The GREENIES^® Brand is excited to announce the newest blog post series for the month of June. We’ve reached out to several veterinarians in the pet world and have asked them to provide tips that pet owners can follow to ensure their pets stay their healthiest. Throughout the next couple of weeks, we’ll be posting a variety of fun and educational tips that responsible pet owners shouldn’t miss!

Veterinary Health Tips Series, Part 1: Dr. Ernie Ward

Dr. Ernie Ward, nationally renowned veterinarian, pet author and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is helping The GREENIES^® Brand team kick off this month’s Veterinary Health Tips Post Series. Dr. Ward regards that maintaining healthy habits in households with pets is important and the best way to ensure overall pet happiness and well being.

Dr. Ward offers his ‘Top 5 Healthy Habits’ for pet owners who want to keep their pets healthy throughout the year:

1) Healthy Eats and Treats – The most important decision you make each day regarding your pet’s health is what you feed it. When choosing pet food, look for meat as one of the first ingredients and avoid by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives whenever possible. When it comes to treats, look for low-cal options that confer some health benefit. Treats that help maintain healthy joints, clean teeth or ensure pills are taken are recommended. The GREENIES^® Brand specializes in great tasting treats individually formulated to deliver these benefits. If you’re going to give treats, make them count!

2) Brain Boosters – I love puzzles – and so does your pet! One of my favorite ways to feed and treat my patients is with a food puzzle. These clever devices hide your pet’s food or treats until they unlock the secret and get their goodies. These tools engage your pet’s brain and bust boredom while you’re away. These toys stimulate thought and don’t pack on the pounds!

3) Power Play – Walking your dog and playing with your cat each day keeps them trim, healthy and mentally alert. Pets that don’t receive enough physical activity (“lap potatoes”) have the highest rates of weight-related diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and suffer from behavioral problems. For dogs, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day benefits both ends of the leash. For cats, two or three five-minute play periods are plenty.

4) Paws Together – It’s more fun to play with other dogs! Socialized dogs are simply better behaved and more fun. Visit a dog park, enroll in training classes or become active in serving your community. There are endless ways to get you and your dog interacting with other pet lovers. Share the fun and join a new pack!

5) Pets and Vets – Somehow we started believing the only time you needed a vet was when something was wrong with your pet. The secret to a long and healthy life is vet visits when everything appears fine. My goal as a veterinarian is to prevent disease, not only treat it. Most of my advice is straightforward: change diet or lifestyle, give nutritional supplements, and exercise more. Sometimes you just need a prod; other times a push. Your veterinarian is your pet’s voice; let them speak for your pet by visiting once a year for young pets and twice yearly for those over age seven.  Too many serious diseases could’ve been avoided or lessened simply by catching them sooner. This is one healthy habit every pet owner can keep.

By following these simple, everyday tips pet owners can ensure that their pets remain their healthiest. For more best care tips for pets, visit www.greenies.com and www.drernieward.com.

Check back next week for Part 2 in our Veterinary Health Tips Series, where we’ll hear from Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, lead pet oncologist at the AMC.

^®/™ Trademarks © The Nutro Company 2011