There is a big focus on human health right now, but it’s just as important to look after the furry members of our family too. Here are 5 tips for looking after your pet’s wellbeing.
During lockdown, many of our furry friends would have probably loved all the extra attention – extra walks and more cuddles.
While this is a great added bonus, it’s important to keep the focus on their physical health as well. Dr. Gretta Howard from Turramurra Veterinary Hospital shares five tips for looking after your pet’s wellbeing.
1. Don’t leave tick prevention until it’s too late
The paralysis tick is common in the North Shore, and as possums and bandicoots are their natural hosts, anywhere they are found, ticks will be too. Ticks can kill a dog or a cat within five days of attachment, so it is vital that preventatives are used. The easiest tick prevention regime in dogs and cats are as follows:
- For dogs: Give a Bravecto chew every 3 months
- For cats: Apply a Bravecto spot-on every 2 months
For areas that are particularly prone to ticks, a Seresto collar can be worn in addition to the above. These products are available for purchase at Turramurra Veterinary Hospital – owners are welcome to bring their pet in for their tick prevention, or buy it and administer it themselves.
2. Book a dental check up for your pet
Dental disease in pets is painful and unhygienic and is treated the same way as in humans, with a scale and polish dental procedure. The difference being, that pets require a general anaesthetic to clean properly under the gums. At Turramurra Veterinary Hospital, we believe it is preferable to address tartar and periodontal disease early before extractions are necessary. Our vets have the skills needed and the equipment necessary to do a thorough assessment and treat dental disease in your pet.
3. Seek help to manage your pet’s behaviour issues
Whether your dog is jumping up on you excessively or chewing things he shouldn’t, it’s important to address problem behaviours as they arise as the more a dog is allowed to practise their behaviour, the more they are likely to keep repeating it. Using a positive training technique without punishment is the key to success and Turramurra Veterinary Hospital’s Pet Behaviour Consultant, Katie Bedrossian, can assist.
More serious behavioural problems, on the other hand, may need a veterinary consultation in order to rule out a medical issue as the underlying cause, such as your cat urinating around the house or your dog barking excessively, then book in with one of our vets for assessment.
4. Stick to a routine that suits both you and your pet
Humans and pets are alike in that we remain in a more stable and positive mindset if we set a fairly predictable routine. Pets like to have set feeding, exercise and play times, so it is important to include your pets in your every day routine too. This is one of the best ways to look after your pet’s wellbeing lockdown. Tempting as it is, try not to offer your pet extra food during periods of lockdown, which could lead to long term health problems such as obesity and osteoarthritis.
5. Take some time out
Pets are part of our family and now that our families are in lockdown at home, in most cases, we are spending more time than ever with our pets. Many pets love the extra time they have with their human family, but like any members of the same household, it is important to respect each other’s needs to have some alone time, and this extends to pets too.
Cats in particular like a bit of personal space, rather than being flooded with love and attention by well-meaning children every minute of the day. Give cats some quiet time in a self-sufficient room at meal times and have a ‘den’ set up for dogs who need a rest from their human counterparts.
Remember that by being respectful of your pet’s body language, addressing their medical problems promptly and keeping up-to-date with preventatives, your pet will thrive.
Turramurra Veterinary Hospital is passionate about animals and their role in your family. Make an online booking or call (02) 9988-0198 for an appointment.
