more than keeping your pet looking clean and cute—it’s an essential part of maintaining their overall health and comfort. Regular grooming prevents skin problems, reduces shedding, keeps their coat in good condition, and allows you to spot any early signs of health concerns before they develop into larger issues. It also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, turning grooming time into quality care time.

Grooming supports your pet’s well-being by:

✓ Preventing Skin Irritation and Infections

Regular brushing removes dirt, dead hair, and debris that can irritate the skin or trap moisture. Clean, well-brushed fur allows the skin to breathe and stay healthy.

✓ Reducing Shedding and Matting

Dogs and cats shed naturally, but routine brushing keeps shedding manageable and prevents painful mats from forming—especially in long-haired or curly-coated pets.

✓ Promoting Good Hygiene

Bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care all work together to keep your pet smelling fresh and staying healthy.

✓ Detecting Problems Early

Grooming time is the perfect opportunity to check for lumps, cuts, hotspots, parasites, or changes in skin condition that may need veterinary attention.

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Key Grooming Tasks for Pet Health

Brushing

Brushing frequency depends on your pet’s coat type.

• Long-haired pets: Daily or several times a week
• Medium- or short-haired pets: Weekly brushing
• Curly or double-coated pets: Frequent brushing to prevent matting

Regular brushing improves circulation and keeps the coat glossy.

Bathing

Most pets need a bath every 1–3 months, depending on lifestyle. Outdoor pets may need them more often, while indoor cats may need them less. Always use pet-safe shampoos to avoid skin irritation.

Nail Trimming

Long nails can cause discomfort, affect posture, and lead to joint issues. Most pets need nail trims every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.

Ear Cleaning

Some pets—especially floppy-eared breeds—are prone to ear infections. Clean ears gently with vet-approved products and check weekly for redness, odor, or discharge.

Dental Care

Brush your pet’s teeth several times a week to prevent plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. Dental treats and vet cleanings also help maintain oral health.

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Turn Grooming into a Positive Experience

Take grooming slowly, especially with young, anxious, or newly adopted pets. Use treats, praise, and a calm voice to create positive associations. Introduce tools—like brushes or clippers—gradually so your pet feels comfortable and safe.

A well-groomed pet feels better, smells better, and stays healthier. Making grooming a regular part of your routine helps your pet look their best and thrive—inside and out.

Healthy Grooming Checklist:

• Brush fur weekly (or daily for long-haired animals)
• Bathe dogs every 4–6 weeks
• Trim nails regularly
• Clean ears to prevent infection
• Brush their teeth 2–3 times a week

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6. Routine Vet Visits & Preventive Care

Healthy habits aren’t complete without professional care. Regular veterinary care is one of the most important pillars of responsible pet ownership. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, routine checkups play a crucial role in catching potential health issues early—long before they become serious or costly to treat. Preventive care helps ensure your pet lives a long, comfortable, and vibrant life.

Your veterinarian is your partner in keeping your pet healthy. Through yearly exams, vaccinations, screenings, and parasite prevention, they monitor your pet’s overall well-being and track changes that may not be obvious at home.

Routine vet visits help with:

✓ Early Detection of Health Issues

Pets often hide signs of illness. Regular checkups allow veterinarians to detect problems early, such as dental disease, heart issues, obesity, lumps, joint pain, or organ dysfunction.

✓ Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Weight management is essential for preventing chronic diseases. Your vet can help determine your pet’s ideal weight and provide guidance on feeding and exercise.

✓ Vaccinations and Boosters

Vaccines protect your pet from dangerous illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and more. Staying up to date keeps your pet—and your community—safe.

✓ Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms can cause severe health problems. Monthly preventives safeguard your pet year-round.

✓ Dental Health Monitoring

Gum disease is common in pets and can lead to serious infections. Regular vet visits include dental checks to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

✓ Senior Pet Care

As pets age, they require more frequent checkups. Senior wellness exams help identify age-related conditions early, such as arthritis, kidney disease, or cognitive decline.

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What Happens During a Routine Vet Visit?

A typical wellness exam may include:

• A full physical examination
• Weight and body condition scoring
• Checking eyes, ears, skin, and teeth
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Evaluating joints and mobility
• Parasite screening (fecal, tick, heartworm tests)
• Bloodwork for internal organ health
• Vaccine updates
• Nutritional or behavioral recommendations

These visits ensure your pet’s physical and emotional well-being is on track.

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Why Preventive Care Matters

Preventive care is far more effective—and far less expensive—than treating advanced illness. By staying proactive, you can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life and help them avoid unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Think of routine vet visits as an investment in your pet’s future. With regular medical guidance, your pet gets the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Essential Preventive Measures:

• Yearly checkups
• Vaccinations
• Parasite prevention
• Dental exams
• Weight monitoring

Early detection keeps conditions manageable and affordable.

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7. Create a Consistent Daily Routine

Pets feel safer and happier when they know what to expect. Pets feel most secure when their day has structure. A predictable routine helps them understand what to expect, reduces stress, and encourages good behavior. Whether it’s feeding time, playtime, or bedtime, consistency builds a comfortable rhythm that supports your pet’s physical and emotional well-being.

Just like humans, animals thrive on stability. Sudden changes can cause anxiety, confusion, or unwanted behaviors. A steady routine promotes calmness, improves confidence, and helps your pet feel grounded in their environment.

A consistent daily routine can include:

✓ Regular Feeding Times

Feeding your pet at the same times each day helps regulate digestion, hunger levels, and energy. Routine mealtimes also make house training easier for puppies and kittens.

✓ Scheduled Walks and Exercise

Pets look forward to their daily movement. Scheduled outdoor time encourages healthy activity, reduces anxiety, and gives your pet a chance to explore, sniff, and release energy.

✓ Predictable Play and Interaction

Playtime is more than fun—it strengthens your connection. Setting aside time each day reminds your pet that they are loved and keeps them mentally stimulated.

✓ Grooming and Cleaning Habits

Regular brushing, nail checks, litter box cleaning, or quick inspections help maintain hygiene and comfort.

✓ Consistent Sleep and Rest Patterns

Having a designated sleeping spot and bedtime routine helps pets settle down faster and enjoy quality rest. Pets who sleep well behave better and are emotionally balanced.

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Why Routine Matters

• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Improves behavior by setting expectations
• Enhances training success
• Helps pets adjust to new environments more easily
• Builds trust and a sense of safety

Every pet is different, but all pets benefit from knowing what comes next. A stable daily routine creates an environment where your pet can relax, thrive, and feel secure in your care.

Your Routine Might Include:

• Morning walk and feeding
• Midday play session
• Grooming time
• Evening exercise and bonding
• Quiet bedtime wind-down

Consistency = great behavior + reduced stress.

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8. Build a Strong Emotional Bond

Healthy habits also include love and connection. A deep emotional bond is the heart of every meaningful human–pet relationship. Your pet may rely on you for food, shelter, and care—but what they crave most is love, connection, and companionship. Building a strong emotional bond creates trust, improves behavior, enhances training, and makes your pet feel safe and truly at home.

Bonding doesn’t happen overnight. It grows through consistent affection, patience, and shared experiences. Every moment you spend together—whether playing, training, relaxing, or simply being present—strengthens your connection.

A strong emotional bond helps your pet:

✓ Feel Secure and Confident

When pets know they can trust you, they become more relaxed and emotionally balanced. This is especially important for rescue pets who may have experienced fear or instability in the past.

✓ Become More Responsive to Training

Pets who feel connected to their owners listen more attentively and work harder to please, making training smoother and more enjoyable.

✓ Develop Better Behavior

A bonded pet is less likely to act out from boredom, stress, or insecurity. They understand your expectations and feel more motivated to behave well.

✓ Enjoy a Happier, Healthier Life

Love reduces stress, improves emotional well-being, and even supports physical health for pets just like it does for humans.

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Ways to Strengthen the Bond With Your Pet

• Spend Quality One-on-One Time

Set aside moments each day for undistracted interaction. Even 10 minutes of focused attention can deepen your connection.

• Offer Affection in Their Preferred Way

Some pets love belly rubs; others prefer gentle brushing, sitting nearby, or quiet company. Learn what makes your pet feel loved.

• Talk to Your Pet

Pets recognize the sound and emotion in your voice. Your tone communicates reassurance, praise, and comfort.

• Engage in Play

Play builds trust, releases energy, and creates shared joy. It’s one of the easiest ways to bond.

• Be Patient and Consistent

Respect your pet’s boundaries and let trust grow naturally, especially with shy or anxious animals.

• Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward good behavior with praise, treats, or favorite toys. Positive interactions build mutual respect.

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Love Is the True Foundation of Pet Care

Your pet doesn’t need perfection—they need presence, kindness, and connection. A strong emotional bond turns everyday moments into meaningful memories and creates a relationship built on trust and unconditional love.

• Cuddle time
• Talking to your pet
• Positive reinforcement
• Rewarding good behavior
• Respecting their fears or needs

A bonded pet feels more secure and lives a happier life.

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Final Thoughts

Healthy habits and regular exercise are the keys to giving your pets the long, joyful life they deserve. By focusing on nutrition, movement, mental enrichment, and loving routines, you create a world where your pet feels safe, stimulated, and deeply connected to you. Caring for a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. From creating healthy routines to offering love, guidance, and enrichment, every small effort you make contributes to your pet’s happiness and longevity. Whether you’re focusing on nutrition, exercise, grooming, training, or emotional bonding, each part plays an essential role in your pet’s overall well-being.

Pets depend on us entirely—not only for the basics like food and shelter, but also for comfort, connection, and a safe world to thrive in. When you approach pet care with consistency, patience, and love, you build a relationship that enriches both of your lives.

At greatpetworld.com, we believe that every pet deserves a life filled with good health, joy, and meaningful companionship. The habits you build today lay the foundation for a lifetime of trust, happiness, and unforgettable moments with your furry best friend.

Taking care of a pet isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a gift. And with the right care, your pet will reward you with loyalty, affection, and a bond that lasts forever.

At greatpetworld.com, our mission is to help pet parents like you raise healthier, happier pets—one habit at a time.

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