National Pet Wellness Month: Suncoast animal advocate shares tips to keep pets healthy

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - October is National Pet Wellness Month, serving as a reminder that keeping pets healthy takes more than regular meals and daily walks.From routine veterinary visits to dental care and behavioral changes, animal advocates say paying attention to the little things can make a big difference in a pet’s overall health.Marsha Panuce, founder of Donte’s Den in Myakka City and host of Animal Outtakes on ABC7, joined ABC7 to share ways pet owners can help their four-legged family members live longer, healthier lives.Recognizing changes in your pet’s healthPanuce said one of the simplest ways to monitor a pet’s health is through regular physical checks at home.“One of the things you should always do is when you’re petting your dog, make sure you start from the neck and move on down and just kind of touch your dog,” Panuce said. “See if you’re finding some little bumps, if there’s a hot spot, whatever it might be, you’ll find it with your hands.”She also encourages owners