Pets are like members of the family, so it stands to reason that you will want to make sure your best friend stays as healthy as possible. Prevention is always better than a cure—after all, the last thing anyone wants is a sick pet on their hands. So if you are a new pet owner and you want some simple tips on how to look after your new pal, there are a few things you should take note of.
Regular Worming Treatments
Cats and dogs need regular worming treatments. Worming is a two minute task and effective worming treatments are readily available from pet stores and also from your local veterinarian. A worm infestation can lead to all kinds of problems, including ill health and secondary infections. Worm infestations in pets can also affect humans and cause serious illness, so make sure you worm your pet regularly.
Anti-Flea Treatment
Fleas are a real problem when they take up residence on your pet. Flea infestations are usually caught from other pets, so cats and dogs that come into close contact with other animals are particularly at risk. A tell-tale sign of a flea problem is when your pet spends a lot of time scratching and itching. You may also suffer from flea bites. If this happens, buy some effective flea treatment for your pet and a can of insecticide for the house.
Healthy Diet
Fat, overweight pets are very common. Most owners with a fat pet are oblivious to the health problems their pet is at risk of developing as a result, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Arthritis
To avoid this sorry state of affairs, never feed your pet more than the recommended daily allowance of food and don’t be tempted to give them ‘little treats’ all the time. You won’t be doing them any favors.
Regular Exercise
This aspect of healthcare is linked to diet. All pets need regular exercise, but if your pet is looking a bit porky, he or she definitely needs more exercise. Cats generally exercise themselves, but if your cat is a house cat, provide lots of toys to encourage them to run around and play. Some breeds of dog require more exercise than others, so make sure you give your canine friend the right amount of daily walks.
Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical care. Dogs need exercise and play time to provide mental stimulation. They also need human company, so reconsider introducing a dog into your home if you are out of the house for more than a few hours per day—it isn’t fair on the dog. Cats are less demanding, but they do still need human attention. If you ignore a cat, eventually that cat will go and adopt another family.
All pets benefit from regular veterinarian checkups. It is a chance to have their yearly inoculations and for your vet to look for signs of illness or underlying health problems. It is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
Nancy Baker, the author of this article, is a freelance blogger, currently writing for, Pond Point Animal Hospital, a
leading veterinary care center based in CT. She loves barbeques and family get-togethers and enjoys her evenings walking her pet dog, Millie. You can reach Nancy on Twitter @
Nancy_Baker_.
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