Take time to study your pet

Being a responsible pet owner/guardian requires you to be a close observer of your pet. I’m not referring to just spending time or playing together. A different mindset is required. Good observation requires you to look as objectively as you can. Look at them in this way at least once a week.

Before you can detect any sort of problem, you will need to know what is normal for your pet. A veterinarian should do a proper physical examination on your pet once a year at a minimum. However, it is not enough to have your pet examined just once a year. You should be doing exams monthly, weekly or even daily, depending on your individual situation.

What color are your pet’s gums normally? How fast does their heart beat when resting, or after exercise? Pay attention to your pet’s intake of food and water as well as going to the bathroom. If you just let your pets out into the yard or a field and never see what they do, you are missing out on valuable information.

From the day you bring your pet home, start gradually running your hands over them from head to tail. Get them used to things like having their teeth looked at, their feet handled, ears examined, belly checked, etc. Everything that can be observed, should be observed. Use your eyes, ears, hands and nose. Make sure to do your exam in a well-lit area.

This routine process can become second nature to both you and your pet. It may be combined with petting and affection, but requires attention to detail. You’re not just sitting next to each other on the couch. You can reward your pet at the end of the exam with a treat, to create a positive association.

When you bring your pet to the veterinarian, it is absolutely critical that you get feedback from the vet. The most important thing you need from your vet is information! Anything abnormal or concerning needs to be discussed and monitored at home. For example, if your vet tells you that your pet is overweight, you will learn how to evaluate body condition and follow the progress of a weight loss program.

Why is this so important? Problems have the best outcomes when dealt with early rather than late. You have the ability to prolong both the duration and quality of your pet’s life, by working with your vet. What better gift could you give to your pet?

Here is a checklist of things you should be doing for an average dog or cat:

• Weigh your pet once a month using an accurate scale. Keep a record.

• Use a good light (flashlight), to shine it in their eyes, mouth and ears.

• Open theirmouth and look at their teeth, tongue and roof of their mouth.

• Smell their breath and ears.

• Run your hands over the body, limbs, head, neck and tail.

• Look everywhere including under the chest, belly, tail, and in between the toes.

• Observe your pet walking, running and jumping.

• Measure any lumps or bumps that the vet has checked and keep a record.