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Home | Health


101 Ways to Avoid the Vet

By: Ed Bennett

Every year, pets and their owners visit the veterinary office to not only seek preventive pet health care but also to deal with injuries and illnesses. Proper at-home care often prevents minor problems from turning into more serious ones. Proper first aid procedures such as keeping minor wounds clean is such example.

Regular bathing and grooming helps prevent many skin irritations and reduces the chance of infection. Upset stomachs can be prevented by not feeding table scraps to dogs. Regular brushing can prevent hair balls in cats. Proper weight control and a balanced diet can lower the incidence of diabetes and inflammation of the colon.

No matter how careful pet owners are, there will be times when pets have to visit the vet. More and more pet owners consider their pets part of the family. As responsible pet owners, they readily turn to veterinary care for their ill or injured family members. However, with a few tips and basic knowledge of pet care, you can prevent many visits to the vet, so we put together a few of those tips for you:

General Tips:

1. Give your pet the best nutrition. Read the labels! Cheap food usually equals cheap quality.

2. Always have fresh water available. Change daily! Keep bowls clean.

3. Keep your pet groomed.

4. Give your pet enough exercise every day.

5. Keep the cage or housing area clean.

6. Prevent parasite infestation by treating your pet as well as the playing and sleeping areas.

7. Clean your pet's ears weekly.

8. Never leave your pet alone for a long period of time.

9. Do not leave children and pets unsupervised.

10. Keep your house pet safe by making electric cable and outlets unreachable.

11. Keep your pet warm in the winter and cool and hydrated in the summer.

12. Spent lots of quality time with your pet.

13. Never let your pet roam free unsupervised.

14. Make sure your pet gets all the vitamin and mineral supplements needed for healthy coats and a strong immune system.

15. Most pets need extra calcium for strong bones.

16. Prevent boredom by offering the appropriate toys and exercise to your pet.

17. Establish rules for the pet and the family members.

18. Always have first aid supplies handy, just in case.

19. Lock away household chemicals and other harmful substances.

20. Keep your doors and windows closed.

21. Keep other pets away or introduce them slowly.

22. Keep your pet safe from predators.

23. Chocolate is poisonous to every animal!

24. Never give an animal cow's milk, that includes canned evaporated milk!

25. Introduce a new diet or change the existing diet slowly.

26. Keep your pet's teeth clean.

27. Your pet needs a safe place to hide and sleep and get away from it all too.

28. Have a plan ready for disasters and emergencies; if you need to evacuate, where does the pet go?

29. Travel safety is important. Have a crate ready for each pet you own.

30. Clean the water and food bowls at least once a week.

31. De-worm your pet.

32. Once a month feel your pet's joints, see if you find any stiffness or swelling.

33. If you live alone, who takes care of your pet if something happens to you? Give your neighbour a key and a carry card with an explanation about your pets and their needs.

34. Animals are NOT little humans. The best gift you can give to your pet is to let it be a pet. Learn how your pet or his wild relatives live in their natural habitat so you can learn to understand their behavior better.

35. Vaccinate your pets. In some countries, the proper vaccines are available over the counter and you or an experienced friend can vaccinate your pets.

36. Make sure toys are big enough so the pet can't choke on them. Check all toys for any parts that may come off and pose a choking hazard.

37. Always do your research before deciding for the right pet for you and your family.

38. Insure your pet by purchasing a good pet insurance.

39. Pine Needles are toxic to your pet!

40. Keep in mind that your pet can suffer a heatstroke if left alone in the car for only 2 minutes!

41. Fireworks scare most animals and they can panic and run off and get hurt. If you know a firework is going to happen, lock your pet away safely.

42. Remove any ticks immediately! Ticks can cause Lyme Disease in animals and humans. Never put nail polish on the tick, but rather pull it out carefully with a pair of tweezers and flush it down the sink or toilet immediately. Disinfect your hands!

43. Do not shout, scream, or even hit your pet. All animals respond to calm, assertive leadership not emotional arguments or negotiations.

44. Disinfect and treat small cuts and scrapes immediately to prevent infections.

45. Keep your pet's nails short

46. Take a second look before you close any door, your pet might be right behind you!

47. Watch where you step if you have pets that are not caged.

48. If you move to a new place, introduce your pet slowly and give him or her some time to adjust to the new environment.

49. If your pet is on medication, follow the directions to the T!

50. Should you decide to get an exotic pet, please do your research before you bring him home.

51. The most important things for your pets are: Food and Water, Shelter, Discipline and Love.

Dogs:

1. Your dog is an animal, NOT a human. The most precious gift you can give your dog is to let him be one by setting rules, boundaries and limitations, as every pack leader would in the wild. Dogs are born followers. If they do not have a leader to follow they will easily become neurotic, fearful, aggressive, and can get hurt easily.

2. Different sizes of dogs need different nutrition. Do your research! Read the labels! Cheap dog food usually equals cheap quality.

3. Walking exercises your dog's body and stimulates his mind, so daily 45 minute walks are very strongly suggested. In their natural habitat, dogs earn food and water by walking and they get to experience the world. If a dog does not walk he does not eat. You can see how this activity exists deep within a dogs DNA, but too few dog owners recognize its importance. Feed after walking, never before!

4. Do not shout, scream, or even hit your dog. Dogs are animals, and they respond to calm, assertive leadership not emotional arguments or negotiations. Dogs that obey out of fear will most likely develop unwanted characteristics such as aggressiveness.

5. It is important that you have a 100% control over your dog at all times to prevent attacks, fights with other dogs, or running into the middle of the road, for example!

6. Teach your dog how to walk on the leash to have him under control. Walking in front of a dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader because position matters to a dog. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, hes the pack leader. Master the walk and your dog will relate to you as the pack leader, and accept his submissive role within the pack.

7. Insecure dogs can easily turn into fearful biters. It's up to you to make him feel secure. Do your research!

8. Do not let your dog bark and chase cars, people, cats, joggers, children on bicycles, etc..

9. Go to a dog training class to learn basic obedience.

10. Your dog does not like to be alone. Doggy day care and/or a dog walker will help him stay balanced if you have to work long hours.

11. Dogs like to be amongst their own kind. I suggest you have at least least 2 dogs that get along to keep each other company.

12. Check your dog for hotspots. They are easily treatable with over the counter medications.

13. In most countries dog owners can purchase the yearly dog vaccines (except rabies) over the counter. Make sure your dog stays up to date with the vaccines for: Distemper Adenovirus Type 2 Hepatitis Parainfluenza Parvovirus Leptospira can. Leptospira inct. and Coronavirus.

14. In many countries additional monthly Heartworm prevention is necessary.

15. Flea and tick prevention should be used year around.

16. Your dog's ears should be cleaned at least every 2 weeks. Be very careful with a q-tip, only clean the outer areas!

17. Your dog's teeth need special attention too. Offer him special treats and bones he can chew on. Avoid soft canned food!

18. Always secure your dog when traveling with him. Special dog safety harnesses for each dog is strongly advised.

19. Table scraps are a big NO NO. Many spices and human foods are poisonous to your canine companion. Chocolate is number 1 on the list!

20. Learn about the plants that can harm your dog.

21. Your dog needs rules, boundaries, and limitations. If you do not set them, the dog certainly will and eventually will hurt somebody or get hurt himself.

22. Your dog needs more than just physical exercise, he needs mental and psychotically exercise as well to become a balanced and healthy dog.

23. Give him rawhide bones, so he can keep his teeth strong.

24. Please have your dog spayed or neutered.

25. Project calm, assertive energy. This is the key to connecting with your dog, understanding him and keeping him out of harm's, and therefore the vet's way.

Cats:

1. Please spay or neuter your cat! There is absolutely no medical or behavioral reason for a cat to have a litter of kittens before she is spayed. It offers no benefits of any kind, and increases her risk of developing mammary cancer.

2. Pay special attention to your kitty's nutrition. Different ages need different nutrition. Read the labels!

3. Keep fresh water available at all times!

4. Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on counter tops.

5. Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny, and prevent hair balls. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hair balls. Hairball remedies are available in most pet stores.

6. Cat-proof your house, especially if you have a young kitten.

7. Give your cat dental treats and at-home dental care and cleaning regularly.

8. Ensure your cat avoids people foods as much as possible. Many of the human foods can be fatal to your cat.

9. Give your cat kitty treats only occasionally. They should compromise no more than 10% of his or her total daily diet.

10. Have a variety of feline-friendly toys available and encourage your cat to play for at least 15 minutes per day.

11. Travel with your cat in a protective cat carrier.

12. Make sure your cat has a proportional figure, with slightly padded ribs and a distinct waist.

13. Keep your cat safe and secure inside your home at all times.

14. It's not necessarily the water itself that seems to scare cats off, but rather the noise. If you introduce a cat to water slowly and make it a positive experience, monthly baths should be on the kitty care plan.

15. Cats like to be amongst their own kind. I strongly suggest to always have at least 2 cats to keep each other company if you have to work long hours.

16. When your cat gets older she needs nutritional supplements to prevent kidney and urinary tract problems, which are common in older cats.

17. In most countries cat owners can purchase the yearly cat vaccines (except rabies) over the counter. Make sure your cat stays up to date with the vaccines, you can give the vaccines yourself or let the vet do it.

18. Learn about the plants that are toxic to your cat.

19. Keep your cat's mind and body active.

20. Have an emergency and disaster plan ready. In case you have to evacuate, where does the cat go?

21. Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number.

22. Treat your cat for fleas. Many flea control products are not formulated specifically for cats or kittens. Read the label carefully, because products that are safe for dogs may be toxic to cats.

23. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the kitchen counter or any place you don't want your cat to go. Cats hate walking on foil, and your cat will soon learn what places are off limits.

24. If your cat gets something toxic on her fur, such as a gardening or cleaning product, it will end up in her system as she grooms. Wash all poisons immediately and thoroughly from your cat's coat.

25. Putting a bell on a cat does not protect neighborhood birds, and can drive a cat crazy. Studies show that belled cats simply learn how to hunt more quietly and efficiently. But meanwhile, the tinkling sound of the bell is annoying and disorienting to the cat, who relies heavily on her sense of hearing to get around.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

This article was written for Stoneways Pet Insurance as an acknowledged specialist on pet illness prevention and equine care.

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