New Year Resolutions can be tough to keep but where our pets are concerned they can also save us heart ache and expensive vets’ bills during the year. Here’s our list of favourites:
- Book my pet’s annual checkup. Do this before the end of January or the intention will be forgotten as the year gets busier. An annual checkup can detect early signs of disease and, as we all know, the sooner disease or illness is treated, the more successful the outcome.
- Discuss my pet’s age and life stage with my vet. As our pets age, so their needs change. A pet older than 7 years, for example, should change his diet. Ageing also affects mobility so exercise routines and access to sleeping places (like the bed or sofa) may need to be altered.
- Ensure my pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations are your pet’s best protection against highly contagious diseases like distemper and parvovirus which can be picked up in the dog park or from a neighbour’s wandering pet. These deadly illnesses are expensive to treat and have poor outcomes.
- Get my pet microchipped. It’s always on our list of to-dos and then… our pet goes missing and the heartache is intense. Don’t wait. It’s quick, inexpensive, painless and is your best bet of being reunited should your pet wander.
- Draw up a parasite protection calendar and stick it on your fridge. It’s easy to forget when last you gave your dog or cat parasite control, especially if they last several months. Keep a note on the fridge to remind you. Remember that even in winter these nasties will find their way into your pet’s fur or tummy and the consequences could be deadly.
- Pledge to be a better pet parents. Walk your dog every day, play with your cat, feed only pet-friendly treats, ensure there is fresh water and shelter from the sun or rain at all times, don’t leave your pet alone for long periods. Love is wonderful but love alone is not enough; pets have the same basic needs that we do.
- Book a dental appointment. An astonishing 85% of all pets experience gum disease by the age of 3; that’s because they can’t brush their teeth and we don’t. Get your pet’s teeth cleaned and polished at your vet and ask about a daily dental routine. There are all sort so things you can do at home to help keep your pet’s teeth disease-free.
- Plan, don’t be impulsive. It’s so easy to fall for a tiny kitten or plump puppy but there are a host of considerations before adopting a new baby into your house such as how your other pets will handle the new arrival, the space you have, holiday arrangements and your own age and life stage. Be careful of being a fashion victim and adopting a popular breed. You may be incompatible! https://www.ebervet.com/are-you-the-righ…ner-for-that-dog/
