New Year, New Pet? 5 Tips!
Many of us have adopted pets around the holidays. Here are 5 tips on how to keep your new pet healthy all year!
Veterinary Care
That’s right! Have you brought your new one to see us or a veterinarian you trust yet? It is important to make sure they are healthy from the beginning so they do not spread diseases or parasites to you or your other pets at home. Make an appointment as close as you can to your adoption date so you can be sure you are starting off on the right foot.
Diet
Diet is very important for your new pet. Make sure your veterinarian gives their recommendation for your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle. We recommend Hill’s, Purina ProPlan, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Iams as the top 5 pet foods that are well balanced and specific for your pet’s health.
Exercise
Now is the time to get out there and start exercising! There is never a “best” time to start, just start now. Dogs and cats need exercise to keep their mind happy and stimulated. There are amazing toys available out there to help as well like puzzles, cat treadmills, and so much more!
Hygiene
Hygiene is very important to keep your pet healthy and happy. Regular nail trims, brushing, anal gland expressions, baths, etc can help your pet have less veterinary visits due to issues with grooming. Hair can get matted and painful, nails can grow out and into the paw pads, dirt and grime encourage skin issues and parasites. Keeping your pet clean and maintained will extend their lives and make them happier.
Training
The best thing to do is start training your pet, (yes, even you cats can be trained!) This is so important in life to help you both understand what each other wants and needs. From basic handling skills (feet, face, ears) to more advanced training, teaching your pet how to communicate is essential for a long-lasting, stress-free relationship. We love positive reinforcement training and Dr. Sophia Yin is a good resource for this.
