7 Pet Tips for New Owners

You have a new pet - congratulations! Here are a few things you need to know.

There is nothing like getting a new puppy or kitten. The snuggles, the first moments, the sweet face that melts your heart- all of these things make your new addition a welcome part of the family. We know you want the best for your pet, so here are 7 great tips to get your new family member off on the right foot - ahem - paw.

Tip #1 - Heartworm, Flea, and Intestinal Parasite Prevention
Heartworms, fleas, and other parasites can be devastating to dogs and cats in Houston. At Animal Clinics of The Woodlands, we have a number of parasites that we keep our eye on and treat for. Don't underestimate the importance of heartworm prevention. Please make sure to take your new puppy or kitten to the veterinarian right away and discuss the best parasite prevention plan for your pet and family.

Tip#2 - Spay and neuter your pets
In addition to reducing the pet population, spaying and neutering your pets has many health benefits and improves the quality of their lives. For instance, did you know that spaying helps prevent uterine infections and mammary cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats? 

Tip#3 - Chocolate and other unknown toxins
Many of the common plants, flowers, foods and spices that we all have around our home and are perfectly safe for us are actually toxic and in some cases, lethal to our pets.  Here's a brief list of some of the most common dangers:

Plants & Flowers

• Sago Palms
• Oleanders
• Lilies

Foods & Spices

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Tobacco
• Nutmeg
• Chocolate

* For a more complete list of common pet toxins, please visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Tip#4 - Heatstroke is a very real danger in Houston
We have been saddened to hear of children around the country being left in locked cars and suffering from heatstroke. Here in Houston, its basically summer temperatures 7 months out of the year and we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to our pets and children. Here are some quick tips to help your pets avoid heatstroke in Houston:

• Never leave your pet alone in a car, no matter what time of day or outside temperature.
• Avoid walking them in the heat of the day.
• Remember to give them plenty of water. 
• Provide a shaded area for them to cool off if they are going to be outside for extended periods of time.

Tip #5 - Feeding  
Feeding both dogs and cats a premium diet targeted at the appropriate life stage and breed/size of pet is important. Kitten/Puppy food is recommended until 10-12 months of age, adult food until 7 years of age, and senior food for 7+ years.

Puppies and kittens require a much larger daily intake, but a measured daily feeding amount is recommended for adults and/or after being altered to ensure a healthy weight is maintained.

At least 50%, if not all, of a cat's diet should be canned because they are carnivores, benefit from the additional moisture of canned food, and the carbohydrates in dry food contribute to weight issues.

Tip#6 - Crate Training
Crate training from a young age is recommended to provide the quickest and most effective potty training for young (an even adult) dogs. Crate training also helps ensure the safety of pets when they cannot be directly supervised and allow them a source of safety. Dogs are den animals and benefit greatly from having a crate to call their own. 

Tip#7 -Microchip your pets
1 in 3 pets goes missing during its lifetime, and without proper ID, 90% never return home. A microchip for dogs & cats gives the best protection with permanent ID that can never be removed or become impossible to read. Even indoor pets should be microchipped because there is always the potential for a normally indoor only pet to slip out of an open door/window or escape during travel and find themselves lost. Microchips are placed under the skin, over the shoulders, and are readable with scanners at all clinics, shelters, and pet rescues. It is truly the ONLY 100% reliable form of identification. Because tags and collars can be removed, damaged, or fall off. Keeping your pet's microchip contact information up to date is important as well. 

Do you have a new puppy or kitten? Learn more about our puppy and kitten packages, or download our e-book "How To Take Care Of A New Puppy" & "How To Take Care Of A New Kitten".