It's important to seek the best care for your pet and pay attention to how your pet is behaving. If you notice any warning signs such as increased thirst or urination, lack of appetite, diarrhea or vomiting, problems breathing, changes in sleeping habits or any unusual behavior, it could be a sign of sickness and you should contact your veterinarian. Whether you need to take your pet to the vet or are taking care of needs at home, it's important to seek high quality care.
Providing Nutritional Food
Pets have special nutritional needs like people do. It's important to choose the food for your dog or cat that best suits their needs. Good quality food can help to prevent health problems especially in cats that tend to get urinary tract infections more than dogs. Pets should not have table food. Many foods can be toxic or otherwise harmful to pets. Table food can also contain minerals or additives that don't agree with pets. It's much better for them to have food that's formulated for them.
Specialty Care
Dogs and cats should have regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and shots. If there are any potential problems the vet can detect them with diagnostic tests before they become serious. One problem that is common in some cats and dogs is diabetes, which can only be treated by a veterinarian. Canine or feline diabetes can be controlled with insulin, diet, and exercise but a veterinarian has to prescribe the most effective treatment.
Flea and Tick Care
Regular baths with a good quality shampoo formulated for pets will keep your pet's coat clean and shiny. It will also prevent infestation of fleas and ticks. If you have cats, you may want to take them to a groomer for their bath. If you find ticks and can't remove them, be sure to take your pet to a veterinarian to get them proper treatment.
Keeping Claws Trimmed Prevent Accidents
Keeping your cat or dog's nails trimmed will prevent scratches and could keep the claws from tearing and requiring an emergency visit to your veterinarian. Scratching posts for cats prevent them from scratching at furniture. If you have an indoor dog, talking them for walks on the sidewalk and cement will help keep the nails trimmed. If they become too long, be sure to trim them yourself or have a vet help you to prevent further problems.
The Importance of Exercise
Make sure your pet gets regular exercise. If you have a cat, you can buy toys to get them to run around, but some cats like to amuse themselves. Regular walks with your dog are good exercise for both of you. It's also a great way to bond with your dog and have special time together.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are procedures that can only be done by a veterinarian. If you aren't breeding your pet, it's important to have them spayed or neutered. Benefits of spaying and neutering include offsetting pet overpopulation, keeping pets healthier by preventing serious diseases,and ensuring better behavior in males.
By following some simple steps, you can ensure that your dog or cat is happy and healthy. Regular checkups are important, but one of the best things you can give your pet is plenty of love and attention.
Informational credit to Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic.
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn't writing.
