Veterinary Care. It is important to take your pet to a veterinarian on a regular basis. Fortunately medical care for animals is quickly approaching the sophistication of medical care for humans. Chemo, CT scans, ultra sound, micro surgery, etc. is all available as are 24-hour emergency clinics, and fully equipped pet hospitals. Make sure your pet is current on shots and vaccinations. Seriously consider having your pet either spayed or neutered. There are already millions of homeless animals all across the country so adding more would just be adding to this tragic situation. When selecting a vet, make sure you are in a facility where they really love the animals. You can tell this quickly just they way the staff handles and talks to pets. You don’t want just a “clinical” surrounding. Also, check to see if the receptionist is friendly. Are the charges fair? Can you get an appointment easily? Does the vet spend time to explain things clearly? Is the office and medical area clean? Do any of your pet-owning friends or colleagues know this vet? The bottom line is that you should have a positive feeling about the vet, his or her staff and the office.

Common Ailments / Emergencies. Fleas, worms, and bites and scratches, are common problems. Your vet will advise the correct treatment. But you should be prepared for emergencies. It would be wise to visit a nearby bookstore and pick up a book on pet care. Also, your vet will probably have several free brochures provided by pet food manufacturers. You might also want to find nearby emergency clinics recommended by your vet just in case you need quick care for your pet after hours.

Feeding Your Pet. Pet food is BIG business. In fact, today more money is spent on pet food purchases annually than on baby food. Your pet will probably do much better eating commercial pet food, rather than table scraps. There are so many types and varieties of pet food and for the most part you will find it well-balanced and nutritious. There are even special types of pet food for those who are overweight, seniors, etc. Check with your vet or other pet-owning friends to see what they buy. A trial and error method will also probably be needed to see what brands your pets enjoy most. Pet treats and snacks are also available. Keep in mind that chocolate is particularly bad for pets. By the way, don’t forget to always have plenty of fresh water available.