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Avoid These Common Pet-Owner Mistakes

June 1, 2019
We all try to be the best possible parents to our animal companions that we can. With that being said, everyone makes mistakes! Here, your Pickerington, OH veterinarian tells you about some of the most common mistakes that pet owners make so that you can avoid them in your household.

Not Spaying or Neutering

Spaying and neutering is an important healthcare step for your pet that can be accomplished early on in life, but it’s not always prioritized. Spaying and neutering eliminates the chance of genital cancers, and makes other cancers like breast and prostate cancer far less likely. Even urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other common ailments aren’t as likely to affect pets who have had the procedure performed. Plus, pets who have been spayed or neutered tend to behave better than those who haven’t. What do you have to lose?

Overfeeding

Many of us unwittingly give our pets too much to eat; after all, it’s hard to resist those adorable puppy eyes and wagging tails! Take care not to overfeed your pet, though, because it’s a quick path to obesity. Ask your veterinarian about a specific measured portion size that works for your pet’s needs. That way, they’ll receive all of the essential nutrients that they need without getting a lot of unnecessary calories.

Not Exercising

Another common pet-owner mistake is not providing your companion with enough exercise. When your pet doesn’t get enough physical activity, they become sedentary and pack on excess pounds. Obesity can, of course, quickly lead to other health problems throughout the body. Get your pet moving on a daily basis—take them for walks, play fetch or tug-of-war, or simply romp around in your living room.

Not Keeping Up With Preventatives

Preventative medicine is the best medicine. It’s not only less expensive than treatment, it’s far more effective! Have your pet wear seasonal or year-round preventative medications to ward off the dangers posed by fleas, ticks, worms, and disease-carrying mosquitoes. Also make sure that your companion is up-to-date on necessary vaccinations to prevent dangerous diseases like distemper, parvovirus, influenza, hepatitis, Lyme disease, rabies, and others. Skipping these preventative care measures is only putting your pet at serious risk! Does your pet need a veterinary examination, vaccinations, or pest-control medications? We’re here to help with all of your companion’s care needs. Set up your pet’s next appointment at your Pickerington, OH veterinary clinic today.