Tips to Protect Pets

Science has shown that a pet can help improve a person’s health and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a cat or a dog person, one thing is for sure — you want the best for your animal companion. Pets can catch different types of diseases, which can make them sick. These disease affect their quality of life and can be passed on to you. 

1. Keep Up with Vaccinations

One of the best ways you can protect your pet from disease is with vaccines. Some diseases you can help prevent include:

•  Bordetella
• ‌ Distemper
• ‌ Heartworms
• ‌ Intestinal worms
• ‌ Leptospirosis
• ‌ Lyme disease
• ‌ Parvovirus

•  Rabies

2. Use Preventative Medications
Fleas and ticks are common issues for cats and dogs, especially ones that spend time outside. These parasites are irritating and can carry disease. Ticks can spread:

 Anaplasmosis
‌ Bartonella
‌ Lyme disease
‌ Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

3. Check Over Your Pets When They Come Inside
If your pet spends any amount of time outside, it’s always a good idea to check them over for fleas and ticks — even if you’re using preventative medicines. Be sure to check indoor pets regularly if they live with another animal that goes outside. If you do find a tick, remove it as soon as possible to lower the risk of your pet getting sick or developing an infection. If you’re having trouble removing the tick yourself, call your vet to schedule an appointment. 


4. Get Routine Vet Visits
While pets often show signs of illness, some symptoms aren’t always noticeable right away. Annual (or twice yearly) wellness exams by a professional vet can help uncover issues, including diseases, that you might not know your pet has.

5. Schedule an Appointment if Your Pet Shows Signs of Illness

Your pet can get many diseases that will cause various symptoms. For instance, symptoms of parvovirus (a disease affecting the small intestines) can include lethargy, loss of appetite, and bloody diarrhea.

6. Keep Pets Away from Wildlife

Wild animals like raccoons, opossums, and others can carry diseases that may spread to your pet if they are bitten or scratched. You can keep your pets safe by making sure they are away from wildlife. If your pets go outdoors, walk them on a leash or keep them in a fenced yard.

7. Watch What Your Pet Eats

A healthy diet is important for your pets. Some pets, however, are curious and may tip over the trash can to see what’s inside. When they do, they might decide to ingest spoiled food, which could have bacteria or parasites on it. You should avoid letting your pets share a community water bowl, such as one at the park. 

8. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

Since many diseases can pass from animals to humans, taking care of yourself is important, too. To avoid catching anything, always wash your hands thoroughly after petting, handling pet food and treats, and cleaning up after them. If your pet isn’t sick, maintain good practice anyway by washing your hands. 

Other Precautions:

• You should have a good quality photograph of your pet showing any distinctive characteristics he or she may have. In case your pet ever gets lost, this photograph could be invaluable.
• Never tie your pet up outside a store or a public place.
• Never leave your pet in parked car if only for “just a minute.”
• Never place a”free to good home ad”. That is an invitation for “bunchers”, people who collect animals for unscrupulous purposes.
• Pet theft is widespread. It is not confined to “bad” neighborhoods. Read more about Stolen Pets
• Finally, never, never leave your pet unattended. We have had reports of pets snatched from fenced yards, front porches, even parked cars.