What every pet owner should keep at hand
The key to a healthy pet is to see a veterinarian at least once a year and stay up to date on appropriate vaccinations, including those that protect against rabies for dogs and upper respiratory infections in cats, said Dr. Robert Knapp of Knapp Veterinary Hospital in Clintonville.
But there are some things you should keep on hand at home:
Prescription heartworm prevention
Protect your pet against this potentially fatal disease, which is caused by worms in the heart, lungs and certain blood vessels.
Prescription flea and tick prevention
It’s also important for preventing diseases that can be fatal.
Gauze bandages and adhesive tape
These can cover cuts or wounds until you can get to a veterinary emergency department.
Milk of magnesia
This can absorb poisons eaten by a pet. Always contact your veterinarian before using.
Hydrogen peroxide This can induce vomiting if a pet eats something it shouldn’t. Always contact your veterinarian before using.
Over-the-counter eyewash
It’s safe to use if your pet is squinting a lot or has dust in his or her eyes.
Water
Pets should have free access to water at all times, unless there is a medical reason to limit it. Exercise
Remember not to overdo it. Pets might need to get conditioned in the spring if they’ve spent most of the winter sitting on the couch.
“Pets have to get acclimated, too. Sometimes we forget pets haven’t been as active, and we need to work our way up to that,” Knapp said.
Should you use antihistamines and other over-the counter medications? It depends, so you should ask your vet.
Keep in mind that some medications that are safe for humans are not safe for animals. For example, acetaminophen, the drug in Tylenol, can be fatal to cats, Knapp said. And some flavorings and sweeteners can also be toxic to pets.
“Just because it’s OK for us doesn’t mean it’s OK for pets,” Knapp said.
However, being a good pet owner isn’t so much a matter of what you have, but what you do, said Dr. Michelle Matusicky, an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University.
“The best owners are those who not only provide for their general necessities, but do things for them and with them: they go for walks, they play fetch, they provide enrichment to their pets on a daily basis,” she said.
“Those owners are in tune with their pets; they know what their pets need and recognize any changes or concerns quickly should they arise.”