Buying or adopting your first pet is an exciting experience, whether you do it for yourself or for your kids. But that’s not all a pet is. Looking after a pet is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously to ensure the pet is safe and healthy in your home. Let’s take the stress out of it and talk about a few tips to keep your pets healthy!
Cats and Dogs
1. Feed them correctly
Cats and dogs have different dietary requirements depending on their age, pre-existing medical conditions, and sometimes even their breed.
2. Follow the vaccination schedule
Kittens need two vaccinations at 9 and 12 weeks old. Sometimes, a third injection may be necessary at 15 weeks. Then, cats receive their first adult booster a year later and regular boosters every 1–3 years from then on.
Puppies are typically vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks old, with the second dose usually being given 2–4 weeks after the first one. Dogs then require a booster vaccination at 6 or 12 months old.
3. Perform regular deworming, flea & tick treatments
When you take your cat or dog to the vet for the first time, make sure to ask how often you should perform treatments for worms, fleas, and ticks. This can depend on whether your pet spends time outdoors and other factors.
You can perform the treatments at home, but make sure to buy them from trustworthy stores such as pet shops. Alternatively, you can book time with your vet if you would prefer they took care of this.
4. Get them insured
Having insurance for your pet makes it easier to deal with health issues that might arise during their life. Most of these issues are unexpected, don’t let them catch you off guard.
Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits
5. Buy the right habitat & bedding
Each small rodent needs a different type of habitat and bedding suited to their needs for burrowing, exercising, hiding, and so on. A pet shop assistant can help you make the right choice for your new furry friend.
6. Change bedding regularly
It’s important to keep your pet’s habitat clean by regularly cleaning it and changing the bedding.
Fish
7. Learn about the right environment for them
Much like rodents, fish have different needs in terms of water temperature, light, and room to swim. When you buy your fish, ask a store assistant to recommend the best aquarium and accessories.
8. Replace the water & clean the filter regularly
You should change the water every week and clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the water clean at all times.
All Pets
9. Use Lifefyle
It can be hard remembering when to take your cat in for a vaccine, perform a flea treatment for your dog, change your hamster’s bedding, or clean the water filter in the aquarium. Luckily, you don’t have to!
Simply download the Lifefyle app and create a Pet Space where you can add all the dates you need to remember in order to keep your pet healthy.
