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Vets
agree that the best medical care happens on a daily basis. A loving
home, a good diet, plenty of exercise, and regular grooming will go a
long way toward keeping your pet healthy and happy.
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Good
Nutrition is essential to your pet’s well-being
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Establish and maintain a regular feeding
schedule.
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Choose a good quality food that is balanced in
nutrients. Read the ingredients. Don’t be fooled by gums,
starches, or fillers. These add calories, not nutrition.
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Add fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains to
your pet’s diet.
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Take time, perhaps a period of weeks, to
gradually introduce new foods to your pet so that its digestive
system can adapt.
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Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause
heart failure in pets. NEVER give chocolate to your pet.
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Do not overfeed your pet. The number one
problem in the pet population is obesity. Excess weight can
contribute to serious health problems.
Water
is necessary for all living things
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Fresh, clean water must be readily available at
all times.
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If your pet has a cold or is under the weather,
encourage your pet to drink in order to avoid dehydration.
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Milk, soda, and other “people” drinks will
upset your pet’s system and in many cases are harmful. These
should not be given to your pets.
Staying
in shape means plenty of exercise
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Daily exercise will help your pet stay fit and
healthy.
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Be sure your pet has enough space to freely run
and move about.
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Use time together to engage your pet in active
play.
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Give your pet toys that encourage it to
stretch, reach, chase, and scamper.
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Provide opportunities for your pet to exercise
its brain as well as its body. Mazes, obstacle courses, and trick
training give your pet a chance to focus and use brain cells.
Practice good
hygiene for your pet’s sake…and yours
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Always wash your hands before and after
handling or playing with your pet. This prevents the sharing of
germs.
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Clean and disinfect your pet’s food and water
containers daily. Use hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
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Clean and disinfect your pet’s living area
and litter box weekly to remove food residue, excretion, and
bacteria.
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Keep your pet’s nails and beak trimmed.
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Bathe or groom your pet. Consult your vet to
find out how often to do this and what kind of soap to use. Be sure
to gently clean your pet’s ears.
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Pets with fur should be brushed often to
eliminate dandruff and dry skin.
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Keep your pet’s teeth clear of cavity-causing
plaque by brushing them once a week or by providing crunchy snacks.
Your pet’s environment should be clean and loving
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In dry locales, be sure your pet’s
environment has enough humidity, or moisture in the air.
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Be sure outdoor pets have adequate protection
from the weather—sun, rain, and cold.
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Pets are very sensitive to smoke from
fireplaces and second-hand smoke. Be sure your pet’s area is
well-ventilated.
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Cold-blooded creatures, like reptiles and fish,
need to stay warm (around 85-90 degrees). Provide heat lamps or
warmers as needed to maintain this temperature.
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Protect outlets and electrical plugs from
curious paws and chewing instincts.
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Be sure your pet has a screened or private
place to go when it wants to be alone.
There are times when the answer is “See the Vet”
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There is no substitute for regular veterinary
care. Be sure your pet sees the vet for an annual checkup.
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Keep a sharp out for changes in your pet’s
appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, bathroom habits, or
personality. If you notice a serious change, call your vet for
advice.
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If your pet has a vomiting episode that lasts
more than 24 hours, call your vet.
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Excessive itching, scratching, or hair/feather
loss may be a sign of disease. Contact your vet.
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Lumps, bumps or other irregularities under the
skin or in the mouth should be examined by your vet.
Remember, the most important health care tip: love
your pet and give it lots of attention.
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