Image by master1305 on Freepik Within the last couple of decades, veterinary medicine has changed significantly. Before the new century, only X-rays were used for diagnosis. Today, veterinarians use MRI, ultrasound, and advanced lab tests. Continuous education can help animal doctors and their assistants keep up with these changes.  Lifelong learning provides them with knowledge for advancing veterinary medicine. This knowledge is crucial for quality animal health care. Knowledgeable veterinarians and veterinary technicians benefit the entire veterinary medicine field.   What is veterinary  Veterinary is a practice where professionals care for sick and injured animals. The study of veterinary medicine was first made in France in 1762. Today, the study has advanced to cover a wider scope from diagnosis to treatment, prevention, and control. These professionals care for injured and ill domestic animals, pets, and wildlife. Several reasons make it important for a veterinarian and their veterinary partner to engage in continuous education.   Veterinarians require a great deal of practice to do their work successfully. This allows them to improve their diagnostic and treatment skills, which is critical for animal health. Their job can be demanding, therefore they spend more time caring for patients. As a result, they lack enough time to write papers, which is important for continuous education. To balance their workloads, veterinarians use online professional writers to assist with writing tasks. When the workload is heavy, it is better to allow Edubirdie, the top write my paper service, to take charge. This allows you to focus on animal care while also fulfilling your academic or professional obligations.   Veterinary medicine is dynamic and advancing with new technologies  Animal health professionals were using an X-ray for diagnosis 30 years ago. Today, that has changed and new technologies developed. These doctors today use advanced tech like MRI, ultrasound, wearables, and microchipping. Due to these dynamic changes, animal doctors and technicians must keep up with trends.  Lifelong education empowers them with the latest animal care knowledge. They learn current research methods, diagnosis tools, and treatment options. This helps these professionals give patients the best recovery opportunities. Education teaches them to use advanced tech like MRI, VR, and genomics.  Beyond learning about tech, they also learn about new medicine. They develop knowledge about sedatives, antibiotics, anabolic hormones, etc. Some diseases today affect animals and humans. Continuous education helps these professionals understand how to deal with such diseases.   Demand for high standards and compliance in veterinary practice The standard bar in modern animal health and care is high. Due to high immigration rates, diseases are no longer contained in a specific geographical area. They can quickly spread across nations and into humans. This is what necessitates high care standards in this field.  Veterinarians and technicians should understand current compliance rules. This calls for knowledge about the latest veterinary practice news globally. For instance, in the US, these professionals should complete specific education hours annually. The American Veterinary Medical Association has several published education guidelines.  Part of the guidelines explains continuous education for these professionals. Failure to meet these guidelines could lead to license cancellation. Continuous education helps animal doctors understand the current care standards. They learn about the current compliance guidelines and how they affect their work. This is especially important for heart care and cancer treatment veterinarians.  Lifelong learning opens new career opportunities for veterinary technicians. They can rise to specialization and leadership in this field. Education helps them provide better animal care. Enhanced care improves their relationships with customers. It helps prevent the quick spread of diseases between animals and humans.   Image by freepik   Staying above competition and providing better patient care  Animals benefit more from learned animal health professionals. They become better at diagnosis and treatment which provides animals with quick recovery. The latest education benefits veterinarians and technicians in many ways.   Knowledge about advanced tech like CT scans helps them diagnose diseases in real time. They detect diseases early which helps prevent their spread. Continuous learning empowers these professionals with modern surgical skills and technologies. They learn to use less invasive surgery that helps minimize pain and maximize recovery time. Education helps professionals stay competitive. They meet the high standards of customer and industry expectations. They provide advanced specialized services that help them stay above in the animal health and care field.  Conclusion  Animal health and care technology has lately advanced to levels unimagined before. Continuous learning can help veterinarians and veterinary technicians keep up with the advancing pace. It lets them understand the trending diagnostic technologies and treatments. Lifelong learning helps these professionals stay compliant and competitive. It opens new career opportunities and advanced animal care knowledge.     

Image by CJ from Pixabay  As our canine companions age, they may become more susceptible to a variety of health issues, including allergies. Allergies in senior dogs can manifest in several ways, leading to discomfort and affecting their overall quality of life. Understanding the signs of allergies and knowing how to provide effective solutions and care is crucial for maintaining your dog's well-being. This blog will explore the common signs of allergies in senior dogs, discuss various treatment options, and offer tips for providing them with the best care possible.  Maintain Their Skin and Coats  Maintaining healthy skin and coats in senior dogs is essential, particularly when allergies are a concern. Regular grooming can help remove allergens like pollen, dust, and dander that may cling to their fur. It's essential to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that won’t irritate their sensitive skin, and bathing should be done only as needed to avoid stripping natural oils. Using senior dog skin supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, can also help keep their skin and coat healthy. This is especially beneficial for senior dogs that may have dry, itchy skin due to allergies. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet. Common Types of Allergies in Older Dogs  As senior dogs age, they may develop sensitivities to various environmental factors that can lead to allergic reactions. One of the most prevalent types of allergies in older dogs is flea allergy dermatitis, which occurs when a dog becomes hypersensitive to flea saliva. This condition often results in intense itching and discomfort, primarily around the tail, abdomen, and legs. Another common type is environmental allergies, which can include allergies to pollen, dust mites, and mold. These allergens typically manifest through symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and skin irritations. Additionally, food allergies can also develop in older dogs, usually causing digestive upset or skin issues related to specific ingredients in their diet. Recognizing these common allergies can aid in providing appropriate care and treatment for your senior dog, enhancing their comfort and quality of life. Adjusting Diets to Manage Allergies  Modifying your senior dog's diet can play a significant role in managing allergies and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms. Identifying food allergies or sensitivities is essential; this often involves an elimination diet, where potential allergens are removed from their meals to determine which ingredients may trigger a reaction. It's crucial to choose high-quality, limited-ingredient diets that focus on easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates.   Common protein sources like chicken or beef might need to be replaced with alternatives such as fish or lamb if your dog has sensitivities to common proteins. Additionally, incorporating hypoallergenic or prescription diets recommended by your veterinarian can help ensure that your dog receives the necessary nutrients while avoiding allergens. Frequent monitoring and adjustments to their diet can dramatically improve your dog's health and comfort as they cope with allergies. Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/senior-lady-talking-to-her-dog-laying-on-sofa-10117512/ Environmental Changes to Reduce Allergens  Making thoughtful changes in your senior dog's environment can significantly reduce exposure to allergens and enhance their quality of life. Start by implementing regular cleaning routines to minimize dust, pet dander, and mold in your home. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery frequently, using an air purifier, and washing your dog's bedding regularly can help create a cleaner living environment. Additionally, consider limiting outdoor access during high pollen seasons and using protective gear, such as booties, to keep allergens from clinging to their paws.   Creating a designated allergen-free zone in your home, where your dog can rest and feel safe, may also help alleviate allergy symptoms. Ensuring proper ventilation and humidity levels can make a difference as well, as damp environments can foster mold growth. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle for Allergy-Prone Seniors  Ensuring a healthy lifestyle for senior dogs prone to allergies involves a balanced approach that encompasses proper nutrition, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Providing a consistent feeding schedule with high-quality, hypoallergenic dog food supports their overall health while managing allergy symptoms. Regular, moderate exercise is crucial not only for maintaining a healthy weight but also for boosting their immune system. Activities like gentle walks or low-impact playtime can help keep your dog active without overexerting them. It's important to monitor their reaction during and after these activities to identify any potential allergen exposure.   In addition to physical health, mental stimulation is equally important. Engaging in activities such as puzzle toys, scent work, or training exercises can help keep their minds sharp and reduce anxiety related to their allergies. Creating a structured daily routine that includes opportunities for socialization with other pets—while being mindful of potential allergens—contributes to their emotional well-being.  Managing allergies in senior dogs requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes their comfort and well-being. By being vigilant in recognizing the signs of allergies, making dietary adjustments, and implementing environmental changes, pet owners can significantly alleviate their canine companions' discomfort. Regular veterinary consultations play a vital role in developing personalized care plans that address specific allergy triggers. Ultimately, with the right strategies in place, we can enhance the quality of life for our senior dogs, allowing them to enjoy their golden years with greater comfort and joy.        

Whilst your pets happily go about their business enjoying life and the world around them, there are unfortunately health issues they can pick up. One of them is the problem of worms and parasites, with infestations in pets more than just an unpleasant nuisance. If left undetected and untreated, they can be a serious health concern for both cats and dogs, so what can you do about it? Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this, with regular worming essential to keep your furry friends healthy and to avoid further spread of infection. You may need to find some clever ways to give your dog or cat this type of medication, such as mixing tablets in food or confidently administering them directly into their mouth with a bit of patience, but this effort is worth it for a healthy pet. Whether you're a new pet owner or just want to be more aware of the dangers of untreated worms, the below information can help you investigate further and keep your cat or dog worm-free. What Kinds of Worms Can My Pet Catch? There are a few types of worms that can affect your pets, each with its own unique unpleasantness. According to The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the most common worms in cats and dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms, threadworms and whipworms. Roundworms – they live in the intestines and can cause serious health issues for puppies. They can grow up to 15cm long and look similar to spaghetti or noodles. Tapeworms – these live in the small intestine and are recognisable by the small, flat rice-like segments that can grow up to 50cm long. Cats may pick these up from fleas. Lungworm – found in dogs, these are carried by snails and slugs, causing serious health issues. This has become more common across the UK from dogs eating these when outside, and can even be picked from the grass or stagnant water. Threadworm and Whipworm – these also affect dogs but are rare in the UK. They live in the large intestine and can reach 2-3 inches in length. Symptoms of your cat and dog having worms may include diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, and in more severe cases, respiratory distress, but sometimes there may not be symptoms as obvious as this. It’s important to not self-diagnose, so contact your vet if you notice any symptoms. Regular vet check-ups will help you catch these signs early and get the recommended worming treatment. According to statistics from the CATS Report UK 2023 from Cats Protection, 16% of cat owners treat their cat for worms only when they think they are present when asked how often they tend to give their cat a worming treatment – however, cats do not show outward signs of worms when infected, so many cases are missed. For dog owners, almost 10% are unaware worming treatment should be given monthly to protect against nasties like lungworm according to a national survey of pet owners and vets by Elanco, with just 1 in 3 aware that lungworm can be found across the UK. How To Prevent Your Pet From Catching Worms So, now you know why they are a problem, how can you prevent your furry friend from catching worms in the first place? It does require a proactive approach, combining regular treatment with managing the environment they find themselves in. Here’s how you can keep your pets as worm-free as possible: Regular Deworming – You’ll need a regular deworming schedule for your pets. According to Dr Lily Richards BSc writing for pet insurance provider Petsure, puppies should be wormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly up to 6 months old. Adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months at least, and more often if your vet recommends. With cats, this is the same, with your kitten wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month up to 6 months old. In adult cats, this should be at least every 3 months or more often if higher risk, such as if they are an outdoor cat. Flea Control – Fleas can carry tapeworms, so controlling fleas is essential in preventing tapeworm infections. Use regular flea treatments as prescribed by your vet, and maintain a clean environment to reduce flea populations. Environmental Hygiene – Dispose of pet poop quickly and regularly, especially in gardens and public areas where pets play. This will reduce the risk of your pets picking up an infection from eating the worms’ larvae. Clean Feeding Areas – Regularly clean and disinfect your pet's feeding area including food and water bowls. Empty cat litter trays and clean them too. Regular Vet Checks – Routine check-ups with your vet can catch infestations early before they become a major health problem. Discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to tailor the worming schedule to their specific needs, such as if you have an indoor or outdoor cat or if you have a puppy or older dog. Most of the time it’s about ensuring a good clean environment both indoors and in the garden to help create worm-free areas and being vigilant when taking your dog for a walk so that they don’t eat anything unusual. Regular worming treatment is still required to ensure the best prevention. What is the Right Worming Treatment? Having an effective worming treatment is crucial to protect your pets from parasites. With a variety of treatments available, including tablets and spot-on formulations, it’s best to speak to your vet for their recommendations and get a prescription worming treatment. Pet's Age and Health – Puppies and kittens will require different formulations than adults based on age and weight. Also, the vet will need to assess your pet’s current health to ensure the right treatment is used too. Lifestyle and Exposure – Outdoor pets or those who are frequently in contact with other animals might need more frequent or robust treatments compared to indoor-only pets. Different Methods To Treat – Consider how easy it is to administer the treatment. If you struggle to give pills to your pet, a spot-on treatment or an injectable administered by a vet might be a more practical choice. Treatment Effectiveness – Some products target only specific types of worms, while others offer broad-spectrum protection. Your vet can help prescribe based on the types of worms that are a risk for your pets and the area you live in. Always consult your vet before starting any new medication. Ideally, you should avoid buying off-the-shelf worming treatments as the PDSA doesn’t recommend these. It’s best to book an appointment with your vet and get the right treatment prescribed the first time. Minimize the Risk of Worms & Get Your Pet Regularly Treated Overall, if you want to ensure your pet stays free from the horrors of worm infestation, avoid trying to do this yourself and self-diagnosing, or worse, ignoring the problem altogether. It’s all about staying vigilant about environmental hygiene both indoors and outdoors. Early detection through regular vet check-ups is the best way to prevent serious health issues and keep your beloved cats and dogs healthy with worming treatment. Fingers crossed your dog or cat can enjoy many worm-free days ahead, keeping them at bay for as long as possible. If they do catch them, have peace of mind you can get the right treatment quickly from your vet for efficient removal.      

We sure love our pets, don’t we? How could we not? They offer us love unconditionally and an endless supply of licks and cuddles when we need it the most—and even when we don’t. So, if our pets are so important to us, why wouldn’t we pull out all the stops to create a pet-friendly home? If you’re like most pet owners, your love for your pet extends beyond adorning your living room with custom pet portraits. You want them always to be safe and secure, even when you’re not looking. So, in this article, we’ll give you the scoop on what you can do to create a safe and happy environment for your pet.   5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe at Home Here’s the thing. When it comes to creating a safe space for our pets, we need to think about safety from two perspectives. What can your pet get into during waking hours? And, what can they get into when you are deep in sleep, snoring away? The truth is that while many of us have pets that slumber away next to us or stay deep asleep when we’re sleeping, some pets might wake up and decide to wander the house. After all, everyone needs some me time now and again. This means that you need to think about what they can get into when you’re not looking. Pets have an instinct to hide their pain and illness. So, if they get hurt in the night, they might not cry out with a bark or a loud meow to let you know. With all this said, here are five tips on how to keep your pet safe, day and night. Choose Pet-Safe Fabrics Okay, we know that this sounds like it is more for you than your pet, and there is some truth to that. But choosing pet-safe fabric can keep your pet safe, too. Some pets like to scratch, and even those that don’t can create inadvertent damage when their nails get too long.  Plus, pets are far more likely to cause damage to soft upholstery. And as soon as that first hole appears, you know what your pet will do—chew and consume that fabric without thinking twice. So, sticking to thicker options like synthetic fabrics, leather, and distressed leather is often the best choice. Block Off Balconies Many homes today are designed with open banisters and balconies, which can be extremely dangerous for pets, even if your cat has nine lives remaining. If your home has a balcony or slatted banister, consider whether or not your pet can squeeze through. If they can, well, let’s not get too specific about what can happen. The best solution here is to block an open banister with a piece of furniture. Just make sure the furniture is not designed so that your pet can hop on board for easier access to leap. Another option is to block the banister by weaving thick fabric or mesh between the slats. Plenty of colors are available online or at your local fabric or hardware store to keep this option from being an eyesore. Helpful hint: Consider outdoor decks, railings, and balconies, too, and make sure those areas are safe for your pet as well. Provide a Safe Pet-Only Space While many pets like to follow us wherever we go, no matter what we’re doing—gone are the days of bathroom privacy—make sure your pet has a space just their own. This gives them a retreat when they are overstimulated, tired, or need non-human time. Adorn it with a pet bed, favorite pet-appropriate toys or scratching posts, and perhaps a water dish if the area permits. Remember that your pet might want to retreat to their privacy space at night time, so make sure there is nothing in the space that could cause injury. Accessible Food and Water Stations While your pet may show you some strong hints that they are thirsty or hungry, they can’t get their own food and water when the dishes run dry. And just as it is for humans, your pet always needs access to water. They also need access to food when meal time comes or at all times if you practice open feeding. Consider the design of your home to decide the best place to place feeding stations. Depending on where you and your family—and pet—spend their time, you may need more than one. Popular places include the back entrance of the home, near the kitchen. You may also want to consider food and water dishes in the master bathroom. This might sound odd, but it can be super convenient to let your pet get in their morning or evening meal while you are grabbing a quick shower. We’re all about saving time, plus you can keep an eye on them at the same time! Finally, consider using elevated feeders for larger dogs to help with digestion and reduce the strain on their necks and joints. For smaller pets or those with special needs, choose bowls that are easy to reach and can't be tipped over. Remember to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Adding a pet fountain can also encourage hydration by providing a constant water flow. Secure Hazardous Areas While we often pet-proof the obvious areas, it's easy to overlook certain spaces that can pose risks to our pets. We already talked about balconies and banisters, but also be sure to secure any hazardous areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and laundry room.  Keep cleaning supplies, chemicals, and small objects that can be swallowed out of reach just as you would for kids. Install baby gates or use closed doors to block off these areas when you're not around to supervise. Additionally, keep trash cans covered or stored away, as pets are naturally curious and might dig through the garbage for a tasty (but potentially dangerous) snack. Note: You may need to add a pet lock to your garbage can if your furry friend is especially adept at trickery.  A little extra effort in securing these areas can go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping your pet safe.   A Safe Pet is a Healthy Pet It’s our job as our pet’s human to keep them safe and healthy. Following the five tips we shared above can set you on the right track to do just that. And remember, pet safety is not a one-and-done initiative. Check your home frequently for safety issues that could cause them harm. The more you do for your pet, the safer and healthier they’ll be.  

Having a pet is one of the most rewarding parts of owning a house or renting an apartment. They don’t only keep us company, but also have proven over and over again to be great for our mental and physical health. It doesn’t come as a surprise that a number of people will have multiple kinds of four-footed, winged, or slithering companions in their homes. The question is how to create a happy household with our pets. Additionally, caring for a pet requires a certain amount of habit formation. There are a number of actions that every pet owner should take to live and stay healthy with their animals. In this article, we’ll examine ten healthy habits that can make life with your pet more enjoyable. 1. Regular Vet Visits Your pet’s check-ups with your veterinarian are an essential part of the health services that your pet receives from you. With preventive care, your veterinarian can catch a problem before it becomes serious. We all know prevention is the best medicine, but not just for us. It will save you both heartache and some very expensive care down the road if you can catch things like bumps, coughs, cuts, and broken bones, as well as more diagnosable conditions such as heartworm, intestinal parasites, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. This is why preventing these problems in the first place is so important. A healthy pet is a happy pet, and there is no better preventative care for your pet than those regular visits to your veterinarian.  Taking proper care of your pet can be time-consuming. If you're a student, you may feel overwhelmed by it, and your assignments may suffer in the process. To remedy that, try getting an assignment service by ukwritings during the times when your pet needs some extra involvement. This will help you keep both your grades and your furry friend in check. 2. Proper Nutrition Make sure your pet is fed a nutritional diet appropriate to their age, health status, and lifestyle, and make sure you choose the right food. Look up foods with your vet or via scientific research. Over-feeding or under-feeding can result in a wide range of medical problems, including obesity, which is of epidemic proportions in pets and can predispose them to diabetes and a wide range of life-threatening conditions. Ensure your pet's health with these five nutrition tips: Tailored Diet: Feed your pet a diet suited to their age, health status, and lifestyle. Consult Experts: Discuss food options with your vet or refer to scientific research to choose the best food. Measure Portions: Provide the correct amount of food to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding. Watch for Obesity: Monitor your pet's weight closely, as obesity can lead to diabetes and other severe health issues. Quality Food: Opt for high-quality, nutrient-rich foods that meet your pet's specific dietary needs. 3. Daily Exercise Regular exercise is an important necessity to keep your pet healthy and happy. You should consult with your vet and determine the amount of exercise that best suits your pet based on its species, type, and age (for instance, a dog usually needs to do more exercise than a cat does). If they have regular exercise such as walking and playing, they could be fit and stay sharp. Exercise is also an effective solution to keep your pet free from boredom or avoid some behavioral problems. You can exercise with your pet, which will provide an additional bonding experience and will also help you stay fit. Grab some assignment writing services if you need to carve out some time for regular activities from your busy schedule. Ensure that your own and your pet’s health is a priority. 4. Hygiene Practices More than just improving your pet’s appearance, keeping your pet neat is fundamental to their health. Regular brushing of your pet’s teeth and bathing add years to your pet’s life by preventing periodontal disease, skin problems caused by skin irregularities and allergies, and preventing infections through trimming nails. It also alerts you to many problems before they get serious. 5. Training and Socialization Most pets require training and socialization since this will help to ensure a peaceful home life. A well-trained pet is easier to manage, and they are less likely to develop problems with their behavior. Socialization enables your pet to become more supportive and to enjoy a peaceful and harmonious relationship with people and other pets, not suffering from fears or anxieties. Take the time to train and socialize with your pet when they are young so that this forms the basis of their good relationship with you and others. 6. Secure Environment Then there’s providing a safe and stable home. Does your yard have plants that are toxic to pets or dangerous debris lying around? Is your gate open, letting your pet sneak into the neighborhood? Is there a birdbath or pond where your pet could drown and where the water might be stagnant and toxic, posing a threat if consumed? Is your pet always supplied with water? Think about these questions when creating a secure environment for your pet. 7. Quality Time Together Spending time together improves your pet’s emotional health and strengthens your bond with them. It also helps when it comes to the mood of your pet. When you spend time with your pet, you can do the following: Go for a Walk: Enjoy the outdoors together while getting some exercise. Play Fetch: A fun and active way to engage your dog. Cuddle on the Couch: Spend some quiet time together relaxing. Teach New Tricks: Stimulate their mind with training sessions. Visit a Pet-Friendly Park: Let them socialize and explore new environments. Have a Playdate: Invite other pets over for a fun play session. Grooming Time: Brush their fur and take care of their hygiene. Interactive Toys: Use puzzle toys to challenge and entertain them. Go for a Car Ride: Take them on a scenic drive for a change of pace. Take a Nap Together: Rest and bond by napping side by side. Regular interaction keeps your pet mentally stimulated and prevents boredom. It provides an opportunity to observe any changes in their behavior or health. Moreover, shared activities like walks or play sessions can improve your pet’s physical health. These moments also create lasting memories and reinforce positive behaviors. Ultimately, quality time together ensures a happier, healthier life for your furry friend. 8. Mental Stimulation Your pet needs a cognitively enriching environment in addition to physical activity, or they will get bored, causing destructive behavior or even psychiatric illnesses. Use interactive toys, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders to keep your pet’s brain engaged. Workout sessions such as long walks, play sessions with their favorite toys or games of fetch are great for the body and brain. Training sessions that teach new tricks or commands provide fantastic mental exercise. Switching up routine toys and activities also helps your pet avoid boredom. Playing with our pets, whether it be imitating their behavior or throwing the ball back and forth, cements the bond we have with them. Studies show that simply petting our pets lowers our blood pressure, reducing stress levels in humans and our pets. Further enrichment activities, such as humans “hiding”’ items with a specific scent for pets to sniff out or training for agility courses, also provide variety and cognitive challenges to your pet’s day. 9. Respect Their Space Pets need space just like we do. Make sure you provide a quiet, safe, comfortable place where your pet can rest and recharge or just have a moment alone. Pets that live in households with lots of kids and/or dogs especially need some space of their own. Having a space where they can go to feel less overwhelmed is important for their stress management and feeling safe. This space should be stocked with toys, a comfy bed, and water. Observing your pet's need to be alone can prevent behavior problems. By respecting your pet and providing them with their own space shows that you care and acknowledge them for who they are. Personal space is important for their emotional health, making sure they remain happy and healthy in a busy household. 10. Preventative Measures Vaccinate your pet to help them remain well. Deworm them, and protect them from ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Don’t allow free-ranging where your pet might catch a disease or get hurt. Take them in for yearly check-ups with a vet immediately after any accident or illness. Microchip your pet in case they get lost. Provide your companion with a safe, clean, and appropriately sized living environment because injury and infection are less likely to occur. These straightforward steps are the essence of preventive medicine, and keeping your pet healthy as long as possible is the goal. Thriving Together When practiced together, these ten habits will give you and your pet a joyful life. Each step of the process serves your pet physically but also emotionally because you're nurturing the bond that you share. Your pet is your family, and you open your home, heart, door, wallet, and life to them daily. These habits are written to give you and your pet a long, happy, and healthy life together. Cheers!