Article by Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M.
Your pet relies on you every day for its happiness, health, and wellbeing. Brushing, bathing, nail and teeth care, and your pet’s nutritional needs, are important parts of daily pet care. Taking care of your pet is a job that lasts all year!
Obedience Training is a must for every good family dog. Puppies may start classes as young as 8 weeks. Obedience training is fun and helps prevent negative encounters between family members and the dog. It reinforces the bond between the handler(s) and pet. Consult breeders, veterinarians, local training clubs, YMCAs, recreation centers, and newspaper columns on dogs or pets for details about classes, costs, and requirements.
Housebreaking should begin as soon as the puppy arrives in your home. Young puppies should be taken out immediately upon waking and just before retiring, as well as multiple times during the day. Most puppies cannot “hold it” for long periods so it will be necessary to take the puppy out almost every hour at first (especially after periods of play, naps, and mealtimes), and then gradually increase the amount of time between visits to the “bathroom.” Take the puppy to the same area each time and praise it immediately and enthusiastically when it eliminates. Do not play with, or talk to, the puppy until after it has eliminated. Remember, if the puppy doesn’t eliminate outside, its urine and feces are being saved for deposit inside your house!
Litter Box Training – Provide a clean litter box and make sure the kitten knows where it is. Edges should shallow enough for a kitten to navigate and boxes must be kept very clean. There should be one more litter box in the house than the number of cats residing there, and the boxes should be kept in different locations, affording some privacy. Choice of litter (e.g., clay, sand, recyclable paper) is up to the kitten owner, although some cats appear to have preferences. Many vets suggest avoiding litters with deodorant or baking soda additives, as they can irritate your cat’s respiratory tract. If your kitten (or cat) isn’t using the litter box reliably, it could be because of dirty litter, illness, litter preference, or psychological stress.
Recognize Illness – Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. Assuring your pet’s daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. Consult your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of:
- Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes, or other body openings.
- Abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy.
- Abnormal lumps, limping, or difficulty getting up or lying down.
- Loss of appetite, marked weight losses or gains, or excessive water consumption.
- Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled waste elimination.
- Excessive head shaking, scratching, and licking or biting any part of the body.
- Dandruff, loss of hair, open sores, or a ragged or dull coat.
- Foul breath or excessive tarter deposits on teeth.
Dr. Scot Trefz D.V.M, Medical Director
Bay Moorings Animal Hospital | 727-867-0118
3695 50th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
www.baymooringsanimalhospital.com
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