Animal Hospital of Casper - On Line

Responsible Pet Ownership

Are you thinking of bringing a new pet into your home?  Are you ready to become a responsible pet owner??  Looking for guidelines?  Well, you have come to the right place!  When you bring home a pet you bring home unconditional love and friendship.  Your new pet will give you a warm welcome when you come home as well lend a sympathetic year to listen to your problems.  It is now up to you to keep your pet that way with responsible care.

Be sure your pet has food, water and shelter.  Every pet should eat a complete, well balanced diet, one that is specifically designed for your pet. It is important to feed the correct amount.  A good way to tell if your pet is eating enough is to feel for your pets ribs.  You should be able to feel them without applying much pressure. Constant access to fresh drinking water is a MUST!  Especially on those hot summer days.  Speaking of hot summer days, your pet would love to stay inside.  If your pet stays inside, make sure there is nothing that he or she could chew on.  Keep cleaning fluids, poisons, medications, and plants out of reach.  Anti-freeze can also harm your pet.  If your pet would rather be outside, give them a comfortable dog house to stay in.  The interior should have enough room for them to move around comfortably.

Just like you, your new pet will need to see the doctor regularly.  Comprehensive physical exams and vaccinations are a must.  They help to protect from diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, feline leukemia, and many others.  Treatment for such diseases and be very costly and are not guaranteed.  The next step would to have your pet surgically sterilized (spay or neuter), if you chose not to breed your pet.  There are several advantages to the spay or neuter procedure.  It reduces the risk of cancer and infection of the reproductive system.  And don't forget the teeth!  Tooth decay and infections of the mouth and gums can lead to serious heart and kidney problems.  As your pet gets older, you should begin to get senior or geriatric examinations.

Be sure to spend lots of  time with your pet.  They need exercise and grooming just like people.  And what better time to spend time with your pet then when in Puppy Kindergarten.  From there you and your pet can graduate to obedience classes.  By enrolling in these classes you can make your pet into a well behaved joy for all to be around.

A responsible pet owner makes a commitment to care for his or her pet for the animals entire lifetime.  This means providing quality care for medical or behavioral problems.  Commitment also includes having real expectations of your pet.  Your pet will shed and vomit sometimes.  He or she may even soil the house.  Be prepared to take care of your pet so that you can share a long and happy life together.

A Responsible Pet Owner is prepared for a long and happy relationship with a 

"GREAT FRIEND"!! 

Check out these Great Sites for More Information:

Click on for more information about having a pet

Absolutely great information on Responsible Pet Care - Especially directed at our youngsters!

Interested in a new dog - check this site out first!!!!! (Excellent help for Breed Selection)