Once you've brought home your new pet, you'll want to have a long and happy life together. Here are some ways to make that happen.
Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for dogs and cats as they are for people. Unfortunately, too often pets pick up the same bad habits, and health problems, as people do. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity related arthritis are problems that are often preventable with a good diet and regular exercise.
A high quality dry pet food is a good centerpiece for a healthy diet. If your pet is active enough to burn the calories, most dogs and cats love canned food. It can be mixed with dry food or put out separately as a treat. (Cats at Miranda's Rescue are normally fed dry food; dogs get a mix of wet and dry. If you want to introduce more canned food to your new pet's diet, doing it gradually can prevent stomach upset and diarrhea.) Some people like to leave food out all the time so that their pets can nibble when hungry while others prefer to have regular feeding times. Either way, make sure that pets always have access to clean drinking water.
If you are feeding kittens or puppies, be sure to use a food designed for them. Rapidly growing bodies require higher levels of protein and fat than most adult pet foods provide. There are also specialty products today for older pets or pets with special dietary needs. If you think that your pet may need a special diet, don't hesitate to discuss it with your vet. He or she can give you advice specific to your pet's condition and needs.
Snacks and treats are fun to give and usually greatly appreciated, but they can also cause big problems if given to excess. Try to stick with treats specifically made for pets or with lean meats instead of giving people foods like candy or gravy. And especially avoid giving your pets foods containing chocolate or other sources of caffeine. They can cause serious health problems or even death.
Getting enough exercise is good for your pet's physical and mental health. And being a part of your pet's exercise activities is a great way to bond and spend important socialization time. Many dog and cat behavior problems are the result of boredom or anxiety, and regular exercise and together time help prevent both.
Playing is one way to create exercise opportunities and socialize. Cats and dogs alike enjoy chasing tossed toys or pouncing on a pulled string or rope. Lots of dogs like playing fetch or tug-of-war, or just running around being silly. Be careful not to teach your dog to play too roughly, though; an animal taught to wrestle or play vigorously can hurt or scare a person who doesn't know he's playing.
If your pet is usually indoors, be sure to provide lots of playthings and opportunities to use them. Cats usually like things that they can climb up on and scratching posts or pads where they can sharpen claws. (Sprinkling climbing trees or scratching posts with a little catnip can make them more attractive to the cat than your furniture.)
Big dogs require more activity than cats or smaller dogs. If you have a big dog or are thinking of adopting one, remember that they need regular exercise and plenty of it to be at their best. This is especially true of breeds that have been bred for work or sport. These dogs make excellent walking or running companions, and many of them love swimming. Make sure that they get plenty of chances to get out and romp.
Regular checkups and vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. We strongly reccommend that you take your new pet in for a checkup soon after adoption. Your vet can put you on a regular vaccination schedule and let you know, based on type and breed of pet and lifestyle, what kind of preventative care is recommended. Like good nutrition and exercise, regular vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care can greatly improve the quality of life for your pet. They can also prevent costly medical bills in the future.
Pets adopted from approved shelters, including Miranda's Rescue, are eligible to receive one month of free pet health insurance from Sheltercare.com, a for profit insurance company. You can visit their website for more information.
