Prepare your house for your pet's arrival. A special place should be designated for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate. Obtain any necessary accessories (eg, collar, leash, ID tag, crate, cage, aquarium and dishes) before you bring your pet home. For most pets, you will need to pet-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home to avoid accidents. Harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords, and breakable objects should be kept out of reach. Open windows should be screened.
Roaming pets are prime candidates for fights with other animals, traffic accidents, and communicable diseases from other animals. Their life span can be expected to be considerably shorter as a result.
Most pets are strictly indoor pets and are perfectly content, as long as they have access to food and fresh water at all times. AVMA strongly recommends that for a healthier, happier pet you consider keeping your pets indoors only. If your pet must go outside, make sure you know where it is at all times, that the pet is old enough to manage on its own, that it is identified in some fashion (microchip ID or breakaway collar and tag), current on vaccinations, and not outdoors in extremely cold, hot, or inclement weather.
If you don't want your pet in certain areas of the house, start training it immediately to avoid those areas. When choosing where your pet will sleep, keep in mind some pets are nocturnal animals and will be active at night. Placing soft bedding materials in secluded corners will help your pet to feel at home.
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Cold Weather Pet Safety
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter?
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Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips.
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November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer?
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How to Treat Common Injuries in Your Dog
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Would you know what to do if your dog was injured?
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Safety Guidelines for Pet Costumes
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know how to keep your pet safe when wearing a costume?
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Anemia in Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Anemia doesn't just affect people. Your dog can become anemic too.
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How to Treat Common Paw Problems in Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Have you noticed a change in your dog's paws? One of these paw problems may be to blame.
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Teaching Your Child to Care For Their First Pet
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Is a new pet in your family's future? These tips will help your child learn pet care essentials.
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July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
A lost pet is every pet owner's worst nightmare. These tips can help you keep your furry friend safe.
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Summer Paw Care For Hot Pavement and Exercise Outside
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Don't let heatstroke or sore paws keep your pet from enjoying the summer.
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Managing Your Cat's Night-Time Activity
Category:
Newsletter Library, Cats
Does your cat enjoy midnight sprints through your home? These tips can help curb the behavior.
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Common Pet Skin Issues and How to Treat Them
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Wondering why your pet is scratching? A skin condition may be to blame.
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Keeping Your Pets Safe During Flea and Tick Season
Category:
Newsletter Library, Fleas & Parasites
Would you like to keep your pet free of ticks and fleas? Try a few of these tips.
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Pawty with Your Pet - National Dog Party Day
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you have anything planned for National Dog Party Day?
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What To Know About Bathing and Grooming Your Dog
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Every week, every month or every year? How often should you bathe and groom your dog?
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Managing Your Pet’s Anxiety
Category:
Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? These tips can help calm your furry friend.
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