KEEP
YOUR CAT HEALTHY AND HAPPY
Simple Steps Ensure a Long Life for Your Pet
As a responsible pet owner, you can take a few simple
steps that will go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy and
happy. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests these practical
tips that can ensure your pet's health and happiness.
Make your home a safe
environment
Unfortunately, making your home
pet safe often is a job that is overlooked. Pet proofing your home
can lower the risk of a serious pet accident occurring. A pet owner
needs to be aware of several potential dangers. Poisons in the home
that can kill or seriously injure your pet include some kinds of
house plants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and mistletoe),
pesticides, and medications. Low electrical cords are extremely
hazardous when chewed. Keep harmful objects out of your pet's reach.
A little prevention may be just enough to avoid a pet tragedy from
happening in your home.
Make sure your pet receives
a complete check-up
"A regular physical is
the most overlooked pet health need today," says Dr. Bill
Swartz, an AAHA veterinarian. "Most people only take their
pet to a veterinarian when a health problem already exists or for
routine vaccinations. Preventive vaccinations and early detection
of diseases are the keys to successfully treating your pet,"
he added. Your veterinarian can conduct a comprehensive exam that
includes a lab analysis, heart check, and dental exam.
Design a diet and exercise
plan to meet your pet's specific needs
Obesity leads to serious dog and
cat health problems such as heart disease. Exercise is important,
but a pet will only exercise if there is an incentive to do so.
Your veterinarian will consider what stage of life your pet is in,
the amount of activity your pet enjoys, and the time of year before
outlining a specific plan. The right kind of food and physical activity
can add to the quality of your pet's life.
Following are ten general
pet care tips:
1. Mmm... all that chocolate!
None for your pets, please! Chocolate contains a toxic substance,
theobromine, which is harmful to pets. So, just say NO!
2. Is it an emergency? A
pet exposed to bitter cold that becomes lethargic, depressed, and
weak, could be hypothermic. Call your veterinarian immediately.
3. Did you know that by shivering,
a pet that is cold or recovering from anesthesia is trying to warm
its body back to normal temperature?
4. The sweet, lovely green
pool of antifreeze on the driveway is an often deadly drink for
dogs and cats. Even a small lick by a small pet is enough to poison
it. Clean up those spills fast!
5. Did you know that some
caged birds are afraid of the dark? Try a night light or leaving
the front of the cage uncovered.
6. Before traveling with
your pets, make sure they have all required vaccinations and health
papers. If they are on medications, have enough to last through
the trip.
7. When traveling by air,
be aware of airline restrictions regarding outside temperature and
number of animals allowed per flight. Someone may have already booked
a pet and there are no more allowed. Check with the airline reservationist
or travel agent.
8. Remember that even the
most gentle and trusting pet may bite when in pain. If you must
muzzle, use a soft towel or cloth strips and remove it as soon as
possible so the pet can breathe more easily.
9. If you must transport
an injured or ill animal, a blanket, vinyl mat, and even a door
make excellent stretchers. The trick is to immobilize the animal
to avoid further stress.
10. Moving from a cold climate
to a warmer one? Don't forget to have your dog tested for heartworm
disease BEFORE beginning preventive medicine. Ask your veterinarian
for more information about heartworm disease.
|