When choosing to adopt a pet, not much
thought goes into the responsibility and care required of that new
living being. A new puppy or kitten immediately enters your heart by
looking into those playful, pleading eyes; you are now hooked. As
loving, fun and sweet as it is to add a new pet to your family unit,
there are many needs to be met as a pet owner. Four things you should
be aware of as a pet owner are:
Vet Care and Immunizations
You need to acquire a personal
veterinarian such as the Carmel
Veterinarians in order to keep your pet healthy
year-round, including vaccinations. Your dog should be protected from
parvovirus, distemper, influenza each year, among other concerns
depending on your area and lifestyle. Cats need to be protected from
panleukopenia, leukemia, herpes virus, calicivirus and FIV which is
the feline immunodeficiency virus. Your veterinarian will set you up
with what is considered the best preventatives to meet the needs of
your particular pet. Along with an immunization regimen for your pet,
your veterinarian will discuss a healthy nutritious balanced diet to
avoid health issues and obesity. You will also be informed about the
importance of oral hygiene and how you can prevent dental disease in
your new pet.
Rabies and Parasite Prevention
It is normally a law to have your pet
protected with annual rabies shots which in itself is as important as
recommended health vaccinations. Additionally, know the significance
of having your pet tested each year, through blood testing, for
heartworm so that you can begin a heartworm preventative program.
This is a disease that begins with the bite of an infected mosquito
and can be fatal for your pet if not protected and treated
immediately. Preventatives to avoid this devastating disease are
available in chewable tablets taken each month. You can also speak
with your vet about the vaccination preventative known as Pro Heart-6
which is an injection administered twice yearly. Some medications for
heartworm include formulas to prevent other parasites at the same
time such as some worms, fleas and ticks so be sure to inquire the
best option for your pet.
Training and Socializing your Pet
A good, happy healthy pet requires
training and socializing in order to be a respectable member of the
family. Along with housebreaking your pet, it will require basic
obedience training, despite its size and breed. Positive
reinforcement training always works best rather than using
punishment. Never raise your voice or hit the pet to get it to obey;
this never works. Pets are so eager to please an owner that it
realizes a good job through praise and rewards. A professional
trainer can help with the basic obedience training to get your pet on
the right path. Also introduce your pet to many other pets and people
when young so it learns to be a social, well-behaved and loving
creature.
Pet proofing your home and yard
For the safety of a new pet, you need
to pet-proof your home. Lay on the floor at the pet’s level and
look up to determine what lurks above that could endanger your new
family member. Remove toxic plants or keep them out of reach, cover
up electrical plugs and tie up loose cords, restrict small toys or
other items to a room away from the pet to avoid choking dangers and
keep all medications, cleaners and chemicals in locked up cabinets.
Examine your yard in the same fashion, avoid chemicals on the lawn or
provide a special dog pen to ensure a safe area for your pet.
To sum it all up, a close relationship
with your veterinarian will provide a good, healthy and happy pet,
along with proper training, socializing and plenty of TLC. Your pet
is relying on you for all its needs and, although it takes a little
time and effort on your part, all your attempts will be worth the
unconditional love and attention you get in return.
