Pet Care Tips :
Small, consistent choices can make a significant difference in your pet’s health and longevity.
- Schedule routine veterinary examinations at least annually, with more frequent visits recommended for many senior pets.
- Keep vaccinations and veterinarian recommended preventive care current.
- Use year round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as recommended for your pet.
- Feed a nutritionally balanced diet appropriate for your pet’s species, size, and life stage.
- Maintain a healthy body condition and avoid excessive treats or calories.
- Provide regular exercise appropriate for your pet’s age, health, and abilities.
- Establish a routine for dental care and discuss professional dental cleaning with your veterinarian.
- Keep medications, supplements, household chemicals, trash, and potentially dangerous foods securely out of reach.
- Keep pets safely contained with secure fencing and appropriate supervision outdoors.
- Use a collar with current identification information and have your pet microchipped with up to date registration.
- Maintain a current list of your pet’s medications, preventatives, supplements, allergies or sensitivities, and important medical history.
- Monitor your pet daily for changes in eating, drinking, urination, bowel movements, energy, mobility, alertness, and overall appearance.
Preventive care is not simply about avoiding illness it is about giving your companion the best opportunity for a longer, healthier, and higher quality life.
Emergency Preparedness :
An emergency is not the ideal time to begin making a plan. Preparing in advance can help you respond more quickly and reduce stress when your pet needs urgent care.
Know your local emergency veterinary hospitals. Identify one to three nearby Pet ERs, know their hours, and determine what services they provide. Not every emergency facility is open 24 hours, and some do not treat exotic animals. Keep this information somewhere easy to access, such as your phone and refrigerator.
Keep important medical information available. Maintain a concise medical summary that includes major illnesses, previous surgeries, current medications, doses, preventatives, supplements, and relevant sensitivities. Keeping this information on your phone can make it easier to provide accurate information during an emergency.
Prepare a pet first aid kit. A basic home first aid kit can help you respond to minor wounds and other situations while you determine whether veterinary attention is needed.
Have transportation planned. Know how you will safely transport your pet if you do not have access to a personal vehicle. Your local emergency veterinary hospital may be able to provide guidance regarding available transportation options.
Prepare financially. Emergency veterinary care can require immediate financial resources. Consider pet insurance and establish an emergency funding strategy before a crisis occurs.
When Should You Consider the Pet ER?
Some situations that may require emergency evaluation include:
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness
- Toxin exposure or ingestion
- Repeated vomiting
- Significant bleeding
- Trauma or being hit by a vehicle
- Dog fights
- Falls from significant heights
- Fractures
- Bloating
- Pale gums
- Severe weakness
- Paralysis
- Difficulty urinating
- Choking
- Serious eye problems
- Significant pain
This list is not comprehensive. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition requires immediate attention, contact your local Pet ER for guidance.
Wellness & Prevention :
The best emergency care often begins long before an emergency occurs.
Preventive veterinary care can help identify medical concerns earlier, while healthy daily routines can reduce avoidable risks.
A Preventive Wellness Checklist
Veterinary Care
- Annual or veterinarian recommended examinations
- Appropriate laboratory testing, particularly for senior pets
- Recommended vaccinations
- Routine dental care
Parasite Prevention
- Flea prevention
- Tick prevention
- Heartworm prevention
Identification & Safety
- Microchip registration kept current
- Collar and identification information kept current
- Secure fencing
- Leash use when appropriate
- Safe indoor living environment
Nutrition & Fitness
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Appropriate portions
- Healthy body condition
- Regular exercise
Daily Observation
- Eating normally
- Drinking normally
- Normal urination
- Normal bowel movements
- Normal energy
- Normal mobility
- Normal alertness
- Normal coat and overall appearance
Your veterinarian should be your primary partner when determining the appropriate preventive and medical care for your individual companion.
This list is not comprehensive. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition requires immediate attention, contact your local Pet ER for guidance.
Recommended Links :
The following organizations and resources are referenced or recommended throughout the books:
Veterinary & Pet Health Information
ASPCA
Resources covering pet health, toxic plants, pet planning, and general animal care.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Guidelines and educational resources relating to veterinary care, including vaccination and spay/neuter recommendations.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary health resources, including vaccination and spay/neuter guidance.
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
International veterinary guidelines and recommendations.
Pet Insurance & Emergency Financial Planning
Research pet insurance options carefully and compare coverage, reimbursement, fees, exclusions, and other policy terms before selecting a plan.
Consider establishing an emergency pet care fund and researching accepted veterinary financing options before an emergency occurs.
Pet Loss & Support
Pet loss can be an emotionally difficult experience. The books recommend resources including:
- Lap of Love
- Best Friends Animal Society
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
- Pet Loss.net
These resources can provide information and support for individuals coping with the loss of a beloved companion.
Pet Planning & Estate Planning
Planning for your companion’s future is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Consider identifying a primary and secondary caregiver and discussing appropriate arrangements with the person managing your estate.
Recommended resources include:
- ASPCA Pet Planning
- Best Friends Animal Society Estate Planning for Pets
- Animal Legal Defense Fund Establishing a Trust for Your Animals
A Final Reminder
Your pet cannot tell you when something is wrong. Your attention, preparation, and partnership with your veterinary team can make a meaningful difference.
Know your pet’s normal behavior. Prepare before an emergency happens. Maintain preventive care. Keep important information accessible. And when you are concerned about your companion’s health, do not hesitate to seek professional veterinary guidance.
Prepared pet owners are better equipped to make informed decisions when their companions need them most.
