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How can we keep our pets healthy

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A large part of a veterinarian’s job is to help pet owners keep their pets healthy and free from disease and sickness.

A pet owner’s responsibility is to be aware of the things they can do in order to keep their pets healthy.

Observing and regularly assessing your pet’s health and visiting the vet are very important things to remember if you want to keep your pet fit and healthy.

You should regularly check your pet’s

  • Ears
  • Eyes
  • Teeth
  • Coat
  • Claws

Some tell-tale signs that your pet is not well include:

  • They may go off their food
  • Drinking more water than usual
  • Vomiting
  • Runny poo
  • No desire to go for a walk
  • Excessive scratching
  • Limping
  • Shaking their head

If your pet has any of these signs, then it’s a good idea to contact your local vet immediately.

Checking your pet’s health and taking your pet to the vet regularly is really important

Vaccinations

Some pets need to have a vaccination each year to keep them free from disease.

Some older pets may only need to be vaccinated against certain diseases every three years.

Your vet can tell you what is best for your particular pet.

Desexing

Another very important thing you must do is take your pet to the vet to be desexed.

This should be done when your pet is young, about 6 months old.

Both males and females should be desexed. This helps stop unwanted puppies and kittens.

Microchipping

Your vet can insert a microchip into your pet, making it easier to contact its owner should they be injured or lost.

Microchipping is compulsory in most states.

What else can I do to keep my pet healthy?

  • Feed them a balanced diet
  • Give them plenty of exercise
  • Make sure they have plenty to play with if you’re not around
  • Give them lots of love and affection

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For more information on keeping your pet healthy CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for some great ideas for a Healthy Pet

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet "Dog for a day"

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet  "Keeping pets healthy-finger game"

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet "What's wrong with that dog?"

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    • Responsible Pet Ownership
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      • What do veterinarians and vet nurses do?
      • Animal health
      • Working safely around animals
      • Pets and people living together
      • Hygienic handling of animals
      • How can we keep our pets healthy
    • Welfare of Animals
    • Animals And The Community
  • The role of animal carers and animal welfare groups
An initiative of the Australian Veterinary Association
© 2010 Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)

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