Pet Care Tips and Tricks for Your Furry Friend
Looking for tips and tricks on how to take care of your pets in Surrey? In this guide, you'll find valuable information designed to help you ensure your furry companions are happy and healthy. Your pets deserve the best care possible, and with the right knowledge, you can provide them with the supportive environment they need.
Summer Care
The summer months can be uncomfortable not only for people but animals too. Our pets are important to us and as owners we need to keep them safe. Animals only have a few sweat glands in their paws and around their nose which make it harder for them to regulate heat and humidity. Panting also helps them dissipate heat.
​
Following these precautions can protect your pet from summertime danger:
Provide ample water and shade
Limit exercise
Watch humidity
Keep your pet cool
Do not leave your pet in a parked car
Heat stroke is serious and can be fatal. Watch for any symptoms, excessive panting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If any should occur cool your pet immediately and seek veterinarian care.
Christmas Dangers & Precaution
As we are all busy with shopping, baking and spending time with family and friends this Christmas season, don't forget about your furry little friend. Pets can be more curious at Christmas time, sticking their little noses into things they shouldn't. A few friendly reminders we would like to share with you are:
Keep chocolate and any toys with small parts out of their reach.
Be aware of decorations and tinsel on your tree, if they should fall.
Pets are family they deserve the right to enjoy Christmas with their families too
Flee Season & Prevention
March is the beginning of flea season for animals. Most dogs and cats will pick up fleas at some point in their lives. In fact, fleas are one of the most common parasites your dog will encounter while on their walks or playing in the yard. If your cat is outdoors, they can pick them up in your backyard, from squirrels and raccoons that may walk through.
You shouldn't ignore fleas. Female fleas can lay up to 40 eggs per day which can quickly lead to an infestation, both on your pet and in your home. They'll feed on the blood of any red-blooded mammal, including humans.
Bites from these parasites can cause much more than an itch for your dog and cat. They can lead to more serious health problems like dermatitis, anemia( if a flea infestation is severe) and even a tapeworm infection, should your pet swallow an infected flea.
The best way to help keep your pet and your home flea-free is to use a regular preventative flea treatment. Talk to your veterinarian and they can prescribe the best flea protection for your pet.
At-Home Grooming Tips
Grooming is an essential part of your pet's life. Brushing your pet regularly not only allows you to bond with your furry friend but it maintains the health of their coat. Regular maintenance of your pet’s fur, ears, nails, and teeth helps prevent painful and costly health issues that may require veterinarian care. Some breeds require less brushing while others need more frequent deep brushing. Having your pet on a routine daily grooming schedule or weekly schedule at home, along with regular visits to the groomer keeps your pet's hair in good condition. Most breeds need to be fully groomed every 6-8 weeks. Routine brushing helps remove dirt and spreads the natural oils throughout their coat which helps in preventing mats, and tangles as well as keeping up on the shedding of the undercoat.
Here is a quick list of the basics to get you started:
Dog/cat shampoo
Dog/cat comb
​Deshedding tool
(depends on breed and length of hair)
Dog/cat brush
Nail Clipper
​Treats (Keep a variety of treats on hand to praise and reward your pet)
Always remain calm and keep the experience positive. This will help your pet look forward to the experience of being groomed and help your pet overcome the fear of the tools and brushing.
As you learn you may find that your pet’s unique grooming needs require different tools, but the list above is just a general starting point for most animals.