Health
pet ownership
responsibilities you
can’t forget
Other than love, shelter, and food, what
else are your pet owner responsibilities?
Wel l, I came up with 3 absolute
commandments of pet ownership including the
following:
1you shall make sure
that your pet has pet
insurance
Veterinary healthcare costs keep rising yet there
is a great buffer against that trend: pet insurance.
Most companies (Trupanion and Embrace)
will cover up to 90% of the healthcare. Don’t
skimp on proper pet care, if you dislike the pet
insurance model there are also other options like
customized wellness plans from private clinics or
setting a pet health savings account.
2you shall socialize
your pet and provide
enrichment activities that
foster good mental health
Keeping your dog in a crate while you work 10
-12 hours is not a good set up for your pet! You
must try to hire a dog walker or better yet, enroll
your pet in a pet daycare program. Take your pet
with you and spend time outdoors or just chilling
inside while offering your attention. Dogs need
physical exercise to burn excess energy, this
Meet the Doctor
results in a calmer dog. A short drive around
your neighborhood can be a very stimulating
activity for your dog’s health. Consider your
working situation and lifestyle before adding a
pet to your life.
3you shall visit your
veterinarian at least
twice a year
Dogs and cats age at a faster rate than their
humans. That means that for an adult medium
sized dog one year is roughly equivalent to 4
of our years. That also means that their bodies
deteriorate faster and significant changes could
happen and become chronic if you only take your
pets to their veterinarian just once a year. Save
your pet’s life!
Mitsie Vargas DVM, CVA, CTCVMP is an author
and owner of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital.
She was named FVMA’s Veterinarian of the
Year.You can reach her at drv@osahvets.com,
@osahvets on Twitter or her Facebook page.
Orchid Springs Animal al Hospital
615 Overlook Drive
Winter Haven
863.324.6964
osahvets.com
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