At the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, we like to think that every day is Pet Appreciation Day, but did you know there is a whole week celebrating pets? This year, from June 5th through June 11th it is officially National Pet Appreciation Week. What better way to show your pets you appreciate them than by keeping them healthy and happy? Here are just a few basic tips to remember when it comes to your pet’s health and wellness from our staff at the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital.
1. Get an Annual Checkup
Do you get an annual wellness exam for your pet? By visiting your veterinarian at least once per year for a wellness exam, you are ensuring that your pet stays healthy. Your veterinarian will examine your pet to ensure they are eating well, are at a healthy weight and can check them for any underlying issues. This is also a great time to get caught up on any shots or vaccinations that your pet may need.
2. Protect from Fleas and Ticks
Flea and tick prevention is crucial for many reasons. One, these insects can cause skin irritation or allergy issues in your pets. They are also both carriers of diseases that can be harmful to both people and pets. Although these pests thrive in the summer months, they can be seen all year long. It is best to provide your pets with year-round preventative care. This goes for pets that are indoor-only as well.
3. Be Aware of Allergies
Is your pet scratching more than normal? Are there red or inflamed areas on their skin? These can all be signs of an allergy. Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of allergies. From skin allergies to food or environmental allergies, there are many things that can affect your pet’s health. Set up an appointment with your veterinarian and work with them to determine what may be the cause of your pet’s allergies.
4. Be Proactive with Healthcare
Don’t wait for something bad to happen before you take your pet to the veterinarian. It is good to be proactive with your pet’s care. It can help address underlying issues or help diagnose illnesses early within your pet. Whether it is an allergy, a bad tooth, or even something more severe, having regular visits with your veterinarian is a great way to spot any issues before they become major problems.
5. Keep Their Breath Fresh and Clean
Dental disease is a very common health issue in dogs and cats. Your pet’s teeth or gums could become infected, which can be painful for your pet. This can also cause loss of teeth or difficulty eating properly. At least once a year, schedule a dental assessment with your veterinarian. For owners with smaller dogs, you may want to have your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year because dental disease can be more commonly found within smaller breeds.
6. Vaccinate to Keep Pets Safe
Vaccines are important for your pet’s overall health. Vaccines can prevent many animals from catching life-threatening diseases such as parvo or distemper. They can help you avoid costly treatments for diseases that are preventable with vaccines. They can lower the risk of certain diseases being passed between animals and humans such as rabies. Plus, they can enhance the overall quality of life for your pet. If you aren’t sure what vaccinations your pet needs, contact your veterinarian and they can work with you to determine what is best for your pet.
7. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Has your pet stacked on the pounds? If your pet loves to lounge and isn’t too fond of running around the house or going for a walk then it may be easy for them to become overweight. Extended weight gain can lead to many health problems for pets. It is best to address the issue earlier rather than later and work with your veterinarian to develop a dietary plan to keep your pet feeling fit and healthy.
The Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital is a full-service hospital run by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. They provide a variety of health and wellness services for the owned pets in our community and are devoted to ensuring all animals are healthy and receiving the care they deserve. Financial assistance is also available for those in need. To schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call us today at (937) 965-4399 or visit www.hsdayton.org for more information.
