Puppies and Kittens!
Here are some puppy and kitten tips to help get your new family members off to good start!
- Choose your new pet wisely. When choosing a puppy, evaluate your situation, what your expectations are for this pet, and the breed that's right for you.
- Set up a preventative health care program with your veterinarian as early as possible.
- Give your veterinarian as much information as possible about your new pet-age, where acquired and vaccination records.
- Follow your veterinarian's schedule for initial and booster vaccinations.
- Have your puppy or kitten examined for internal parasites as early as possible; severe cases can severely weaken, or even kill, your new pet. Multiple treatments are often necessary.
- Start and keep your puppy and kitten on heartworm prevention year round to protect against heartworm disease. A monthly tablet can protect your friend from a mosquito-carried disease that can kill.
- Discuss the important benefits of spaying or neutering your pet with your veterinarian.
- Pet proof your home to help eliminate unsafe conditions and substances. Know the plants and foods that are toxic to pets (not just dogs and cats, but most all animals).
- Provide suitable shelter to protect your pet from extreme weather conditions (hot and cold) and other dangers. In the south, protecting your pet from the extreme heat can be a matter of life and death.
- Teach your pet basic obedience which may help save his or her life.
- Exercise your pet daily for fun and fitness.
- Pets may start to suffer from the relentless itch of allergies. Know the signs and how to soothe your tormented pet.
