National Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month

And..... it's almost over~

We recognize National Pet Wellness Month by focusing on certain things that pet owners can do to increase their pet’s lives.

LET'S TALK PUPPIES AND KITTENS!

· Make sure your puppy or kitten receives all their booster vaccines from 6-8 weeks old until 4-5 months old. This can be determined by your veterinarian depending on what age you start their series.

· Have your puppy or kitten checked for intestinal parasites by bringing in a stool sample to your appointment.

· Have your veterinarian de-worm your kitten for intestinal parasites. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to people!



· Start new puppies on Heart worm preventative as early as 6 weeks of age and continue every month all year around. Heart worm preventative also de-worms monthly for some intestinal parasites! There are many products available for the prevention of heart worm, so please be advised by one of our amazing Veterinarians!

· Have your pet spayed or neutered to help pro-long their life span and decrease their chances of cancer. Females are spayed, males are neutered.

· Microchip your puppy or kitten so if they become lost you have a better chance of recovering them.

· Socialize your young kitten or puppy so it becomes a well-adjusted and happy adult. This should be done very early on between 2 weeks and 2 months of age!

• This also includes basic training! See our amazing Trainer, Kathrine Breeden, owner of Be Kind To Dogs. 

· Feed your pets a high quality diet (Again, ask our amazing veterinarians at your appointment!) and given them plenty of exercise and fun!

HOW ABOUT ADULTS?

· It is veterinary recommended that all adult cats and dogs are seen at least once a year but preferably twice a year. This allows you to monitor any subtle changes in their routines like elimination, water and food intake, activity and mental awareness.

· Brush your pets’ teeth daily. Preferably starting at a young age so it becomes routine.

· If your dog or cat has dental disease make sure to address it quickly so that it doesn’t lead to further conditions such as periodontal disease, heart and kidney disease.

· Update your dog’s heart worm test annually. Heart worms are transmitted by a mosquito and we have been inundated with mosquitoes this year in Arizona! Read more about transmission, prevention and treatment of heartworm disease, here: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

· Rule of thumb! When your pet reaches the age of 7; they are entering their senior years. It is important to see the veterinarian so that you can have a senior blood panel, urinalysis and possibly X Rays giving your vet a baseline of your pet's current health. This will be very important should your pet become ill in the future!



· Update your pet’s vaccines according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

· Check annually for intestinal parasites! It just takes a fresh (less than 7 hours) sample, typically a tbls. of your pet's stool. Simply put it in a ziplock, refrigerate and bring it with you to your pet's appointment! Results are back in less than 24 hours in most cases!

This is not just for puppies and kittens! There are a few intestinal parasites that can be transmitted from your pet to you so it is recommended that you do this each year.

· Feed your pet an age appropriate diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise! 

Here's to all the pet's we love!! Happy Wellness Month!

Thanks pet friends!