DTLA! It’s Time to Talk About Keeping Pets Healthy in the Big City

Pets in the city

Living in Downtown Los Angeles can be an exciting and bustling experience, but as a pet owner, it’s important to ensure that your furry friend is well taken care of in this fast-paced urban environment.

From exercise and socialization to health care and mental stimulation, here is a list pet owners should be talking about when it comes to taking good care of their pets in Downtown Los Angeles.

Exercise: Living in Downtown Los Angeles, pets may not have access to large outdoor spaces, so it’s important to find alternative ways to exercise them such as going for walks, visiting dog parks, or taking them to a pet-friendly gym or indoor play area. Regular exercise can prevent obesity, improve digestion, and reduce stress in pets.

Doggie Shoes: Protection from hot surfaces: During hot weather, sidewalks, pavements, and roads can become extremely hot, which can burn a dog’s paws. Dog shoes can provide a layer of protection for the dog’s feet, preventing burns and blisters.

In the city, there are many sharp objects on the ground such as broken glass, nails, and other debris that can injure a dog’s feet. Shoes can provide a barrier between the dog’s paws and these hazards. Dog shoes can provide better traction on smooth or slippery surfaces such as tile, marble, or linoleum, reducing the risk of slips, falls, or injuries. Wearing shoes can also help to keep a dog’s paws clean and prevent them from picking up harmful bacteria, chemicals, or toxins that may be present on city streets.

Socialization: Socialization can be achieved through dog training classes, pet-friendly events, and meeting other animals in a controlled environment. It helps pets develop good behavior, feel comfortable around other people and animals, and reduces the likelihood of aggressive or fearful behavior, especially in the busy and bustling atmosphere of Downtown Los Angeles.

Safety: Keeping pets on a leash, supervising them closely when outside, and being aware of potential dangers such as busy streets, toxic substances, and other animals can help prevent accidents and injuries, especially in the densely populated and busy areas of Downtown Los Angeles.

Health care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations from a veterinarian can prevent and detect potential health problems early, and ensure your pet stays healthy, especially in an area with a high population density such as Downtown Los Angeles.

Mental stimulation: Providing toys, puzzles, and other forms of mental stimulation can prevent boredom, reduce anxiety and destructive behavior, and keep pets engaged and happy, especially in a stimulating environment like Downtown Los Angeles.

Quality Food: High-quality, balanced pet food provides essential nutrients for pets, helps maintain a healthy weight, and can prevent many health problems, even in an urban environment like Downtown Los Angeles.

Feeding Schedule: A regular feeding schedule can help prevent overeating, maintain digestive health, and reduce the likelihood of begging or other behavioral problems, even in a busy place like Downtown Los Angeles.

Portion Control: Measuring appropriate portions based on your pet’s size and activity level can prevent obesity, digestive problems, and other health issues, even in a city with many distractions like Downtown Los Angeles.

Good Veterinarian: A good veterinarian can offer essential services for your pet, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental care, and emergency services, especially in an area like Downtown Los Angeles where many different types of health concerns may arise.

Consider Adopting: Adopting a pet in Downtown Los Angeles can provide a loving home for an animal in need, and finding a pet that fits your lifestyle can bring joy and companionship to your life while helping reduce the number of pets in shelters, even in a densely populated and fast-paced city like Downtown Los Angeles

Author: Keri Freeman

Military mom and proud parent, artist, writer, musician and film maker. Cocktail connoisseur. Publisher of DTLA Weekly.