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GENERAL CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
BATHING PETS: Unless your pet has parasites ( fleas, ticks, mange) or needs treatment for a medical condition, dogs do not need to bathed any more often than monthly. Cats bathe themselves and may not need bathing more than a few times each year.
INDOOR vs. OUTDOOR: Cats should be kept indoors if possible. This will decrease the cats exposure to many feline diseases, bite wounds, abscesses, skin parasites and intestinal parasites. If your cat goes outside it should be vaccinated for feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis.
DOG HOUSING: Dogs kept outside must be provided with adequate shelter from the elements. In extreme weather, the pet should be sheltered indoors. Conventional or invisible (electric) fencing should be used to enclose the pet's territory. Indoor dogs should be leash walked or allowed outside in fenced areas. These measures will help decrease injuries and chance of disease. Also, they comply with county and local dog ordinances.
CHILD PROOFING for PETS: Many pets will try to eat anything. To avoid toxic or gastrointestinal emergencies, keep soap, socks, towels, small toys, toy and game pieces, household cleaners, antifreeze, medicines, etc. out of your pets reach. Keep trash covered in a sealed container. Check house plants and only keep plants that are non-toxic to pets.
DIETS: Dry food should be introduced into the dog's diet at about three to four weeks of age. Dry food is better for the long term health of teeth and gums and we recommend twice daily feeding. Cats can either be fed twice a day you may leave food out for the cat to "graze" on.
TICK REMOVAL: Swab area with alcohol. Grasp the head of the tick (close to the skin) with a tweezers and pull. Don't squeeze the body of the tick. Burn the tick or drown it in alcohol after removal. Apply alcohol to the bite area on your pet. If the tick is in a sensitive area you may want us to remove the tick for you. In a heavily infested area you may want your dog vaccinated for LYME disease which is spread by ticks.
SKUNK SPRAY: SKUNK OFF is a retail brand of odor remover that you may wish to try. Otherwise, tomato juice is the preferred treatment. Remember to place a drop of mineral oil in your pet’s eyes prior to any treatment. The longer you can leave the juice on the coat, the more effective it will be. If possible, confine the animal and leave the juice on overnight.
FLEA CONTROL and PREVENTION: Please ask for our brochure containing instructions and suggestions for maintaining a flea free environment for you and your pet. We now offer a variety of once per month flea prevention options.
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