This Issue’s Healthful Hint

You want to make sure your companion animal lives its very best life. Here are a few hints to ensure that.

1. Regular Exams are Vital. The best way to prevent problems or catch them early is to see your veterinarian every year.
2. Spay and Neuter Your Pets. This procedure can be performed as early as six to eight weeks of age.
3. Prevent Parasites. Year-round prevention is key.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight. Easier said than done, right but the key is your companion animal need far fewer calories than most of us think. Talk to your vet about feeding suggestions.
5. Get Regular Vaccinations. How often your dog or cat needs to be immunized depends on their age, lifestyle, health and risks.
6. Provide an Enriched Environment. Pets need mental stimulation which can mean daily walks for the dog and scratching posts, window perches and toys for the cat.
7. Microchip and Tattoo Your Pet. A microchip is inserted under the skin in less than a second and can identify a lost pet in a matter of moments.
8. Pets Need Dental Care. Your pet can suffer from gum disease, tooth loss and tooth pain. Regular brushing and oral cleanings help keep their teeth strong and healthy.
9. Never Give Pets People Medication. Human drugs can cause kidney damage, seizures and cardiac arrest in your companion animal.
10. Proper Restraint in a Vehicle. Sure the dog loves to stick their head out the window but just image what can happen if you get into an accident.