Posted
June 06, 2016
Pet Appreciation Week is a time for us to celebrate the human-animal bond and how much our pets mean to us. The best way to do that? Be a good pet owner. Follow these tips to show how much you appreciate your pet.
Consider Financial Planning and Investing
- Wellness exams. Just like you should see your doctor for an annual checkup, your pet should visit a veterinarian for a yearly wellness exam. This helps in the early detection of medical problems and keeps your pet up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. Wellness exams also can save money by preventing and detecting problems before they become a serious—and more costly—medical condition.
- Alternative healthcare. Invest in treatments that will help your pet maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as acupuncture, massage, cold lasers, and special exercises. Treatments like these can be especially beneficial for pets with active lifestyles or a past injury.
- Emergency budget. Accidents happen! Be prepared for an emergency medical bill. Check with your veterinarian ahead of time to learn about any payment plans, credit, or insurance they may recommend.
Prioritize Standard Care
- Don’t wait. If your pet is sick or injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Know the location of the closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic.
- Constant clean up. Keep your house and yard clean. Make sure litter boxes and yard waste are cleaned up regularly.
- Consistent grooming. Bathe your pet regularly and make sure nails and fur are trimmed, especially around the eyes where hair can inhibit proper vision.
- Spay or neuter. Make sure your pet has had this important surgery.
- Stay in shape. Give your pet a nutritious and balanced diet with plenty of exercise.
- Hydrate. Your pet should always have access to clean water.
- Manage pain. Work with your veterinarian to make timely quality-of-life decisions for your pet.
Follow Safety Standards
- No hot dogs—or cats. Keep your pet out of hot vehicles.
- Stay secure. Make sure your pet is safely restrained while your vehicle is moving.
Identify Your Pet
- Updated documents. Make sure your pet’s microchip, tags, license, and registration are all updated.
Be Prepared
- Ready to go. Have an emergency kit in case of any immediate medical need and an evacuation bag in case of natural disasters or urgent situations.
- In case the worst should happen. If something happens and you are no longer able to take care of your pet, make sure you have made proper arrangements ahead of time so your pet still has a loving home.
