Taking Care of Your Pet Every true pet lover goes out of their way to ensure their pet, that much-loved puppy or older dog, the playful kitten or lazy, senior fur friend that now sleeps a lot, is loved and cared for – and knows it too. A huge responsibility rests on humans’ shoulders from the moment they bring the new member into their home until that last moment when we have to say goodbye. Every pet owner should take care that they pay attention to certain issues to help ensure their pet stays happy and healthy and remains a cherished member of the household. What follows here as some very basic – but necessary – introductory tips to ensure that you and your pet are given the best chance of being together for a long time? Of course, there will be others, so add those that you believe apply to your own circumstances. THE ROLE OF THE VET IN ITS LIFE: This is extremely important. Always keep the vet’s contact details close by, not only for the regular 6-monthly or annual wellness exam and check-up, the times when they are checked for problems, and when they get their regular shots to ensure they remain healthy, but also for those times that immediate attention is required, such as during/after an accident, or a snake bite, or when open wounds after a fight need attention. Never simply assume the animal will “get over it” without medical attention- This is true for all cats and dogs. Know how to quickly reach the vet and the animal hospital or clinic. In addition to taking it to the vet for check-ups and at those times that they are unwell, always keep an eye on them in terms of how healthy/unhealthy their coat looks, if they show signs of irritation in or around their ears, or their eyes – or in their mouth. These could be warning signs of a situation that needs attention. Be aware. DIET: Pay attention to your animal’s diet. Feed them the most appropriate food, and remember, too much is not always good – an obese cat or dog will not be happy. So, in addition to the best food for their type and age, keep