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Getting On The Right Track With A New Pet
(NAPSA)-Are you
considering being a new pet owner? If you’re a first-time
pet owner, you may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities,
one being the expense of having a new pet. Unfortunately,
a serious accident or illness will strike most pets at some
point in their lifetime, and most pet owners are not financially
prepared for the associated costs.
In fact, dog and cat owners spend $11 billion at the
veterinarian every year. Veterinary Pet Insurance has some
tips to prepare new pet owners for the added costs as well
as other responsibilities.
“One of the most
important decisions you’ll need to make right away is choosing
a veterinarian,” says Dr. Jim Humphries, author of “Dr. Jim’s
Animal Clinic for Dogs,” and leading authority on pet care.
“Visiting a veterinary hospital, talking to staff members
and asking questions you may have can help you make the right
decision.”
Veterinarians recommend taking early action
to help ensure a long and healthy life for a pet. New pet
owners should get puppies and kittens vaccinated right away,
and get into the habit of yearly vaccinations and routine
care. When it comes to specific vaccinations, be sure to ask
your veterinarian about the vaccine protocol he or she recommends.
Vaccinations for dogs include immunization, against distemper,
hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, coronavirus,
Bordetella, rabies and Lyme disease. While your will greatly
benefit from vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and other forms
of routine care, be sure to prepare for the added expense.
As for what
to feed your pet, your veterinarian will serve as the best
source of information. Not only can your veterinarian advise
you on the nutrients crucial to early development, but can
also explain the proper meal portions. Experts warn against
feeding pets table scraps. Rich, high-fat foods can cause
your pet to suffer from gastrointestinal problems and can
lead to other medical conditions such as pancreatitus. According
to Veterinary Pet Insurance, those ailments can costs several
hundreds of dollars to treat.
In order to help
a pet owner handle the financial obligations of pet care, Dr.
Humphries suggests pet owners consider pet health and accident
insurance. It won’t be long you have a powerful bond with your
new puppy or kitten. A policy from Veterinarian Pet Insurance
protects that bond, and makes responsible pet ownership affordable.
It not only helps with the unsuspected medical expenses due
to accidents and illnesses, but it also covers the vaccinations
and routine care essentials to a long and healthy life for your
pet. |
Ten Tips
for Avoiding Dog Bites
1. Always ask permission before
you approach any dog and owner. This applies to those both
on and off the leash.
2. Don't enter a strange yard to
go chasing after a ball or to check a meter. Kids should knock
on the door and ask permission first. Otherwise, bang on the
gate and yell over the fence to see if any dog comes out to
investigate.
3. Never leave kids alone with
a dog. Always have adult supervision.
4. Don't ever make quick moves around an animal.
5. Don't reach out to pet a dog.
Extend your hand out with the palm down and fingers together
and let the dog approach you if they want to sniff and say
hello. If not, don't push your luck.
6. Don't lean forward over a dog
to pet it. Lower yourself amd hold your hand out at dog chest
level - let the dog signal you that it is okay to pet it.
(You can crouch and rest your arm on your knee with your hand
just over the knee.)
7. Don't look an aggressive animal
in the eye.
8. Don't tease any animal.
9. Always control your animal with a leash. If
you are not sure of a situation, or if the person nearby is
fearful, move yourself back; as you move back, the dog moves
back with you and it won't be a struggle to restrain your
pet.
10. If you have an animal that is hard to control,
go to dog school and put your animal into a head halter device
Have
a Happy and Safe 4th of July!!!
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