August is National Pet Wellness Month, which brings to mind veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and nutrition. But what about your pet’s mental and emotional wellness? 

Per Animal Wellness Magazine, there are easy, but important ways to improve your dog’s mental health. They are: 

1.  Limit the amount of time your dog stays alone. 

2. Get outside more. Many dogs require up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day to produce serotonin, which in turn creates a feeling of well being. 

3. Begin young. Dogs need to be exposure to new sounds, smells and activities, and requirements vary by breed. Once you’ve adopted a new pet, be sure to learn about their specific needs and offer them those enriching experiences right out of the gate.

4.  Play with them. If dogs have the mentality of a 3-year-old human, what else do they have in common with a toddler? The desire to play! 

5. And, last, but not least, be sure to give your pet challenging toys, not just simple balls. 

You can read the full article here.

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Now, what about our feline friends? According to the Humane Society of the United States, we should do the following:

1.  Provide cats a screened porch or “catio” so they can experience fresh air and the great outdoors without being put at risk.

2.  Give your kitties a perch to hang out on.

3.  Play with your cats! Contrary to the myth that cats are aloof, kitties enjoy spending time with their humans and need the physical and mental stimulation of playtime. 

4.  Plant some cat grass or catnip in a planter so kitty can graze indoors at-will.

5.  Keep their litter boxes clean! That can affect not only their emotional health, but their physical well being, too.

You can read the complete article here.