Indispensable care for your pet
Visit the vet!
The first step is to take your pet to the veterinarian. Listen carefully to whatever he tells you. In addition to checking his health, he will give you advice on how to feed him well, protect him from parasites and take care of him in general. It is likely that your dog or cat will end up hating these visits to the veterinarian but they are absolutely necessary.
Everything for his health
Parasites:
Cats and dogs must be dewormed against internal parasites every three months and especially before vaccination in the case of puppies or kittens. There are also external parasites such as fleas or ticks that can be eradicated with appropriate treatments. It is best to talk to your veterinarian so that your pet is healthy, internally and externally.
Vaccines:
The first thing to know is that an unvaccinated pet cannot have contact with other animals or with the outside for the first two months of its life. The vaccination program depends on the breed, the state of health of the animal and your lifestyle and place of residence. It is the veterinarian who will establish the vaccination program and you will see that it is useful for avoiding diseases such as the parvovirosis virus, distemper, contagious canine hepatitis but also calicivirosis, panleucopenia or rhinotracheitis for cats.
Sterilization:
sterilization is a generally recommended procedure. In males, castration reduces the risk of fights with congeners, the risk of running away or even tendencies to mark their territory or the rise of people and inanimate objects. In females, you will be reassured to know that sterilization eliminates the inconvenience of heat, the possibility of a nervous pregnancy and reduces the risk of mammary tumors as well as meowing (in the case of cats) and other problems related to periods of heat. It is a common intervention that poses no risk to the animal and does not cause a change in mood.. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal age to practice it and do not forget that the sterilization of a dog or a cat will avoid unwanted litters and, consequently, the abandonment of animals .
Administrative procedures
If you identify your animal, you will be able to locate it in the event of loss. In France, dogs and cats have the obligation to be identified either by electronic chip or by tattoo and to have a health book gathering the information on his state of health and the follow-up of the vaccines. If you travel regularly with your dog or cat, you will need to obtain the European Pet Passport.
Care
Walks are highly recommended! Take advantage of these outings with your dog because he needs them for exercise and socializing. Three walks a day are recommended and the ideal is to alternate them with long walks in the countryside. Unlike dogs, cats can spend their lives at home, but try to create a fun environment for them to play. Respect the environment and collect your dog’s excrement. If you have a cat, don’t forget to clean the tray and change the litter box regularly.
The bath.
It is not necessary to wash your dog every month. If you brush it every day, it will stay clean and you won’t need to give it more than two baths a year. If your cat is healthy and does not leave the house, you will not need to wash it.
Food.
If your pet is a puppy, his daily ration should be split into three meals and once an adult, a single meal (or two) will be enough. Unlike dogs, cats tend to split their meals. Always make sure to place a bowl of fresh water at their disposal and take care of your pet during the hottest months.
If you follow these tips, you will be an exemplary master and your cat or dog will really appreciate it. Do not forget to give him affection and enjoy every moment of sharing. If you have children at home, do not hesitate to read the following article: How to distribute the tasks to take care of an animal in family?