NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS - FOR PETS
by Rob Lauer
Just as we humans ring in the New Year with lists of resolutions aimed at getting in shape and improving our health, so we should give some thought to the health of our pets. Below is a list of New Year resolutions for our furry, four-footed family members.
Exercise and play with your pet daily. Your pet will love the attention, and both of you will maintain a healthy weight.
Feed your pet good quality food-but not in excess. Find a brand that agrees with your pet-food they like that doesn't contribute to medical problems such as dry skin, diarrhea, or obesity. âAll-natural or âorganic' brands don't necessarily contain better ingredients than regular brands. Also, when looking at brand labels and advertising, remember: foods that appeal to you may not be foods that appeal to your pet.
Give your pets their monthly parasite control medicines such as heartworm prevention and flea and tick control. These preventive medications protect your pet and also protect you and your family from potentially life-threatening diseases. Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and pets can bring them into your home. Vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease is crucial if they frequently pick up ticks.
Pets need dental care, too. Dental disease contributes to several life-threatening conditions such as kidney and heart disease. Take care of your pet's teeth and have routine dental cleanings for your pet at your veterinarian
Perform routine wellness blood screenings in your older pets. Blood tests can uncover hidden diseases or give you a baseline to compare in the event of future illness.
Always have regular yearly Veterinary preventive health visits.
Vaccinations aren't the only important part of preventative care. A veterinarian's physical examination is the most critical aspect of preventive care. A thorough physical examines every inch of your pet- from its nose to the tip of its tail. To keep your pet healthy and living a long, happy life, make a resolution to bring your pet to your veterinarian for a physical exam at least once a year. Remember, our pets age very quickly due to their shorter life spans. An average cat's life span is 15 years; a small breed dog's life span is 12 to 15 years, while that of a large breed dog is 10 to 12 years. Each year of a pet's life is equal to five to eight human years. Your pet experiences significant changes every year. Annual examinations can catch problems before they get serious.
Exercise and play with your pet daily. Your pet will love the attention, and both of you will maintain a healthy weight.
Feed your pet good quality food-but not in excess. Find a brand that agrees with your pet-food they like that doesn't contribute to medical problems such as dry skin, diarrhea, or obesity. âAll-natural or âorganic' brands don't necessarily contain better ingredients than regular brands. Also, when looking at brand labels and advertising, remember: foods that appeal to you may not be foods that appeal to your pet.
Give your pets their monthly parasite control medicines such as heartworm prevention and flea and tick control. These preventive medications protect your pet and also protect you and your family from potentially life-threatening diseases. Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and pets can bring them into your home. Vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease is crucial if they frequently pick up ticks.
Pets need dental care, too. Dental disease contributes to several life-threatening conditions such as kidney and heart disease. Take care of your pet's teeth and have routine dental cleanings for your pet at your veterinarian
Perform routine wellness blood screenings in your older pets. Blood tests can uncover hidden diseases or give you a baseline to compare in the event of future illness.
Always have regular yearly Veterinary preventive health visits.
Vaccinations aren't the only important part of preventative care. A veterinarian's physical examination is the most critical aspect of preventive care. A thorough physical examines every inch of your pet- from its nose to the tip of its tail. To keep your pet healthy and living a long, happy life, make a resolution to bring your pet to your veterinarian for a physical exam at least once a year. Remember, our pets age very quickly due to their shorter life spans. An average cat's life span is 15 years; a small breed dog's life span is 12 to 15 years, while that of a large breed dog is 10 to 12 years. Each year of a pet's life is equal to five to eight human years. Your pet experiences significant changes every year. Annual examinations can catch problems before they get serious.
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