Once a person decides to bring an animal into their home, they are committing themselves to providing for that animal for the duration of its life. All pets require basic needs such as clean water, food, grooming, exercise and basic veterinary care.

Water

Clean water needs to be provided at all times. Water should be changed daily and the water container cleaned, especially for pets housed outside. The container needs to be in an area where it is not exposed to direct sunlight so it will not be hot water during the summer months. Attaching the container to a tree, post or fence using a snap hook can prevent it from being turned over. 

Food

Animals need to be fed age appropriate food, puppies have different dietary needs compared to adults and seniors. There are many types of food available today that provide exactly what your pet needs based on age, activity level or special diet. Ask your veterinarian for help choosing the correct food for your pet.

Shelter

All dogs living outside are required to have access to shelter. This includes dogs left tethered outside while an owner leaves home for a short time, the weather can change quickly leaving the dog exposed. A shelter needs to be enclosed on three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entry needs to flexible to allow entry and exit but sturdy enough to prevent entry of wind and rain. It should be small enough to retain body heat but large enough to allow the animal to stand and turn completely.

Grooming

All pets need grooming regardless of breed. Nails need to be trimmed on a regular basis. Without regular grooming for long-haired dogs, mats develop. Mats are tangled fur that twist and pull at the skin that are painful and can lead to restricted blood flow to limbs. If you are unsure how often  your dog should be groomed, contact a groomer in your area.

Exercise

All pets need exercise to keep them healthy, mentally stimulated and in shape. Dogs that are kept in pens or tethered should be allowed out of the pen or off the tether at least once or twice a day. The more time is spent with the animal, the happier and healthier that animal will be and this will prevent unwanted behavior issues. 

Basic Veterinary Care

All animal require basic veterinary care to be healthy and to protect them from disease. Having your pet spayed or neutered will prevent unwanted litters, undesirable behaviors and health problems. Preventative care is needed for fleas and ticks, heart worms and intestinal parasites. A veterinarian can assist you with a health plan for your pet.

Why Pets Need Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an extremely important part of your dog or cat's health. They protect your pet from various diseases and protect other pets that may come in contact with your pet from rabies, distemper virus, parvo virus, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. You should consult a veterinarian about your pet's vaccination needs.

What dog diseases should you vaccinate against?

Rabies- A fatal disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system. Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animals. State law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated at 4 months of age and given a booster every 1-3 years depending on if the shot is administered by a certified rabies vaccinator or a veterinarian. Rabies Information

Canine Bordetella- Commonly known as kennel cough, this is a complex of viruses and bacteria that is transmitted by breathing air that is infected with the virus. Dogs that are boarded or visit public areas where other dogs may come in contact with your dog.

Parainfluenza- This disease is also part of the complex of disease commonly known as kennel cough. It is highly contagious and transmitted by sneezing or coughing causing serious respiratory infection. 

Canine Parvovirus- This is an intestinal infection that causes severe dehydrating diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages and is especially dangerous in puppies. It is highly contagious and frequently fatal. Vaccinating properly for this disease is extremely important.

Canine Distemper-  A virus that is carrier in the air, widespread and often fatal. Vaccinating properly against this disease is extremely important.

Canine Hepatitis- A disease of the liver caused by a virus and transmitted through urine, nasal or eye secretions of infected animals. This disease does not affect humans.

What cat diseases should you vaccinate against? 

Rabies- A fatal disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system. Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animals. State law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated at 4 months of age and given a booster every 1-3 years depending on if the shot is administered by a certified rabies vaccinator or a veterinarian. Rabies Information

Feline Panleukopenia- Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Often fatal, it is the among the most widespread of all cat disease and extremely contagious. It is in the same family of viruses known as Parvovirus in dogs.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis- This is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Once infected, the cat will remain a carrier for life. Symptoms include sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation. 

Feline Calicivirius- Is another serious respiratory infection that usually occurs simultaneously with feline viral rhinotracheitis. Calicivirus infected cats have ulcers on their tongue and soreness of the limbs.