February 23, 2012

How to Prevent Illness and Injuries for Your Pet

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Many injuries or illnesses that pets face could have been prevented with a little help from their owners. By taking a few minutes to prepare your home for your pet, you can prevent your pet from facing a number of illnesses or injuries during their lifetime.

Here’s a look at some of the most basic preventive measures you can take to make sure your pet is safe and free from illnesses or injuries.

Make Your Home Pet Friendly

Many pet owners forget to make their home pet-friendly and this often results in injuries to the pet. Making a home pet-friendly only takes a few moments and can prevent a number of injuries.

Some tips to creating a pet-friendly home:

  • Remove all cords or lose objects from the floor.
  • Place breakables well out of the reach of animals.
  • Give pets a space of their own so they aren’t forced to have to run around the house looking for places to play.
  • Provide pet-friendly toys such as rubber chew toys and other items.

Remove Medications or Food That Could be Poisonous to Pets

Many pet illnesses come from a pet getting into foods or medications that are dangerous to their health. To avoid having your pet face an illness, place all medications and foods that could be dangerous to your pet out of their reach. It is also a good idea to make sure medications are in a bottle that the pet cannot get open just in case they do get into your medications.

Even though you have taken these precautions, your pet could still face an illness or injury. Remember in case of an emergency to contact a veterinarian. To find a local veterinarian you can search an online directory like Canada 411 for recommendations and reviews.

Filed Under: Health Problems Tagged With: , ,

Caring for an Aging Pet

Greyhounds make great pets too

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Pets are a wonderful part of many people’s lives. They bring joy and unconditional love to many who otherwise may not get it from humans.

But did you know that just as an elderly person needs taking care of, so does an aging pet? Here are some things to keep in mind if your pet is getting on in years.

  • Take note if your pet is sleeping a lot, or not moving around as much as what he or she used to. A lack of movement and tiredness could show that your pet is suffering from arthritis. Also be mindful of extreme weather, and keep your pet cool or warm when required.
  • A diet for an elderly pet is much different to a younger pet. Most domestic pet food brands have specific formulas for senior pets. The specific ingredients will promote healthy skin and teeth and support bowel and urinary health. It also helps weight management.
  • Speaking of healthy skin, if your pet has fur be sure to give it a regular brush. It not only helps to keep up the coat and give it shine, but it can help to detangle knots on animals with longer fur. Removing of excess fur can also aid against furballs, which is something that older pets are susceptible to.
  • If you are thinking of bringing another pet into the family, doing it when your pet is a senior is perfect timing. For example an elderly dog will feel energized by a puppy. The playfulness and enthusiasm will actually help to prolong the older dogs life.

Pets become members of a family in many instances. TReat them like any other elderly person and they will have a happy life.

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Filed Under: General Care, Health Problems Tagged With: , ,