About Pet Health

By Darlene Zagata

Instructions

The Facts

Step 1:
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, are prone to many of the same illnesses and diseases that affect humans. They can suffer from cancer, ulcers, vision problems, flu, allergies and more. It is important to realize that pets are just as easily affected by sickness as people. Prevention is one of the best ways to protect your pet's health.

Features

Step 1:
The first thing you should do when you acquire a new pet is to take the animal to the veterinarian for a complete examination. If your pet has not had his shots, your veterinarian will give the necessary vaccine or schedule appointments for the necessary immunizations. Recommended vaccines for dogs usually begin between 6 to 10 weeks of age and include distemper, parvovirus, rabies and canine hepatitis. Recommended vaccines for cats begin at approximately 8 to 10 weeks of age and include feline leukemia, rabies, panleukopenia and viral rhinotracheitis. Once your pet has had his initial medical examination, it is important to keep subsequent appointments.

Benefits

Step 1:
Feed you pet a balanced, nutritious diet. Use a quality pet food that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals your pet needs to maintain optimum health. Keep in mind that pets have different nutritional needs during the changing stages of life. For example, the nutritional needs of a growing puppy will differ from those of an aging dog. Check labels or consult with your veterinarian for a diet that best fits the nutritional needs of your pet. Feed your pet appropriate amounts of food two to three times a day. Feed portions according to the size and needs of your pet. Be sure your pet gets enough to eat, but be careful not to overfeed. Feeding your pet too much can lead to obesity and other health problems just as not feeding enough can lead to health problems resulting from malnutrition. You can also give your dog or cat a daily vitamin supplement to ensure she obtains the proper vitamins and minerals she needs for optimum health.

Identification

Step 1:
Treat your pet for any parasites that may be present such as worm, fleas or ticks. Puppies or kittens suffering from an infestation of worms often have a distended stomach that makes them look as if they've eaten way too much. Roundworms are common in dogs and cats. Puppies and kittens should be wormed as soon as they are old enough to rid them of infestation. The young offspring often acquire worms when they nurse from their mother. Cats often get worms through ingesting fleas during the grooming process. It is best to worm puppies and kittens at 6 weeks of age. Worm medication can be purchased in liquid or pill form. It is usually recommended that pets should be wormed again 10 to 14 days later. Some veterinarians recommend worming pets once every 30 days, since worm infestations tend to reoccur. Never worm a pregnant or nursing pet.

Effects

Step 1:
Eliminate and prevent flea infestations. Flea collars, shampoos and dips can help to keep fleas from becoming a problem. Most flea products should not be used on kittens or puppies under the age of 12 weeks. If you have a young pet with a flea infestation, take your pet to a veterinarian for proper treatment, since using various products on a young kitten or puppy could be harmful. Fleas can cause severe anemia in young pets, which could even result in death if not treated. Some cats and dogs also suffer from flea allergies, which can lead to skin irritation and hair loss. It is imperative to eliminate fleas to prevent such conditions from developing.

Significance

Step 1:
Pet-proof your home. Pets are often curious like children and tend to get into things that can be harmful to them. Keep all cleaning products in high places or out of the reach of your pets. Keep electrical cords out of sight where they won't be chewed on. If you have houseplants, make sure they are not poisonous to your pets. Cats and dogs tend to nibble on plants, and many plants can be poisonous if ingested by your pet. Prevent access to the garage area where pets could come in contact with products such as antifreeze, which can be deadly to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent unnecessary accidents. Prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Resources

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