Taking Care of Pets
Pets give us much-needed companionship. However, they can be expensive. An ounce of prevention is usually worth the cost.
Besides vet visits and vaccinations, pets need regular grooming (brushing and nail trimmings) along with healthy diets, and regular exercise. Even lizards and fish require a lot of attention! But how can you make sure that your pet receives enough?
Healthy Diet
The quality of your pet's diet is just as important to their overall health as it is for humans. The old adage "you are what your eat" applies to pets as well.
The best way to ensure your pet gets the nutrients she needs is to feed her high-quality pet food that is a well-known and reliable brand. Established pet food companies invest time and money researching to create pet food that will help your animal thrive. They are also more likely to be free of ingredients that could make your pet sick.
A balanced diet should contain carbohydrates as well as vegetables, proteins and fats. These nutrients will promote growth and provide your pet with energy. A proper combination of these nutrients will give your pet the balanced nutrition she needs.
It is important to remember that many vegetables and fruits are high in calories, and should be consumed in moderation. Some fruits and veggies like avocado, rhubarb, and wild mushrooms, can be harmful to cats and dogs. Others, like grapes, can cause kidney damage. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new food items or vegetables. Our team is able to give you suggestions on what fruits and vegetables your pet is able to eat.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is not just beneficial for your health, but is also essential to an active lifestyle for your pet. Pets should exercise for at minimum 30 minutes per day. By providing them with this exercise, it will aid in burning off their excess energy, which can prevent behaviors such as chewing or digging that tend to be caused by boredom and anxiety.
In addition to cardiovascular workouts Muscle training is essential for pets too. It improves mobility and flexibility overall and helps strengthen joints and bones. Examples of this are activities such as walking up and down the stairs or playing with a ball. Playtime with supervision is an excellent way to exercise your pet, especially if you keep them in separate homes or enclosures or are on their own. This allows them to play and interact with one another and can keep their minds sharp.
When exercising your pet, it is essential to start slowly and gradually increase the recommended amount of time according to their physical condition and age. It is also crucial to ensure they are drinking water before, during and after any exercise.
Healthy Habits
Healthy habits are essential to living a long and happy life for your pet. The old saying, 'you can't show an old dog new tricks' could be true, but you can certainly help your pet to develop and maintain healthy habits throughout their lives. These habits will benefit your pet's physical and mental health, and will strengthen your bond with them.
Healthy pet habits include regular exercise, a variety games for mental stimulation, and dental care. Regular visits to your vet to detect issues early which can save money and stress as opposed to waiting until your pet is showing signs of illness.
You should pay attention to any changes in your pet's behaviour or eating habits because these could be indicators of a underlying health problem. Weight change or loss, restlessness and destructive behavior are all indications to look out for.
It is also important to take your pet for a walk or play with their friends every day, since this can help prevent depression and loneliness which can cause behavior problems. It is also an excellent way to show your pet how much you appreciate them.
Vaccinations
Vaccines help your pet's immune system to fight off disease-causing organisms. pet friendly in vaccines look like the organism that causes disease to the immune system, but aren't the actual cause of the illness. This allows the immune system to "practice" fighting the real thing and will be prepared if it ever encounters the real illness. Vaccination also helps prevent the spread of disease by boosting what's known as herd immunity. It occurs when enough animals are vaccinated making it unlikely that they will be bitten by the disease.
In general, the most important vaccines for kittens and puppies are given as they grow, and are then increased at certain intervals (consult your veterinarian). These vaccines protect against serious diseases that could be fatal. Your pet is at risk of contracting these illnesses without vaccinations. If they do, you could be required to pay vet bills.
Regular vaccinations have decreased the chance of contracting many diseases that were common in the past. Many diseases still exist and if you do not protect your pet from them, it is more likely that they will become sick. Taking your pet to the vet regularly will help to keep them healthy. It can keep you and other members of your family healthy as well.
Dental Care
Pets are a wonderful addition to families However, they also come with their own set responsibilities. It is important to take care of their health both at home and at work. Dental hygiene is a part of pet health which is often neglected. Pets should get their teeth cleaned regularly in order to avoid illnesses like gum disease, and also to help them eat properly. Regular brushing, giving dental chews and toys, and regular dental checkups with your vet are excellent ways to keep your pet's dental healthy.
Many issues can affect your pet's dental health including tartar and plaque tooth loss, gum disease infections, cysts, tumors and misalignment in the teeth. In many cases, these issues won't cause any pain so you might not notice any changes in your pet's behavior. Dental problems or other indicators can be a reason to avoid and can result in serious health issues, such as kidney or heart disease.
The best way to prevent dental issues is by brushing your pet's mouth regularly. However, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits can aid in keeping their gums and teeth healthy. Chewing on toys and chewing bones will also scrape off plaque and tartar. Additionally, a professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian could be helpful as well and is typically done under anesthesia.
Water
Water is essential to keep your pet well-hydrated and healthy. It transports nutrients into and out of cells, assists digest food and regulates body temperature. It also helps to lubricate joints. It also assists pets lose excess heat through the process of evaporation, particularly during hot summer days. Water is found in every cell and makes up the majority of your pet's weight. It becomes more crucial as they age.
It is simple to ensure that your pet is well-hydrated by providing clean drinking water that is fresh and clean in their daily diet. It is best to use spring or filtered water for your pet, as tap and bottled waters often contain lead, nitrates chlorine as well as viruses and bacteria that could cause diseases. Multiple water sources will ensure that your pet has access to pure, fresh drinking water. Pet fountains can be particularly attractive to cats and dog who may not want to drink from a bowl.
Make sure that you have clean water available at all times and change the water frequently especially when it's humid or hot. A good rule of thumb is to provide one ounce of water for every 1 pound of your pet's weight each day.
Shelter
The main responsibility of a shelter is to care for animals surrendered by their owners, found as strays, or rescued through adoption. Every year, between 8 and 10 million dogs and cats visit shelters in the United States, according to Humane Society of the United States statistics.
The staff at shelters must be meticulous in placing animals into loving responsible homes. They must also disseminate information about pets, diseases prevention and overpopulation to community.
Stressed or traumatized animals may exhibit aggression. Shelter personnel must take care when handling these animals and seek the assistance of experienced behaviorists and animal experts when needed. Shelter animals can also benefit from enrichment programs to keep them occupied and happy.
The growing number of shelters without on-site veterinarians faces a challenge in locating vet partners. There are a myriad of reasons why that a veterinarian could choose to join with a shelter, including offering free post-adoption tests for adopters, helping promote the shelter by referring clients or providing relief veterinary care in the event of an emergency. Before forming a relationship, both parties should look at their long-term goals, missions, and plans. The shelter could offer to reimburse the veterinarian for a set number of visits per year, while the vet may offer discounted veterinary care for shelter pets or to provide discounted care in exchange for referrals.