Do you also, at times, suddenly stop and wonder where the year has gone? With so many goals to achieve and things to do, like making a living and trying to survive, we sometimes forget to take care of the ‘little’ things that can have a big impact on our and our pets’ lives, like tick and flea protection for our pets or keeping up with their vaccines. This article will help remind you of what you still need to do.
Tick and flea prevention
Just because it is winter it doesn’t mean that you have to cut back on your pet’s tick and flea preventative programme. Ticks and fleas are still prevalent in our warmer climate, even during the winter months. So, have you kept up with the treatments?
If you struggle to remember every month, you can download one of the many apps available. One of the great features of these apps is a reminder as to when the last treatment was and when the next one is due.
Another option is to get collars or other types of treatments that last for longer periods. Read more about fleas and how to control them on page 20.
First aid kit
Have you checked your pet’s first aid kit this year? Are the items still useable and in good order? Is there enough stock? If you have written down emergency contact numbers and placed them inside the kit, check that these numbers are still correct. Halfway through the year, it is a good idea to check every item in the kit. You never know if something has leaked or spilt and damaged other items in the kit, or if bandages were taken out and used for other purposes.
Vet visits
When was your pet’s last visit to the vet? Has he been to the vet this year and has he received all his vaccinations for the year? When is his next visit due? If he hasn’t seen the vet yet, it’s not too late – you can still take him for his annual check-up. Adult pets need to see the vet at least once a year and senior pets twice a year, unless they become ill, of course.
Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens need several vaccines in their first year, and sometimes our pets need booster shots. For the rest, an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations is beneficial. One of the most important vaccines is against rabies. An increase in rabies cases has been reported in several parts of our country recently, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Medical insurance
If you don’t yet have medical insurance for your pets, it’s time to take out a policy as soon as possible. There are various institutions to choose from with very competitive prices. Make sure you know what the benefits are and compare apples with apples. And be sure to keep the policy number in a safe place.
If you do have medical insurance, now is the time to see if you’re still getting the best deal. Nothing prevents you from comparing your current plan with those of other institutions to ensure you have the best deal possible.
Grooming
How have your pet’s grooming sessions been going? Are you managing with his coat, or is it time to call in professional help? Either way, if your pet has long hair, he might need daily brushing, and shorthaired animals might need brushing once a week.
If you have to bath your cat or dog during wintertime, make sure that he is bathed inside, where it is warmer.
Activities
Are you keeping up with your dog’s daily or weekly walks? Remember to move the walks to later in the morning and earlier in the afternoon when it is not as cold. When you have to walk your dog in snow or on very cold surfaces, get him booties to wear to protect his paws from frostbite.
Also, ask yourself if you’re keeping up with your dog’s exercise routine. Some dogs need more exercise than others – so make sure you know what your pet requires. But don’t overdo it either. For instance, puppies shouldn’t do strenuous exercise until they are over a year old. See the article on page 22 for more information about this.
#metime
Cold days in winter are the perfect time to cuddle up with your pets. Cats normally look for sunny spots or warm laps to curl up on, and dogs also enjoy some body heat when it’s cold. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some #metime with your pet. Read an article or two from Animaltalk magazine out loud to your pet. He might not have a clue what you’re saying, but he will definitely enjoy your conversation and companionship.
