Your pet needs constant care and attention and should be treated like any other family member. Remember, pets are loyal friends but require grooming, and someone (you) will have to make sure their health is in top condition. But many struggle to keep their pets healthy as they rarely know anything regarding the topic and struggle to keep their loved ones in shape. In the text below, we’ll disclose some useful tips that might prove to be true lifesavers.
Protection against parasites
It is very important that your pets are regularly treated against parasites, both internal and external. Intestinal parasites are very often present in the digestive tract of young animals and can seriously threaten the health of your pet. Also, it is very important to note that some types of parasites in dogs and cats are zoonotic, which means that they can be transmitted to humans, so regular cleaning also protects your health.
Fleas are the most common problem in our area. They can lead to dermatological problems in the form of scratching, hair loss, and skin changes such as redness and sores. Also, fleas are transitional hosts for some types of intestinal parasites, so your pet risks becoming infected if it ingests a flea.
Ticks are also a big problem. Very often, they are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for dogs. It should also be noted that dirofilariasis (heartworm), which is most often transmitted by mosquitoes, is also present.
Having an insurance plan for your pet
Pet insurance has become increasingly popular over the past few years, as sometimes unexpected health complications can become costly. Therefore, having pet insurance allows you to be prepared for the worst possible scenario. As the professionals at Waggel explain, with the right insurance, you can easily have annual coverage, even if it’s thousands of dollars, and make sure the coverage protects you from whatever comes your way. Furthermore, most agencies offer adaptable and adjustable rates to suit everyone’s budget, making it more accessible to people.
Vaccination against infectious diseases
Although vaccination against infectious diseases is not mandatory by law, the absolute recommendation of every veterinarian is to protect your pet from these diseases with proper vaccination.
For dogs, these vaccines are usually polyvalent and contain protection against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and leptospirosis. It is important to note that all these diseases are present in most regions, and if an animal falls ill, treatment and full recovery are extremely uncertain. The first vaccine is given at the age of 6 – 8 weeks, followed by revaccination after 4 weeks. It is important to note that contact between the puppy and other dogs should be prevented until the entire immunization process has passed.
Maintaining a normal body weight
Recently, excess body weight has been a growing problem in veterinary medicine. Obesity affects the work of the musculoskeletal system, putting a strain on it, and resulting in arthritis and spine diseases. Just like in humans and in your pets, obesity is associated with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as diabetes.
Take into account what your pet’s actual daily needs are. If your pet does not go outside or only goes for short walks, reduce its daily meals. Also, it is important to avoid giving food outside of meals and not overindulge in giving treats that can be very high in calories.
A healthy environment
A pet is not an object. Your pet needs your attention and mental stimulation every day. We mean regular dog walks with play several times a day. For cats, it is important to provide a place to scratch and enough toys. Such activities contribute to maintaining the muscle tone of your pet and also contribute to your mutual rapprochement.
Drugs and medication
Dogs and cats have a significantly different metabolism than us, so giving them some preparations used in human medicine could be fatal for your pet. The most used drugs are the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include aspirin and ibuprofen, which owners not infrequently give to their pets, even though just one dose of these preparations can cause profuse bleeding from the digestive tract, with possible permanent consequences for the health of your pet.
Additional advice:
Like you, your pet can have problems with gums and teeth. Regular maintenance of oral hygiene will help your pet’s teeth and gums stay healthy. There are a significant number of products on the market that help prevent the appearance of plaque and tartar.
If the stones have already formed, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian, who will remove them with an ultrasound machine.
When traveling in your vehicle, it is necessary to protect your pet as well as yourself. If you have a small dog or cat, it is recommended that you drive them in the carrier, and if you have a large dog, you can place it in the back seat, where it would be preferable to tie it with a special belt for that purpose.
In Conclusion
Keep your pet safe and happy, and make sure they’re always loved and cared for; they are, after all, living beings who deserve your attention and time.
