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Concerned About Pet Health Issues?
Why Your Pet's
Health Matters...
Especially in Tough Times
Many pet health issues
can be costly, and avoiding them is both good for your pet
and for your
budget.
Many of us it seems have become sidetracked these days trying to
figure out how to stretch our dollars.
You
love and care for your pets because they are a cherished member of your
family and that's why their health and care are important to you.
Exactly
how do you juggle your finances without neglecting your
four-legged family members? 
Put them in the budget! They're
depending on you, in good times and in bad. Neglect the needs of your
pet's health and care, even for a short time, and the consequences can
be dire!
If
you've ever owned a pet, then you know that raising a pet is much like
raising a child; their needs go beyond food and toys.
Whether you have
a new kitten or have the good fortune to be living with a senior dog,
whether your pets are perfectly healthy or they have specific pet
health issues, the
important thing to remember is...
Don't Neglect the Basics!
- Have
an annual exam done by a veterinarian.
Staying
current with your pet's vaccines, along with annual exams will help
insure there are no surprises, which almost always lead to large vet
bills. Depending on the age of your pet, this can include a physical
exam, vaccinations, heartworm testing, and blood work to insure there
are no unseen pet health issues developing.
I learned the hard way that you
can never assume your pet is in good health by the way he or
she looks on the outside. (Read my story)
For more about
annual veterinary exams...
- Have your pet's teeth cleaned
annually.
Good dental health
is one of the most important areas to consider if you want to avoid
future pet health issues. Just
like people, not all dogs and cats have been blessed with great teeth
for life. Tartar and plaque build up on their teeth too, and if left
unchecked, can
contribute to serious health conditions.
Whether you
have been successful at training your pet to sit for you while having
his teeth brushed or not, if your veterinarian feels it's warranted,
have their teeth cleaned once a year along with feeding a balanced diet
to insure good dental health.
For more
on cat and dog dental health...
- Flea and Heartworm Prevention
Always
check with your vet to see whether you live in an area where flea and
heartworm prevention are necessary year-round or just seasonally.
 Your
veterinarian can advise you about specific product recommendations and
usage.
Be sure to educate yourself about the possible side effects of
the various flea and heartworm products.
Also on the rise, are many
holistic flea prevention ideas and products. You should seek the
advice of your veterinarian or a licensed holistic veterinarian before
making a decision.
See more on flea
and heartworm prevention...
- Keep your pet's clean and looking
their best.
Regular
grooming probably gets overlooked or neglected more than any other pet
care routine. Not only does regular grooming keep them looking good,
smelling good, and feeling great...lack of it can be the cause of many
pet health issues that could otherwise be prevented.
Certain dog and
cat breeds require professional grooming, but even if this is true in
your case, there are many great grooming products available today to
help pet owners groom their pets from home or between professional
grooming visits.
For more on pet
grooming...
- Exercise is good for the body and
the mind!
You've
heard an "apple a day keeps the doctor away", well the same goes for
your pet's, sort of; a good bit of physical activity each day
helps keep pet health issues away! Did you know that it's also
one
of the best things you can
do for your pet's mental well being?
Just the simple act of walking
your dog daily can calm his nerves and hyperactivity, and it's good for your stress
too! Daily exercise is especially important if you work
outside the home and your pet is left alone for long periods of time.
For
additional info on pet exercise...
-
Make your home safe for your pets.
Plants-foods-chemicals...
Do you know what dangers could be lurking in your home? Learn what can
be hazardous and poisonous for your pets
and take steps to ensure they stay protected and safe from costly and
unnecessary pet health issues. Be prepared for emergencies.
Take
a pet first aid/CPR course and assemble a home first aid kit.
For more about toxins...
For more
about pet first aid and pet CPR...
- Pet Health Insurance...Compare
and Prepare!
One
of the best ways to keep within your budget believe it or not, is to
invest in pet
health
insurance. It's easy to convince yourself that this is one
expense you
can live without when your pet is young and healthy.
But one accident
or major pet health issue such as cancer or an abdominal
obstruction requiring surgery, can be far more financially devastating
than if you had planned ahead.
Even if you decide against pet
health insurance, you could simply start a separate savings
account
for
your pet as soon as you make them a family member, or even today; it's
never too late to get started saving. Your pet's health care can be as
costly
as a college education, so why not be prepared.
For pet insurance
information, reviews and comparison...
Holistic pet health care is on the rise, and you need to do your homework before jumping in.
We'll include some good resources for you to begin your search for
information. Some holistic therapies lend themselves beautifully
alongside traditional veterinary medicine. Always consult your
veterinarian before beginning any new health care approach with your
pets.
These
are only a few of the ways we care for our pets health
and
well
being. Keeping
up with the basics
can bring you many more happy
years
with your best friend and less
concern over troubling
pet health
issues.
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