Advice needed for new pet
From The Boston Herald
This holiday season, we decided to give ourselves a new dog.
With the new year upon us, and since this is a new reality for us, do you have any wisdom to share? Not only do my husband and I need to know what to do, but so do our two teenagers.
First, make sure your pet gets an annual visit with a veterinarian. There are so many preventable diseases that can be avoided by regular check-ups and early diagnosis, such as dental disease, diabetes, and problems associated with parasites. Preventive care is so important.
Along with the visits, make sure your pet is up-to-date with necessary vaccines. Vaccine choices should be made based on risks of exposure. Your veterinarian can advise you on what your new dog will need.
Second, be sure to feed your new dog the right kind of diet based on age, lifestyle and more. As a puppy, it will need a higher protein diet for growth. Later, you will taper the amount of feedings and type of food accordingly.
The importance of proper nutrition cannot be understated. All pet owners need to think about a healthy diet for their pets and the right amount to feed them to prevent obesity.
Finally, be sure your new dog gets enough exercise. The right amount of exercise will be good for the dog and all of you. Not only will exercise burn off calories but it will improve the human-animal bond between your family members and your dog.
Consult with your veterinarian or avma.org for more advice. I hope these resolutions are helpful to all of you.
Congratulations on the new family member and Happy New Year!
