Home: Create a place the pet can call its own - a soft bed, a dog house, a favorite blanket.

Shelter: When the dog is outside it is important to provide shelter to guard against rain and sun. Always provide water for your dog especially on hot days.

Obedience: Teach a dog early not to chase and bite. Fearful workers who carry mace may become alarmed and mace your dog. It is easy to maintain your pets well-being by starting good habits early-on.

Brushing: Start brushing your pet when it is young so that it will grow accustomed to it. Brush against the grain to check for fleas and ticks.

Bathing: Regular baths keep an animal at its best. Dogs and cats can be shampooed every two to four weeks. Give your pet a hot oil bath first, then shampoo and blow dry. This will help your pet’s skin and coat by alleviating allergies and creating shiny softer fur. It is a spa treatment for pets.

Dental care: In addition to feeding your pet dry food, brushing its teeth will help eliminate bad breath get rid of tartar.

Consistent health care is vital to the longevity and well-being of your pet:

The Vet: Like people,our pets need to get regular checkups. Never neglect to follow-through on your pet’s vaccinations and shots. Older pets can develop problems that your vet will diagnose. If your pet develops arthritis, there are medications that can alleviate symptoms and make its life more comfortable. It is wise to keep an emergency vet number on the refrigerator or near the phone.

Hygiene: Many times it is necessary to release the anal gland on cats and small dogs. Small animals cannot do this for themselves. When it becomes uncomfortable they will scoot around on their bottoms, frequently leaving stains on your carpet. Regular grooming which includes releasing the anal gland will keep your pet at its peak.

Flea control: If your pet has fleas, give it a flea bath and hot oil bath. The hot oil soothes irritated flea bites. Then use a monthly flea product of your choice. It is important to take immediate action when spotting fleas. In an effort to get relief from the itching, your pet will bite at the fleas. Biting at fleas causes the pet to have worms.

Worms: If you see worms in your pet’s feces, take immediate action and get your pet de-wormed. There are worm medications available at your veterinarian and at the pet store. It is not unusual for new puppies and kittens to have worms.

Spaying and neutering: Have your pet spayed or neutered. You will feel good knowing you are not contributing to pet-overpopulation. It also makes for a calmer animal.
After spaying or neutering, a pet becomes at risk for obesity. Watch it’s diet carefully. Overweight animals can develop hip dysplasia and have other difficulties.

Nutrition: Feeding your pet dry food and biscuits helps clean their teeth. Use Maxi-Tone food supplement to keep your pet’s skin at its peak. By adding Maxi-Tone to your pet’s food, you will be keeping its skin and coat healthy, and thereby keeping your pet healthy. Chocolate is toxic to your pet. If you suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate, contact your vet.

Exercise: Pets need enough room to exercise. If your dog is indoors, be sure to take it on frequent walks or to a doggie park. Outside dogs need enough room to run around and chase birds and squirrels. Always carry a plastic bag when walking your dog. Pick up after it and wash your hands when you get home.