There is a big responsibility that comes with having a pet. It is not to be taken lightly. It is up to you to make sure that your pet's needs are met and that you have done everything in your power to make your pet's life a happy one.
If you aren’t willing to make your pet a member of the family and interact with him or her on a daily basis, then don’t get a pet. I know this sounds harsh and belligerent, but daily I see far too many pets that spend their whole life chained to a post in the back yard. How would you like to spend your whole life chained to a post twenty-four hours a day? I’m sure that you would not like it and neither does your pet. Treat your pet like you would like to be treated.
Here are seven easy things you can do to make sure that your pet has the best life possible:
1. Make sure your pet has an ID tag. The ID tag tells where your pet lives and any medical conditions your pet may have. If your pet wanders off, the id tag may be the only thing standing between your pet and being put down at the pound or being sold to another owner.
2. Prevent behavioral problems by enrolling your pet in a behavior training class before it acquires any bad habits. This tip will make both you and your pet happier for the entire lifetime you are together!
3. Get your pet checked by a veterinarian at least once a year and be sure that your pet receives vaccinations for diseases prevalent in your area. In addition, some behavior problems can be health related and taking your pet to the vet on a regular basis will help you with tip # 2.
4. Prepare for disasters. Your pet cannot read the escape plan you have made for your family in case of a flood, fire, or other disaster. Make sure your escape plans include someone in your family having the job of gathering up and removing your pet(s) from your home and taking them to a safe place. Please do not make this the job of a young child. You could lose both of them.
5. Plan for the future. Who will take care of your pet if something happens to you? Make sure you have a "godparent" for all of your pets. This should include short term care as well, in case you are in the hospital, incapacitated, or have to go out of town.
6. Learn to avoid dog bites by training your dog and your family. This is especially important for children. Every year 4.7 million children are bitten by dogs. Eighty percent are bitten by dogs they know and have been in daily contact with. See for more information and how to videos. (The site is part of The Humane Society web site.)
7. And last but not least - Have a heart - Be smart - and have your pet neutered or spayed as soon as they are old enough. If you can't afford to have your pet spayed or neutered go to the following two web sites to see if you qualify for a voucher to pay for the procedure. or . In addition, a number of cities in both the United States and Canada have spay/neuter programs where you can get the procedures done for a reduced cost. Check with your city hall information department. Note! Contrary to popular myth, a spayed or neutered pet is healthier than a pet that is left intact. There are fewer incidents of certain types of cancer and fewer incidents of aggression. Pets that have been spayed or neutered tend to gain weight more quickly, so more exercise is recommended after they have healed from the operation. One other note on this subject. Have the procedure done by a vet, not a well-meaning friend or local farmer. These backyard procedures have resulted in numerous medical complications and in a lot of cases death or disfigurement of the pet involved.
My mom and dad had me spayed and I have been healthier since that time. It breaks my heart to see so many unwanted pets put down each year because their mom and dad didn’t care enough to have their pets spayed or neutered and unwanted pregnancies occurred. Don’t be part of this unfortunate problem, be part of the solution. Get your pet(s) spayed or neutered.
There you have it!
Seven simple steps to keep you and your pets happy for a long, long time.
Until next time,
Teia
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