In most homes in America, the family pet is just like another member of the family. While we may not invite them to join us at the table for dinner, we love them nonetheless. As with any other family member, the health and wellbeing of our pets is of the utmost importance. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furry friends are a part of your family for many years to come.

Be sure to have your pets vaccinated annually. With all of the debate surrounding vaccine safety, many pet owners have opted out of vaccinating their pets. The main issue to be aware of is that animals are highly susceptible to contracting certain diseases, such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper. These diseases are easily prevented with standard vaccinations, and very expensive to treat should preventative measures be ignored. Standard therapy for these diseases can cost upwards of $1000.00, when factoring in antibiotics and hospitalization. The vaccine itself might cost a fraction of that.

Dental care is another consideration. Just like other members of your family, your pets need to have semi-regular dental check-ups. This is especially important if you have a dog that is being fed a regular diet of human food. Furthermore, dental disease in pets can lead to other serious illnesses, such as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Some studies have even suggested that 80% of all domestic pets over the age of 3 have some existing form of dental disease. It may sound silly to some, but brushing your pet's teeth is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of health complications. Take a preventative approach to the dental care of your pet.

Obesity is another issue that pet owners need to be aware of. Most of the time, this can be managed with a healthy, well rounded diet. There are plenty of quality pet food brands on the market today, many of which are tailored to your pet's stage of development. While an overweight pet might seem cute and cuddly, obesity can lead to serious health problems for your pet. This can include joint problems, arthritis, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and diabetes. Ensure your pet is getting a reasonable amount of exercise each day.