Did you know owning a pet can ease loneliness and lower stress and anxiety?

Owning an animal as a companion is said to boost your mental health, not to mention the likelihood of exercising and getting outside more. Pet ownership also benefits your children by instilling the heart of caring and developing a sense of responsibility. There are numerous benefits!

Of course, an essential part of pet care is ensuring they are healthy and happy. Like any other family member, we want them up, about, and around for as long as possible.

Here’s our guide to keeping your fur baby healthy.  

Four quick tips on how to keep your pet healthy.

The benefits of getting regular check-ups. There are significant benefits to having your pet undergo routine checks with a vet. First, it will help ensure they are treated for internal and external parasites. Also, regular visits help detect and diagnose early signs of disease, thereby leading to successful treatment.

The importance of vaccinations in protecting your pets. Vaccinations are crucial in preventing and treating diseases in pets. There are several life-threatening diseases against which your pet should be inoculated. Here’s a list to keep in mind:

Dogs

• Parvovirus.
• Canine Distemper.
• Leptospirosis.
• Adenovirus.
• Para influenza.
• Canine coronavirus.

Cats

• Viral rhinotracheitis.
• Panleukopenia.
• Calicivirus.

Also, be sure your veterinary practitioner provides you with a health card after the first vaccination.

Know when your pet needs deworming. Deworming is critical in maintaining our furry companions’ health, which we often overlook. However, doing so can result in disastrous consequences from not eating, to death in extreme cases.

Some signs you can be mindful of are a pot belly or distended stomach, pale gums, which indicate anaemia or dehydration, weight loss, vomiting, appetite loss, or lethargy.

Consult with your local vet to determine the deworming medication most suitable for your pet and to establish a deworming schedule to keep your pet on the right track.

Know when to treat your pets for parasites. Ticks and fleas are external parasites that affect dogs, cats, and livestock at all life stages.

They can transmit fatal diseases to these animals. Early signs your pet is under attack include itching, skin irritation, listlessness and sometimes even loss of appetite. If you notice any of these, it is best to contact your local veterinary clinic for an examination and to discuss methods you can use to prevent them from recurring.

Keep a record of your pet’s vaccination and parasite control.

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We may focus on grooming and feeding when we think of pet care. While these are essential, we can’t afford to neglect the medical aspects of pet maintenance. Routine check-ups, scheduled vaccinations, deworming and parasite control help keep your pet healthy.

You can stay on top of your pet’s health with its clinic card. Store it safely and remember to take it each time you visit the vet.

Do you need to find a vet or buy pet supplies? Search theGuernseyDirectory.com.

Sources: Pet Paradise & Livestock Supplies and Help Guide.