Seven Steps To A Healthy Pet

Caring for a pet requires a great deal of time, dedication, and love. But being loved back by a healthy, happy pet is a wonderful reward for your investment. Fortunately, you can help ensure your pet's continued good health by following just a few simple steps. If you're an inveterate pet owner you've probably heard about most of these tips individually and from different sources, but we think it's especially helpful to see them together in one list. And they're essential for those new to pet ownership, so why not send them to your favorite new or veteran pet owner?

No. 1: Visit Your Veterinarian

The most important thing you can do for your pet is develop a relationship with a qualified veterinarian early in your pet's life. The more your pet sees his vet, the stronger their bond and the more likely your veterinarian is to notice anything out of the ordinary in your pet's appearance, behavior, or health. Schedule annual checkups and call or visit your vet if you ever have any concerns. (Remember my vet, Dr. Mike?)

No. 2: Vaccinate Your Pet

Once an animal is about three months old, antibodies passed down from his mother no longer protect him. This leaves him vulnerable to numerous diseases that can lead to serious illness or death. Many experts, including the ASPCA, recommend vaccinations for both cats and dogs. Speak with your veterinarian about which shots are most appropriate for your pet and your situation, and to develop a vaccination protocol that best suits your pet.

No. 3: Spay or Neuter Your Animal

Spaying your pet offers many health advantages, such as helping to prevent breast cancer and uterine infections, and neutering males can help reduce aggressive behavior while lowering the risk of prostate and testicular cancers. Plus, spaying and neutering reduces the number of homeless animals, which in turn, reduces the euthanasia rate for orphaned pets.

No. 4: Prevent Heartworms

Because treatment for heartworms is risky, prevention is essential. Ask about preventative medication at your cat or dog's checkup (Yes, cats can get heartworm disease, particularly outdoor cats). In most cases, a single tablet given once each month can protect your pet from a devastating heartworm infection.

No. 5: Banish Fleas

Fleas are responsible for a plethora of health problems, ranging from skin infections and anemia to tapeworms. They can also make you and your pet miserable. Use monthly flea and tick meds to prevent an infestation, and speak with your veterinarian about safely getting rid of fleas if they ever do become a problem.  

No. 6: Watch Your Pet's Weight

Obesity poses serious risks to your pet's health, increasing the chance of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and many other health conditions. To reduce these risks, make sure your pet gets regular exercise, monitor his food intake, and do not hesitate to put your pet on a reasonable diet if his weight starts rising. Your veterinarian can offer specific exercise and nutrition tips to keep your pet's weight inside the healthy range, but ultimately the responsibility lies with you.

No. 7: Protect Against Poisoning

We particularly like this one!

Cats, dogs, and other animals are vulnerable to a variety of poisonous substances, including many plants, medicines, and foods. Consult your veterinarian about threats in your local area and make sure you’ve “pet proofed” your home to keep dangerous substances out of reach. Additionally, place the phone number for your local or national poison control center in a highly visible location. 

Note: These tips were compiled by, and consideration was given to, Bocci's Beefs for reviewing, editing and posting this article by Vetdepot.com

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