Lesson 2: Responsible Pet Ownership
Pet Care
Good nutrition plays a significant role in disease prevention and fewer medical expenses. You will want to consider the special nutritional requirements of your pet’s particular species, life stage, health condition, and energy expenditure. Pet food labels are required by law to list the ingredients on the package, however, some protein sources are more usable by the pet’s body than others. When a label states, “made with”, it means just that, and may contain only a tiny amount of that ingredient. If it states, “flavored” it doesn’t have to contain any of that ingredient, only its flavor. High quality ingredients are more easily digested and will provide more nutrition for the cost. Lower priced foods are generally of lower quality products. Feeding a product from a trusted manufacturer is usually best.
Recently it has been found that some of the quick growth, nutrient dense puppy foods may actually contribute to bone deformities of some breeds, particularly large breeds. It is wise to discuss nutrition for your pet with your veterinarian.
Fresh water should be available at all times. Stainless steel bowls that do not tip over readily are easiest to keep clean.
Your pet will need proper bedding and shelter. An outside shelter will need to adequately protect from heat, cold and precipitation. It can be filled with straw and strategically placed out of the wind in winter and in the shade in the summer. Inside pets will need their own bedding, crate, den, or nesting box. Hay, alfalfa, or paper litter is best for rodents as the fumes from wood shavings can cause liver damage. You will want to avoid plastic with rabbits and provide untreated wood blocks or cardboard for them to chew on. Incidentally, a tip for handling rabbits is to always pick them up by the scruff of the neck. Improper handling can result in a broken back in rabbits. Ferrets usually prefer a bi-level home with a secure den. Some birds are afraid of the dark and may benefit from a night light or a partially covered cage.
Pets need sensory stimulation to prevent boredom and psychotic behavior. There are toys available for all kinds of pets, and most animals appreciate special time in a safe and secure place outdoors.
One study has revealed that after just 8 weeks of ten-minute daily sessions of petting, levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were reduced in dogs. Regular petting and attention is beneficial to your pets.
Spaying and neutering has many benefits. It prevents some cancers, reduces chances of some illnesses and helps pets live longer and healthier lives. They will be less prone to straying and fighting. In male cats, neutering may reduce spraying. In females, spaying eliminates the nervous behavior, attracted males, and mess of the heat cycle. It also prevents contribution to the overwhelming problem of overburdened shelters. Almost all pets can be spayed or neutered. Due to improved anesthesia techniques, dogs and cats as young as 6 weeks are now being safely spayed or neutered.
Pets need grooming and you can use this time to check for lumps, abrasions, dirty ears, weepy eyes, or anything unusual that may need attention. Nails and dental care are important. Be sure to check for healthy teeth and pink gums and keep nails trimmed. Pale gums can be a sign of anemia.
Fleas infest over 50 species of animals. Flea infestations can cause anemia in pets as well as transfer tapeworms. Methods of control include dips, shampoos, collars, powders, sprays, and oral programs. The once a month topicals are the most widely used. There are many available but those such as Bio Spot, Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution, with Insect Growth Regulators, seem to work best and last longest. The package instructs monthly use but I have found that if I see no fleas, I can usually get two or three months protection from one application. The exception would be Revolution or any which also prevent heartworms. Some also contain selamectin which controls ticks.
If you need to remove a tick, it is best to use tweezers to grasp the tick right where it is attached to the skin, pull firmly and steadily, and then drop the tick into alcohol. Disinfect the wound and wash your hands. Other methods of removal can cause the tick to inject more disease-causing saliva into the animal.
Pets, especially puppies and kittens need regular worming treatment for internal parasites. Keeping your pet’s environment clean reduces disease as many are spread through feces, urine or rodents.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the heart and blood vessels of an infected animal. They are capable of substantial damage before any symptoms are displayed. Reduction to mosquito exposure, and preventatives are much safer and more inexpensive than treatment. Heartguard for Cats is available for cats and also controls hookworms. For hard to medicate cats, a topical may be best. There are daily, monthly, and the new six month injectable preventatives for dogs. Some also control other types of worms. Some of these contain ivermectin to which collies and related breeds are known to be sensitive, so it is best to consult your vet for the best heartworm preventative for your pet.
