According to the APPA National Pet Owners survey, over 90 million homes have pets. With so many people owning pets, it stands to reason we would have a month dedicated to acknowledging our pets. Braescroft Animal Clinic would like to celebrate National Pet Month with you by sharing ways you can return the love and friendship you receive from your furry loved ones.
Spoil Your Pet
You can go to the pet store and pick out some fun toys or if you can, take them with you and let them pick out their toy. Some favorites for dogs are tennis balls, squeaky toys, or ropes for tug-a-war. Cats usually love feather toys or laser toys. Some cats are happy simply with a new cardboard box to sit or play in. Or perhaps you have some other type of pet. Whether your pet has paws, fins, wings, or slithers around, you know best what makes your pet happy. Do more of it!
Playtime and Exercise Time!
Another way to show your love and appreciation for your pet is with playtime. Playtime gives them good exercise, but it also stimulates their minds and can help relieve boredom. Playtime can also help curb destructive behavior because it is common for bored pets to be naughty for lack of things to do. We find this is true not only for dogs and cats but for exotic animals too. If you live a busy life, it is a good idea to add playtime or exercise time with your pet into
your schedule. Remember, you are the center of their world, and they will love you even more when you give them playtime and attention.
Bring Your Pet to See Us for a Wellness Check
Regular wellness checkups allow us to establish a baseline in your pet’s health and make us aware of any changes that may indicate future problems. We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often health problems that go undetected can become more severe issues when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.
We will provide your pet with the preventive care needed to promote their optimal health. As a part of your pet’s preventive health care, we recommend the following schedule for checkups:
- Puppies and kittens: At 6-8 weeks of age and every four weeks until the pet is over 18 weeks old
- Adult dogs and cats: Twice yearly
- Older dogs and cats: Twice yearly
Keep their Teeth and Gums Healthy
Another great way to show appreciation for your pet is to ensure they have a healthy mouth! You might think that a trip to the dentist doesn’t sound like fun for either you or your pet, but tooth problems are even less fun and much more harmful.
Dental disease is the number one problem in dogs and cats. While we don’t expect your pet’s mouth to smell minty fresh, neither should it be foul-smelling. Foul-smelling breath and discolored teeth are signs of dental disease. Dental disease can become very painful for your pet
and can contribute to heart disease and respiratory disease and affect other organs.
At our office, your pet will receive a comprehensive oral exam, and you will receive qualified treatment advice on how best to keep their mouth healthy and pain-free well into their golden years.
Our professional teeth cleaning is performed under general anesthesia and includes a full oral exam, and complete cleaning and polishing.
Final Words
National Pet Month is a fabulous time to celebrate our beloved pets, but we want you to have a fantastic time with your animals all year round! Keeping them healthy helps you spend much more time together making fond memories.
At Braescroft, we strongly believe in client education and participation. And we understand that each client’s bond with their pet is unique. So, if you have any questions about your pet or need to schedule an appointment, we are here for you. We are wishing you and your pets a happy National Pet Month!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Lowenstein
Braescroft Animal Clinic
