Pet Wellness Month has arrived, and it’s time to celebrate our four-legged family members with the love and responsible ownership practices. As pet lovers at ohDEER, we support pet wellness through offering All-Natural Tick and Mosquito Control. We aim to protect your pets from nature’s small, yet dangerous pests without the use of harmful chemicals. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of responsible dog ownership and offer tips on how to ensure your furry friend remains safe, happy, and healthy during October and all year long!
Provide proper nutrition:
- Feed your pet a balanced and age-appropriate diet.
- Ensure access to clean and fresh water at all times.
- Consult with a veterinarian for dietary recommendations specific to your dog’s breed.
- Avoid feeding them toxic human foods, like chocolate, grapes, or onion.
Regular veterinary care:
- Schedule routine check-ups as recommended by your vet. Address any health issues promptly with your vet to prevent them from worsening.
- Vaccinations, preventive medications, and dental care are all part of maintaining your pet’s wellness.
Safe and comfortable environment:
- Provide a secure and pet-friendly living space. Make your dog a safe space that is quiet, dark and has food and water to go relax if they become anxious. This is especially important to have in place if you are hosting an event with many guests.
- Baby-proof your home to prevent access to hazards. Secure breakable or chewable items, block access to toxic plants, and keep food, medicine, and cleaning products out of reach. For puppies, consider removing or containing potential hazards like electrical cords.
Protection from ticks
- Spray your yard with a tick control product that is free of chemical pesticides. Pest control products with pesticides can cause harm to dogs that absorb it through their skin, breathe in the product, or ingest something sprayed with it. With ohDEER, there is no wait-time to use your yard after we spray our All-Natural Tick & Mosquito Control, your dog can run around in the yard while our technician sprays! And, you don’t have to worry about pesticide residues being left behind on their toys.
- Once a tick attaches itself to a dog, it takes only a day or two for it to transmit the bacteria that causes disease. This is why prompt removal of ticks is so important. If there is a tick attached to your dog, you should remove it immediately using a tick-removing tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Using one of these will help avoid tearing the tick’s body and spreading infection around. First, spread your dog’s fur and grab the tick with your tool of choice as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull upwards in a slow and steady motion. Once the tick is removed, you can either send it in for testing or flush it down the toilet. Treat the area on your dog’s body where it was bitten by the tick with rubbing alcohol and antiseptic cream.
- Risk of disease transmission from ticks to dogs is highest during the fall, which means NOW during October. This is when ticks are in the nymph and adult phases of their lives, actively seeking hosts for blood meals. The tick-borne diseases that dogs can get include:
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- Lyme Disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Babesiosis
- Bartonellosis
- Hepatozoonosis
Exercise and mental stimulation:
- Engage your pet in daily physical activity suitable for their breed and age.
- Provide toys, puzzles, and interactive play to keep their minds active.
- Consider professional training or enrichment classes if needed.
Grooming and hygiene:
- Regularly groom your pet by brushing or bathing them based on their breed’s needs. Trim their nails on a regular basis.
- Keep their living area clean and free from waste.
Identification and microchipping:
- Ensure your pet has proper identification in the form of a collar with ID tags or microchipping for permanent identification.
- Keep them safe by using leashes, harnesses, or enclosures as necessary, especially when outside the home.
Training and behavior management:
- Train your pet with positive reinforcement techniques.
- Address behavioral problems with patience and consistency.
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides a range of training resources for various programs and activities.
- If needed, get the help of a professional trainer.
Emergency preparedness:
- Have a first aid kit for pets and know basic pet first aid.
- Know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
Financial responsibility:
- Budget for pet-related expenses, including food, vet visits, vaccinations and unexpected medical costs.
- Consider pet insurance to help with unforeseen expenses.
Environmental responsibility:
- Dispose of pet waste responsibly to protect the environment.
- Choose eco-friendly pet products when possible.
Socialization and Companionship
- Allow your pet to interact with other animals and people to prevent social isolation. Bringing them to the dog park is a great way to to improve social skills with other dogs.
- Finally, celebrate Pet Wellness Month by cherishing the unconditional love and companionship your pet provides. Spend quality time with your furry friend, create lasting memories, and give them the love and care they deserve.
By following these responsible pet ownership practices, you can help ensure your pet’s wellness and provide them with a happy and healthy life.
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