Posts by: Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM Each New Year we’re inundated with lists of things to do, buy, and become. We read these lists, make promises to ourselves, and then promptly forget it ever happened by February. This year I’m taking the opposite approach: Here are the things you definitely don’t want to do, purchase or aspire to be more like. It’s time for my New Year’s Don’ts for your pets. 1. Don’t buy junk food treats. You know what I’m talking about. Those tiny calorie grenades are killing your pet. This year, feed fresh crunchy veggies or treats with simple ingredients such as sweet potatoes. 2. Don't ignore pet food labels. If you can’t comprehend what’s in your pet’s food, imagine how your pet must feel. The most important decision you make for your pets each day is what you feed. Choose wisely. Their health depends on it. 3. Don’t make excuses to skip walks. You both need to walk more. Buy a coat, umbrella or even a pair of galoshes, but don’t miss your daily walks. You’ll both live longer and be healthier because of it. [Watch What Happens When These Dogs Hear the Word “Walk”] 4. Don’t avoid the animal shelter. Go visit your local animal shelter so you can see for yourself what’s working and what needs to be fixed. I hear too many complaints about animal shelters from pet parents who’ve never set foot in one. How can we make something better when we don’t know what’s wrong? I know it’s painful and you want to take all the animals home with you, but you’ve got to do it. If you’re truly concerned about the state of stray animals in your hometown, go visit, talk to shelter employees and decide how you can help. [5 Ways to Help Your Local Shelter] 5. Don’t put off your pet’s exam. I know money’s tight but that little lump, cough or limp may be the start of something more serious. Often I’m left with simply too little time to help an ill patient. If I had a quarter for every case I could’ve saved had I only seen it six months earlier, I’d be retired by now, or at least have an enormous jar of quarters. Add to this, don’t go to the vet only when your pet is sick. My mission as a veterinarian is to preserve health and prevent illness. Going to the vet or physician should be an opportunity to learn how to stay healthier longer. You should leave each appointment with advice on how to improve your or your pet’s life. If not, ask for it. If you don’t get it, find it elsewhere. Life is for living, not recovering. Learn how to help you pet live an optimal life by working closely with your veterinarian on a regular basis. [My pet's perfectly healthy! Why should I see my veterinarian?] 6. Don’t forget your dog or cat’s heartworm preventive. Heartworm disease is fatal to dogs and cats. There is no treatment for cats and the medication used to treat dogs is costly, takes months to work, and carries potential health risks. Think your indoor cat isn’t at risk? Not according to research. Never gamble with your dog or cat’s heartworm protection. The stakes are too high and often end in death or serious damage. [What You Need To Know About Heartworm Disease] 7. Don’t ignore that pesky behavior. Little behavior problems turn into big troubles, quickly. If your dog is barking at passing cars, lunging on the leash, or jumping up on guests, talk to your vet (that’s our job). If you intervene with behavior problems early, you can often correct them easily. Wait until your dog is biting the delivery man, and it may take a while. 8. Don’t forget to hug your pet each day. And be thankful for all you have this year. Take time each day to reflect on one thing you have, that you’re grateful for. We are so fortunate to share our days with such wonderful, caring creatures. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author's and do not necessarily represent the beliefs, policies or positions of PetHealthNetwork.com, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates and partner companies. Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM Ernie has more than 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry and is a well-known veterinarian, media personality and author. He is also a founding member of IDEXX’s Pet Health Network team. Read more > Reviewed by:
Graham Bilbrough, MA, VetMB, CertVA, MRCVS Reviewed on: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 © 2019 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
19 Comments
3/18/2020 07:59:35 pm
Your article is great. Thanks for sharing. It has been a great year for me as I welcome a PItbull dog. It is really very smart
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12/20/2020 10:16:11 am
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12/20/2020 12:15:56 pm
Just like people, these animals are also in need of care too. Providing them veterinary centers with an affordable medical fee is just enough. They wouldn't be paying form themselves that's why these hospitals have to provide a reasonable fee for their patients. I am happy that Douglassville Veterinary Hospital is finally open and ready to cater the needs of the these animals in terms of their health!
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7/13/2021 12:29:07 pm
However, below is a link to Animal Control's website that contains information on two providers that offer low cost services.
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12/4/2021 08:44:27 am
You both look so cute together! What an adorable little puppy! He looks so happy and cozy. You are doing such a wonderful job as a pug mom! Very proud of you.
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Hey,Quantum theory says that information is always lost. No information exists between the initial and final states because nothing is going on except a time delay. The problem is most physicists are mechanists first and scientistas only if it doesn’t get in the way of mechanism.
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1/9/2022 05:23:59 am
I think that you still have a lot left to learn, and I am hoping that you are able to do it as soon as possible. You are missing out on so much because of it.Dog car accessories
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2/2/2022 12:28:15 pm
They are active, playful, and sociable pets. The Bengal breed combines the best features of their ancestors: not only an attractive appearance, but also intelligence, curiosity, activity, and friendliness.
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11/23/2022 08:17:54 am
Starting in late July, a sea of dedicated Ohio youth clad in plaid shirts, jeans and shiny belt buckles congregated in Columbus for the Ohio State Fair, the pinnacle of livestock shows in the state. They arrived toting meticulously groomed and cared for market livestock of every kind — from goats to beef cattle.
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2/25/2023 05:43:26 am
If you’ve been thinking about getting your kitty their first small cat tree, or are looking to replace one that was well-loved, you’re about to discover why it’s essential to have one in your home.
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While it's true that dogs require a balanced and healthy diet, it's not necessarily true that they must be fed only boiled food with no oil content and minimum spices. In fact, a well-rounded diet for dogs often includes a variety of nutrients from different sources.
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4/30/2023 06:50:08 am
don't forget to schedule regular vet visits and stay up-to-date on your puppy's vaccinations and medical needs. This will help to ensure that your new pet stays healthy and happy for many years to come.
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5/7/2023 02:45:57 am
While it may be suitable for some dogs with specific dietary requirements, feeding boiled food with no oil content and minimal spices is not necessarily the optimal or exclusive option for all dogs. It is crucial to maintain a well-balanced and diverse diet, in collaboration with a veterinarian, to ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and content.
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5/9/2023 02:25:51 am
Just like humans, pets can be at risk for sunburn and skin damage from prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. This is particularly true for pets with light-colored hair, short haircuts, and those with thinning hair due to age or other medical conditions.
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6/20/2023 01:18:55 pm
Having a pet also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Regular walks with a dog, for example, provide exercise and encourage physical activity, benefiting both the pet and the owner. Pets can also help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression by providing constant companionship and emotional support. They become an integral part of our families, and the bond we develop with them is often indescribable.
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7/17/2023 01:27:39 pm
Having a pet is a wonderful experience that brings joy and companionship to our lives. The unconditional love and loyalty that pets provide are truly remarkable. They become a part of our family and create lasting memories that we cherish.
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7/26/2023 02:11:53 pm
On the other end of the spectrum, reptiles have found their place in the hearts of some pet owners. Turtles, snakes, and lizards can make fascinating companions, but they also demand specialized care due to their cold-blooded nature. Creating a proper habitat and maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels are crucial to ensure the well-being of these exotic pets.
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