Pet Ed:101 Things to Know About Routine Pet Care

Pet Education: 101

What YOU need to know about routine pet care

“It's cute and it's cuddly and I want it.” Well of course you do! Puppies and kittens and animals in general are often cute little fur balls that we just want to kiss, and snuggle, and hug. 

 

Hard to resist! BUT before you take the plunge of becoming a pet owner...or even if you are a new pet owner please read and consider the following! Being a RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER is a BIG deal. If you have consented in any way to said animal(s) then they are YOUR responsibility. They are NOT just things that you can discard like trash when you decide you no longer want them...or just objects that you can push to the side when you are tired of fooling with them. PET are a LONG TERM COMMITTMENT and you should go into pet ownership with that in mind.

 

Okay, now that we have touched that subject (one that I could go on & on & on about) we will move on to routine pet care for dogs and cats (since those are the most popular pets—though I would be glad to research other care for other types of animals if you wish..just shoot us an email and I'll put my googling skills to work!)

I got a (insert pet here), now what?!

Well, that really depends on which option you chose. Of course since we are so avid and pro adoption we will just assumed that you truly SAVED your furry best friend! With that we can go 1 of 2 ways..see below...

#1 – I found this poor little (cat/dog) outside wondering all on its own and I just knew that it was meant to be. (Yes, this does happen. Yes, we strongly believe that sometimes animals in need FIND US)

**NOTE: I tried to find a photo of a cat snuggling with its best friend that saved them from the streets...after “hours” of searching I am quite certain that said photo does not exist...**

However..I do believe the photo may look as follows...

Okay..so here is what you do!

1. Take said animal inside...I usually go ahead and give them a good bath, some food, fresh water, and show them where their new “hide out” is. (Crate with bed)
2. Make an appointment to take said animal to the VET. This isn't OPTIONAL..THIS IS A REQUIREMENT! Animals need vet care...routinely..go ahead..get used to it. The vet will give a full health evaluation from heart, to worms, to age...they will also give vaccinations (puppies require several of this 6weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks. I can't stress how VITAL these are!! They will protect your pup against all kinds of diseases). You'll also want to get the rabies (for puppies it is at 16 weeks.) THIS IS LAW in KY! ALL PETS ARE REQUIRED BY KENTUCKY STATE LAW TO HAVE A RABIES VACCINATION THAT IS YEARLY UP TO DATE! ------Cats have similar vaccinations but they cover different diseases that are prone to cats including feline leukemia.-------
3. Here is a checklist of all the essentials you'll need for your new best friend. 
   
   
   

   

    
   ***This doesn't just apply to puppies but to dogs of many ages*** Cats are a little different as they would rather have a scratching post than chew toys and don't typically sleep in crates..they would enjoy a nice bed however.

#2 – I ADOPTED!!

Well first all...that is AWESOME!! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND PROMOTE PET ADOPTIONS!!! From cats, to dogs, to bunnies...you never know what you'll find in rescue!!

------Still schedule a vet appointment and learn as much as you can from said pet from the rescue you adopted from. Make sure to get all paperwork and all the supplies your new friend will need. (see checklist above)

#3 – I want to adopt but those adoption fee's are outrageous!

Oops! Did I forget to mention that there was a third option??! My bad.

Yes, rescues charge adoption fees..they have to...see photo below...

This is just one example of what they cover as far as vetting goes. Many rescues will provide all of the following in their adoption fee (I assure you the fee covers vetting and not much else...if at all)

• vaccinations
• rabies vaccinations
• heart worm test
• heart worm and flea preventative ($15 or more a month for one dog)
• spay/neuter (a minimum of $150 if you were to do in on your own)
• micropchip (also $100 )
  **Some rescues also deal with illness/injuries such as animals that have parvo, have been hit by cars, and more...

Most rescues use fosters that can help tell you lost of info on your new friend as well! There really is NO wrong in adoption!! AND it gives you more money to spend on your new friend!!

Responsible pet ownership also means the following:

• routine vet care
• keeping your pet safe at ALL times- inside, no running loose,
• emergency vet care if and when needed
• shelter, fresh water, nutritional food
  This isn't a get it and let it do whatever situation..that is why pets are in shelters, over populating, and getting hurt. When deciding to get a pet please make sure you and your family are 100% ready for a LONG TERM commitment....and I guarantee it will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make!
  
  

  
  
  If you have ANY QUESTIONS about this blog or caring for your pet please send us an email at woofpacked@gmail.com!