Protecting Your Pet at Home Pet-proof your home by eliminating unsafe conditions and substances. Remember, your puppy or kitten is much closer to the ground than you and can find small objects that may be swallowed. Most young pets are curious and will chew or taste almost anything they find, so take the same precautions with drugs, household products, insecticides, electrical wires, etc. as you would with a toddler.
Help Protect Them
Veterinary Care- Your new puppy or kitten depends on you to help him or her live a healthy, happy life. Next to you, your veterinarian is your pet's best friend. By establishing a preventative health care program with your veterinarian as soon as you acquire your new pet, you can help protect your pet from contagious disease, parasites and other health problems. Schedule a veterinary appointment as early as possible.
Give your veterinarian as much information as possible about your new pet - age, where acquired, and vaccination records.
Follow your veterinarian's schedule on your pet's preventative health care. Your puppy or kitten received some immunity from its mother, but this decreases quickly after weaning. It is important to have your pet inoculated against contagious diseases as early as possible. Some vaccinations require initial and booster inoculations, so be sure your pet receives the full series.
Take a fecal sample to your veterinarian to be examined for internal parasites on your puppy's/kitten's first visit. Some parasites are passed from mother to babies. It is important to have your veterinarian treat them early. It is not recommended that you treat your pet yourself with over-the-counter products.
Your veterinarian will examine your pet's eyes, ears, mouth, nose, body and hair coat for any abnormalities.
Discuss the benefits of spaying/neutering your pet with your veterinarian and at what age this procedure should be scheduled.
Ask your veterinarian for behavior and training advice and housebreaking tips.
It is preferable, and safer for your pet, to be kept indoors. If it is necessary to take your pet outdoors, be sure he/she has a collar, leash and identification. Do not leave your pet outdoors alone.
Provide a bed for your pet in a safe, draft-free spot in your home. Do not move the bed once "his/her place" is established.
Teach basic obedience which may help save your pet's life.
Keep fresh water in a clean bowl available for your pet.
Exercise your puppy or kitten daily by walking or playing with them.
Groom your pet regularly.
Become familiar with your puppy's or kitten's normal appearance and behavior. The more familiar you are with your pet's appearance and personality, the easier it will be for you to see signs of illness or injury.