Last Updated: 18/07/2025
How to help your pet live a super life
Help your pet live a super life with expert tips on nutrition, supplements, grooming, and daily care to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving at every life stage.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Every pet deserves a super life—one filled with energy, happiness, and good health. As pet parents, we want to give our furry companions the best chance to thrive at every stage of life.
From the food they eat to the way we care for their skin, coat, and joints, every small decision can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and everyday habits that can help your pet stay strong, active, and full of life.
Whether it’s choosing the right supplements, fine-tuning their nutrition, or staying on top of grooming, you’ll find everything you need to support your pet’s well-being from nose to tail.
Get Active!
For dogs
Keeping your dog healthy starts with staying active, and what better way than daily walks together? Dogs make the perfect workout buddy, encouraging regular movement and outdoor adventures. In fact, dog parents tend to walk more each week and are significantly more likely to meet recommended activity levels.
Regular walks not only boost your own fitness but can also help keep your dog at a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity. Make every walk a little more exciting with a fresh new collar and lead combo, it’s a simple way to add style and motivation to your routine while supporting your dog’s overall wellbeing.
For cats
Teaching your cat to walk on a lead can be a great way to encourage exercise and provide environment enrichment. To keep your cat safe, ensure that you always use a harness and lead as your cat may slip out of a collar.
If your cat is particularly relaxed with going out and about, you may enjoy taking your cat for walks in Pet Backpack so they can get out and enjoy the sights and sounds, while you get some exercise.
For cats who don't enjoy the outdoors, the best way to encourage exercise with your cat is through play. There is a great range of interactive toys to get them and you moving!
Looking for more information? Read our veterinary written article How To Teach Your Cat To Walk On a Lead and RSPCA Tips On How To Safely Use A Cat Backpack
Regular Health Checks
Regular health checks with a veterinarian are a simple yet powerful way to help your pet live a super life. Just like with us, routine vet visits can catch early signs of illness, support preventative care, and keep your pet feeling their best.
Staying on top of your pet’s health means you can act early if something’s not quite right, boosting the chances of effective treatment and long-term wellbeing. If it’s been a while since your pet’s last check-up, now is the perfect time to book in with a veterinarian and make their health a priority. It’s one of the best things you can do to help them thrive.
For more information read our veterinary written article How Often Should Your Pet Visit The Vet? .
Feed a Premium Diet
Feeding your pet a premium quality diet is one of the most powerful ways to help them live a super life. While supermarket options may seem more affordable, premium pet foods offer more than just basic nutrition- they’re designed to help your pet thrive. These diets are typically more nutrient-dense and highly digestible, meaning your pet gets more of what they need from less food, and you may even notice smaller, more manageable poops!
Premium pet foods often go beyond the basics by including targeted support for your pet’s specific needs, such as joint health, skin and coat condition, dental care, or weight management. Many are backed by science, with formulations tailored to your pet’s life stage and breed size. Investing in quality nutrition every day can support your pet’s long-term health and happiness- helping them stay strong, active, and full of life.
Top recommended premium diets
Senior Pets Deserve Super Lives Too
As pets age, their needs change but that doesn’t mean they can’t continue living full, happy lives. Here’s how to support your senior pet:
- Vet Visits Matter: Older pets benefit from more frequent check-ups to catch age-related issues early.
- Tailored Nutrition: Senior-specific diets support joint health, digestion, and cognitive function.
- Keep Them Engaged: Use puzzle toys and gentle play to keep their minds sharp.
- Comfort Is Key: Provide soft, elevated bedding, easy access to food and water, and non-slip surfaces.
- Consider Senior Adoption: Giving an older pet a loving home can be incredibly rewarding. Learn more in the following article: 5 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Dog
Dental Care
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that around 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease. This common but serious condition doesn’t just cause pain—it can lead to chronic inflammation and allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable. Taking steps to support your dog or cat’s oral health is one of the simplest ways to boost their long-term wellbeing. While daily tooth brushing is ideal, there are plenty of other options to help reduce plaque build-up—such as therapeutic dental diets, dental treats, chews, powders, and water additives. Making dental care part of your pet’s routine can help them stay healthier, happier, and full of life.
Looking for more information? Read our articles: Dental Care for Dogs and Dental Care for Cats.
Supplements for a Healthier Pet
Supplements can be a valuable addition to your pet’s routine, helping to support their health alongside a balanced diet. From joint support to digestive health and skin condition, supplements are designed to target specific areas where your dog or cat may need a little extra help.
Choosing the right supplement depends on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and any existing health concerns. It's always best to speak with your veterinarian before starting a supplement to ensure it's safe, effective, and tailored to your pet's needs.
Common Pet Supplements and Their Benefits:
- Joint Support (e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel): Helps maintain joint cartilage, reduce inflammation, and support mobility—especially important for older pets or large breeds.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: Supports gut health, digestion, and immune function by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Omega Fatty Acids (e.g. Omega-3 and Omega-6): Supports skin and coat health, helps reduce inflammation, and may help with skin conditions like dryness or itchiness.
- Multivitamins: Provides a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, often used for pets with specific deficiencies or those on homemade diets.
- Calming Supplements (e.g. L-theanine, tryptophan, herbal blends): Helps reduce stress and anxiety in pets experiencing behavioural issues or situational stress like travel or vet visits.
Grooming Tips
Regular grooming is an important part of keeping your pet healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Brushing helps remove loose fur, dirt, and debris while also preventing painful mats and tangles, especially in long-haired pets. It also stimulates the skin and promotes natural oil production for a healthy coat.
Bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are equally important to maintain hygiene and prevent infections.
Grooming sessions are also a great opportunity to check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or signs of skin issues early. Whether done at home or by a professional, consistent grooming helps your dog or cat feel fresh, clean, and cared for.
Looking for more information on grooming your pet? Read our articles: How to Groom a Dog and Cat Grooming Guide.
Top recommended grooming products
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue July 1 2025
Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
