Your pet is a member of your family and will need a number of things to live a long, healthy life. Be aware of these top 11 pet care tips to make sure your furry friend is always taken care of.
11 Top Pet Care Tips
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Know your resources
It’s always a good idea to have a relationship with a local vet. You never know when you may need him or she and the last thing you want to do when a pet is in crisis is to go searching through directories. However, if your vet isn’t available after hours, make sure you have information for the nearest veterinary specialty hospital to make sure your pet has help when needed.
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Use your resources
You may not realize it, but just like people, your pet needs regular health checkups to make sure she is in good shape. Serious medical conditions can cost a lot of money and can cut your pet’s life short, so proactive care is the best way to make sure you and your pet don’t have any surprises.
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Practice safety
No matter how you transport your pet, make sure he is secured. This is a particular problem in cars because just like a small child, you don’t want your pet to be unrestrained in the case of an accident.
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Keep the pests away
Unfortunately, pets allowed outdoors are susceptible to fleas, which can quickly lead to poor health. Your pet may seem irritated, may get infections, and can even start losing hair if fleas are left untreated.
The best way to take care of your pet is to make sure you regularly use a schedule of flea and heartworm control.
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Stimulate your pet
Like people, a pet won’t thrive in a boring environment. Make sure you offer plenty of toys and interaction to help your pet’s mind grow and stay strong and active. Keep your pet busy with these pet boredom busters.
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Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered
No matter your pet’s size or sex, it is imperative that you have them fixed. This will help both with behavioral and physical wellness in the long run.
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Vaccinate
Many diseases can be passed through animals that are fatal, including rabies, respiratory conditions, forms of feline cancers, and immune problems. Your vet can help you decide the right types of vaccination for your pet’s needs.
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Stay in shape
Just like you, your pet needs a regular diet and exercise maintenance to stay in shape. Overweight pets are more at risk for debilitating and expensive conditions like cancer, diabetes, and joint problems.
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Keep teeth clean
Poor hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay in pets just like in people. Try brushing your pet’s teeth if they will allow it using a special toothpaste for animals, or speak to your vet about cleaning procedures in their facility.
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ID your pet
Microchips are easy to install and can help you find your pet if he or she is missing.
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Don’t play doctor
Never give pets medication or supplements meant for people. The dosage in many of these can be fatal, so always speak to a vet if you think your pet needs medical help.
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