10 Things Pet Owners Need To Know About Pet Care

10 Things Pet Owners Need To Know About Pet Care

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Historians are still unaware when humans started domesticating animals. Dogs were one of the first animal species to be domesticated by humans and have been a faithful companion since then. Ancient Romans are believed to have kept dogs, birds, cats, and horses as their pets while Buddhist monks in China raised goldfishes as their pets.

In the Middle Age, people who were able to afford an extra mouth were the only ones who had pets. Sometime during the Middle Age, people who owned cats were executed citing that they were into witchcraft. It was during this time that dogs gained popularity as pets. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have had a guinea pig as her pet. Today pets are a part of almost every household. Dogs and cats are among the most common pets found in houses all around. There are some things that a pet owner should take care of to ensure the welfare of their pets. Whether it is planning their diet or ordering pet meds like Revolution, it's important to take care of your pets.

1. Regular Examinations Are Crucial

Like us, pets are also susceptible to heart problems, toothache, or arthritis and other health complications. The best way for both of you and your pet to avoid any such problems is to get regular checkups. Visit the veterinarian at least once or twice a year with your pet. Regular exams are an important practice that keeps your pet healthy. These vet visits should cover all the basics about keeping your pet healthy, including nutrients and dietary advice, vaccination, parasite control, dental exams, and health screening.

2. Spaying and Neutering

Around 8 million to 10 million pets end up in home shelters every year. Some are either lost pets, been abandoned by their owners, or just homeless. There's an easy and effective way to reduce these numbers. Spaying and neutering your pets may sound extreme but it can benefit your pet in many ways. It can be performed as early as 6 to 8 weeks. These not only lessens the number of pets which can get lost or go homeless, but studies have shown that it also has health benefits. A previously conducted study showed that neutering and spaying can save pets from getting certain cancers and they also lose the tendency to roam which increases the chance of them getting lost.

3. Preventing Parasites

Fleas are the most common parasites found among pets. They are pests that can cause an uncontrollable itch to pets which can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection. Fleas are also responsible for introducing other parasites to your pets. If your dog or cat eats a flea, there is a high probability that they will get a tapeworm.

Tapeworms are the most common internal parasite affecting cats and dogs. The only way around this problem is prevention. Year-round prevention by keeping your pets clean and having regular flea and parasite control with pet meds like Revolution as well as heartworm prevention in endemic areas. Since some parasite medications made for dogs can be fatal for cats, talk to your vet first before getting any pet meds like Revolution.

4. Maintaining the Weight of Your Pets

Many dogs and cats around Canada are overweight or obese. This is due to several owners overfeeding their pets. Just like in humans, obesity in pets can also lead to serious health issues like cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. Overfeeding is the only cause that has been found to be leading to pet obesity. Experts say that trimming the diet for pets can add years to their lives. Pets need very few calories to stay healthy and fit. A small, inactive dog requires around 185-370 calories a day and for a 10-pound cat around 240-350 calories per day. For a better understanding, talk to your vet first before making any significant changes to your pet's diet.

5. Vaccinate Your Pets Regularly

For your pet's optimal health, it is imperative to have them vaccinated regularly. It is to prevent them from catching some common yet deadly diseases such as rabies, feline leukemia, and canine hepatitis. How often your cat or dog or bird might need a vaccination depends on the age of your pet, lifestyle, current health condition etc. You would need to talk to your vet about the vaccinations so that you choose the right vaccine at the right time.

6. Keep a Friendly Environment

A friendly and enriched environment is one of the key factors for a pet's overall development. Both canine and feline pets benefit from a friendly environment. Pets need mental stimulation, which means you would need to take your beloved pet for a walk once every day. Scratching posts, chew toys, window perches etc. are other things you can take care of to give your pet a rich and friendly environment. Setting aside some playtime with your pet can go a long way in developing a bond, and also gives your four-legged companion a mental boost.

7. ID Your Pet

Lack of identification is the leading cause of pets being lost frequently. Animals aren’t expected to stay at one place. They have a tendency to roam and run around. When they roam far away exploring new territories, they tend to get lost. Especially, if the roaming territory is located in a city (animals can find their way back in the wild using smell.) Getting an ID for your pet can go a long way in keeping your pets safe and with you at all time. The stats state that as little as 14% of the pets make their way back home once they have ventured out of their known territory. There are alternatives like ID microchips available for pet owners. It is about the size of a rice grain and is embedded under the skin in less than a second. Make sure to register the chip with the chip maker.

8. Proper Dental Care

Just like human beings, pets also have the tendency to get dental problems like gum diseases, tooth loss, and tooth pain. Like us, this can be avoided by regular brushing and oral cleaning. Experts believe that dental illnesses are among the most avoidable diseases in pets and yet most pet owners do not take care of their pet's health. Approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental illnesses by the age of three, which leads to abscesses, loose teeth, and chronic pain. Apart from providing expert dental care, most problems can be avoided by proper care by the owner. Brushing, oral rinses, and dental treats are definitely helpful.

9. Don't Give Human Medication to Pets

Medicines made for humans can be lethal to your pets and even cause death. In fact, the ASPCA published a list in 2010 that enlisted human medicines as one of the top 10 pet toxins. Medicines like ibuprofen, and naproxen are the most common pet poisons. Anti-depressants, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and acetaminophen are some of the medications that pose serious health risk to pets. Human drugs can cause serious health issues for your pets like seizures, brain damage, and cardiac arrest. If in case you think your pet has consumed your medication, you should immediately contact the Animal Poison Control Center.

10. Proper Traveling Arrangement

When you travel you follow proper safety protocols like wearing a seat belt. The same applies for pets too. There are certain things that should be taken care of before traveling with your pets to ensure that they are safe when something drastic like an accident occurs.

  • Never travel with the pets in the front seat as they are not safe and always have a risk of injury if the airbags deploy.
  • Don't allow dogs to travel with their head outside the window or on the back of the truck without any protection. This can end badly for both the pet and you in case of an accident.
  • To keep your pets safe, use carriers to travel with your cat, and secure the carrier with a seat belt. For, dogs there are a couple of options like a special harness embedded into the seat belt, or a kernel.

If you follow these practices, you can take care of for pets throughout their lifetime and ensure they spend a long and healthy life. Be sure to check with your local veterinarian first before applying any of the above-mentioned tips for your pet. Always make sure to use drugs like Revolution pet meds through a veterinarian's prescription.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for your pet. See your veterinarian for medical advice and treatment for your pet if you have any concerns.


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