How to be a Responsible & “PAW”-some Parent!

February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month and an opportune time for all of us to brush up on our pet parenting skills and become “paw”-some parents! Owning a pet takes a lot of love and commitment, but if you follow this checklist of simple steps, you will be on your way to becoming a more conscious, caring, and responsible pet owner.

1. Spay or Neuter your Pet.

Unless you intend on breeding your furry friend, you should have your pet spayed or neutered. Not only does it prevent overpopulation, but it also reduces the risk of certain types of cancers.

2. Schedule Annual Veterinary Check-ups

It is important that your pet be physically evaluated by a medical professional at least once a year. This allows the Veterinarian to physically check your pet for abnormalities and to provide up-to-date vaccinations when necessary. Since your pet’s can’t talk, preventative care is the best and safest option for their continued health.

3. Brush your teeth!

Most bacteria and dental disease occur below the gum line where its damage isn’t immediately visible. If left unchecked, advanced periodontal disease could lead to tooth loss and possibly infect other organs through the bloodstream. The single most important thing you can do to maintain your pet’s dental health in between professional cleanings is to regularly brush their teeth at home.

4. Find my iPet!

Microchip your pet and make sure they are wearing a collar with their ID information at all times. The only exception would be when they are in a crate- the tags can easily get stuck in the crate potentially harming your dog. While the Microchip won’t serve as a GPS like the actual “Find my iPhone” app, it will provide proof that your pet is in fact yours in case they wander off.

5. Pet Proof Your Home

The list of things that are toxic to your pet grows every year. Some well-known toxins are: amaryllis, lilies, chocolate, onions, grapes, peach pits, household chemicals, anti-freeze, and pesticides. This past year Xylitol, a sweetener found in everything from toothpaste, to peanut butter, to gum, was found to be toxic to animals. What’s most important is that you READ the ingredients. Also make sure cords, wires, live electricity, etc. are either hidden or out of the way of your pets reach.

6. Train your Pet

This is a hard one that takes a lot of commitment. Training your pet creates a healthy, necessary dynamic between you and your pet. Plus, no one likes to visit someone’s home where their pets sniff, crawl, drool, and bark all over you. Consult with your veterinarian about basic pet training tricks. It might seem hard in the beginning but just remember consistency is key!

7. Nutrition: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

What’s more important than feeding your pet? WHAT you feed your pet. Just like your Mother always said, “ eat your vegetables!”, it is equally important for your pet.   We usually recommend a home-cooked high protein diet of 80% protein and 20% of fruits and vegetables. There are also a variety of mainstream dry and wet pet foods that will work just as effectively.   However, make sure to READ all the ingredients- many pet related food products contain fillers and carbohydrates instead all the good stuff.

8. Exercise & Play

This is a no-brainer. Your pet wants and needs exercise, walks and play time everyday! Playing is a great way to engage them in some one-on-one bonding time and also get them active and moving. Make sure fresh water is plentiful and available to them at all times, especially after a good workout.

9. Be Prepared: first aid kit, muzzle, water dishes on the go

You should always be prepared in case of emergency. Keep a first aid kit at home and in the car, keep a muzzle on hand when you are out with other dogs, keep water dishes filled with fresh water, and make sure you have a water dish for on-the-go!

1. Know your Pet’s Behavior

The most important part of being a responsible and “paw”-some parent is to familiarize yourself with your pet’s habits and language. This allows you to potentially detect when something is wrong. Knowing the difference between your pets normal behavior versus abnormal behavior will also help your veterinarian to diagnose potential issues.

 ABOUT US

Animal Health Center at Veterinary Village is a family-owned state-of-the-art animal hospital located in the heart of Westchester County. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and are passionate about educating our clients on healthy lifestyles. To make an appointment with one of our veterinarians please call (914) 941-4904. For more information on our services, please visit our website at www.emergencyvet.org.