Going for long walks, happily playing with toys and eating all of their own food are among the signs of a happy pet, according to new research.

It was also revealed socialising with both people and other animals and having a shiny coat are indications of a content cat or dog.

Expert Kellie Ceccarelli revealed that strong teeth and a healthy digestive system also mean your pet is happy and healthy.

A study of 2,000 pet owners also found more than two thirds believe pets are living healthier and longer lives, with as many as nine in 10 claiming their cat or dog is full of life.

Kellie Ceccarelli, speaking on behalf of IAMS, which commissioned the research, said: “Most of us are familiar with vital signs: temperature, pulse and respiration, but it would help our pets if we were also familiar with the ‘vitality signs'.

“Keeping a close eye on these will help us keep our pets in tip top condition, healthy and happy.

“Pet owners have a unique bond with their pets, understanding their moods and funny little ways.

“But even though the bonds are very close, even the most caring owner can miss important ‘clues’ about the health and happiness of their pet if they don’t keep a watchful eye on their vitality signs.

“Thankfully we have lots of tools at our disposal for ensuring our pets are healthy."

The research also found 56 per cent believe their furry friend ‘smiles’ when they are happy.

More than half think the most important contribution to their pet’s happiness and wellbeing is a fit heart, while one in five also think a strong immune system helps.

In order to support this, 63 per cent of owners feed them a complete and balanced diet, more than a third buy new toys and almost half ensures they get regular health check-ups at the vet.

A further one in five also think a healthy digestion contributes to their pet’s overall vitality and more than half believe nutrition has a large impact on level of happiness.

Nine in 10 believe this will help their pet live longer - up to three years more on average.

This would mean that the well-known rule of seven human years to every dog year is no longer the case. Instead it would be closer to five human years.

The findings reinforced that we’re a nation of animal lovers with 69 per cent claiming the most important thing in taking care of a pet is showing them ‘love’, suggesting why almost half prioritise regular tummy tickles.

However, many owners admitted they could be doing more to support their health and vitality as less than half said their pet goes for long walks, socialises with other animals and has fresh breath, all signs that they could use a little bit of TLC.

A further 15 per cent also find their cat or dog is ‘anxious’ around people and fellow furry friends meaning there could be behaviour problems.

When it comes to food, two in five admitted their animal eats human food and more than a quarter have ‘lots’ of treats, both of which in excess can have a negative impact on your pet’s health and vitality.

And while a confident seven in 10 believe their furry friend is generally ‘very happy’, a third think they could be happier.

A quarter of respondents admitted they struggle to tell why their pet is unhappy but four in five believe they can see physically if their cat or dog is full of vitality.

Almost half - 47 per cent - of those polled via OnePoll admitted if their pet is unhappy, they are unhappy too.

Do you think your pet is full of vitality? Take the quiz at https://www.qzzr.com/c/quiz/473569/49e42932-7e60-4e18-a363-1425767784fd for dogs and https://www.qzzr.com/c/quiz/473451/is-your-pet-full-of-vitality for cats.

The vitality signs for your pet’s health:
1. Healthy heart
2. Healthy skin and shiny coat
3. Strong immune system
4. Healthy digestion
5. Strong muscles
6. Strong, healthy teeth
7. Strong bones (for dogs)
8. Healthy urinary tract (for cats)