If you own a pet, then you know the joy they bring into your life. The unconditional love between a dog or cat and its owner can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. But as they help to keep you mentally healthy, it’s your job to return that favor and make sure your furry friend leads a happy life as well. Here are some basic tips to help ensure your pet is on the right track to a happy life.
Keep your dogs and cats healthy and happy by requesting more info from Valley Animal Hospital!
Spaying or Neutering
Don’t contribute to the overcrowding of the country’s animal shelters. Spay or neuter your pet and stop the overpopulation of homeless animals. The procedure can be done to an animal as young as six to eight weeks old. Spaying or neutering your pet also prevents your dog from peeing excessively or acting aggressively. The procedure is also known to reduce roaming, which reduces the possibility of losing a dog or cat.
Checkups and Vaccinations
Make sure you take your pet for regular checkups. Visits to Valley Animal Hospital will keep you updated on your pet’s health and bring to light any illnesses your pet may be suffering from. This will also allow you to keep tabs on your dog’s weight.
Vaccinations are extremely important for your pets and can help prevent rabies, distemper, feline leukemia and canine hepatitis. Find out everything you need to know about getting your dog immunized by scheduling an appointment with Valley Animal Hospital.
Microchipping
Annually, 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States according to the American Humane Association. But with new microchip technology, lost pets can be easily found. A chip the size of a grain of rice can be inserted underneath your dog or cat’s skin. If they go missing, animal control or veterinarians can scan the chip to identify the dog and its owner.
Stopping Parasites
Learn about fleas, ticks and heartworms and how they affect your pet. Fleas are the most common types of parasites, and although they may seem harmless, they can result in dry skin and infections. Tapeworms are the most common internal parasites among cats and dogs. Find out about different methods to fight parasites and prevention techniques.
Dental Care
Just like humans, pets should regularly have their teeth checked. Approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease signs by the age of three according to WebMD. It’s important to brush and treat your pet’s teeth to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and pain.
Buckling Up
Taking your dog for a ride in your car can be fun for the two of you, but it’s important that your pet is secured properly. A loose and unsecured animal may be a distraction during the drive and can cause an accident. Make sure cats and small dogs are confined in a pet carrier. Large animals should be carried in a kennel or secured with a car harness. Be sure your pet rides in the backseat because airbags that deploy in a crash can be harmful to your furry friend riding in the front seat.
Visit Us Today!
Valley Animal Hospital can help ensure a happy life for you and your pet. Make an appointment with our pet hospital in McAllen today to find out what your dog needs to stay healthy and lead a longer life.
