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Pet Tips

Preparing for a New Pet

1. Set responsibilities in the household to care for your new addition: Feeding, walking, grooming, and set any rules for your pet. You may not want your pet in certain rooms, on furniture, etc.

2. Have food, bowls, a leash, collar, grooming products ready for your pet.

3. Introduce your pet to any other pets you may have gradually. You may keep them in separate areas of the house and in different kennels, gradually introducing them, and be sure to supervise until you are sure they are comfortable around each other.

4. New pets may chew on cords, possessions, tiny objects, so be sure to pet-proof your home.

Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Having your pet(s) spayed or neutered has numerous benefits. This is a safe procedure done by a veterinarian, and such benefits include:

1. Prevents pregnancy complications

2. Does away with the heat cycle, which may attract unwanted animals

3. Reduces your pets desire to fight with other animals

4. Reduces territorial behavior

5. There are not enough loving homes available to adopt all the needy pets. Pets in humane societies, animal shelters, and dog pounds are looking for loving homes, and those unfortunate to not be placed in homes are often euthanized. Getting your pet spayed or neutered helps to end this cycle.

Noticing the Signs of a Sick Pet
Be sure to provide your pet with proper vaccination and medical care to prevent illness as much as possible. Listed are some guidelines in recognizing a sick pet:

1. Change in appetite/Change in weight

2. Nausea/Diarrhea

3. Noticeable lumps

4. Large amounts of fur loss

5. Constant sneezing/coughing

6. Discharge from eyes/nose

7. Stiffness/weakness

8. Trouble with urinating/defecating

If you recognize that you have a sick pet, be sure to call or visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure your pets safety. These are simply guidelines, and any sudden change in a pet should be reported to your veterinarian.