WELL WOMEN OF COLOR | Rosalind Brooks

You’re healthy — your pet should be, too

As we strive to keep ourselves fit and healthy, it is also important to devote that same type of care to our pets at home. Here are some tips and tricks to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

• Have you ever looked inside your pet’s water bowl and noticed that the bottom looks cloudy? Or rubbed your fingers along the inside of the bowl and it felt slippery? That substance is called biofilm. It’s often found in pipes or containers of sitting water, and it can quickly become a host to an array of bacterias. To prevent the buildup of biofilm, clean your pet’s water bowl at least once a week and change the water daily.

• Add a 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil to your pet’s food for every 10 pounds of his or her body weight. Coconut oil is full of nutrients and vitamins, and will help keep your furry friend’s coat looking shiny and lustrous. Coconut oil also has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties — so it is very effective at fighting infections.

• Exercise your pet! A tired dog is a happy dog. Taking your pet outside for daily walks or runs is a great way to keep them fit — physically and mentally. Outdoor activities can help preserve your pet’s muscle tone and joint support, while providing them with a great source of sensory stimulation. Avoid going on walks during the hottest parts of the day, to prevent your pet’s paws from burning on the hot asphalt.