01/14/2025
Planning on expanding your family this year? Here are some things to keep in mind whether you’re a new pet owner or an experienced one.
1.Spaying and/or neutering is very important for your pet and our community. Spaying or neutering can help control the homeless animal population. On top of that, it helps with your pet’s health and longevity. Spaying can prevent uterine infections, as well as uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. While neutering helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
2. Preventive care is the best way to keep your pet happy and healthy. Heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites can be a big problem without the right preparation – which could be as simple as a monthly preventive! Vaccines are another sure way to help your companion stay healthy longer. Vaccines exist for dogs and cats to help stave off viruses that can be debilitating, expensive, and deadly.
3.Regular wellness exams are your opportunity to make sure your pet stays healthy. Both dogs and cats can be very good at hiding pain or illness, so it’s important to take them for regular checkups. That way, your vet can catch any problems as early as possible.
4.Just like us, our pets require a complete, healthy diet combined with regular exercise. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight helps prevent a number of illnesses including obesity, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and cancer. Start your pet on the right track with planned, balanced meals (not grazing), and daily activity. Dogs need at least 30 minutes, but length and type of activity depends on the breed and age of the dog. Cats generally need about three 5 minute play sessions a day.
5. It’s estimated that 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have dental disease, and 70% of cats over the age of 3 have dental disease. While it builds slowly, dental disease is a serious topic that can lead to bone loss, jaw fractures, and disease of the heart, liver, and kidney. Regular teeth cleanings by your vet and daily brushing at home can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy.
Keep these things in mind and you should have plenty of wonderful years with your furry friend to look forward to! If you have any questions about bringing a new pet into your family, feel free to give us a call today.
Ospika Animal Hospital has proudly provided veterinary services to Prince George and the surrounding community for over 30 years!
