17 Essentials to Pet Care

1. Keep an indoor cat happy with lots of activities. Such as a scratching post, paper bags to hide in, and you!

2. Exercise your pet regularly. Your pet will lead a happier, healthier life.

3. Visit your pet's veterinarian for its annual check-up. Your pet depends on you to keep healthy so don't forget!

4. Don't feed your pet holiday treats. Chicken or turkey bones and chocolate can be harmful, even toxic.

5. Tattoo or microchip your pet. Even the most responsible owners accidentally lose their pets. Ear tattoo or microchip your pet or both.

6. Use caution in winter. Cats will huddle around the engines of vehicles to keep warm. Before starting your car, bang on your hood or honk your horn.

7. Outdoor dogs need a doghouse. If your dog spends any time outside without you, provide a well-insulated doghouse. Call the Shelter at 982-2021 for doghouse plans.

8. Keep your cat inside! Outdoor hazards include poisons, disease, parasites and injury or death from cars and other animals.

9. Heat can kill! In just 10 minutes on a warm day, your dog could suffer brain damage or death if left in a parked car. It's better to leave him at home.

10. Children should never be left unsupervised with any animal. You can prevent accidents or over exuberant play by keeping an eye on them.

11. In case of fire. Alert firefighters that your pets need to be rescued.

12. Clean up radiator antifreeze spills. Radiator antifreeze is very poisonous to animals.

13. Don't neglect your pet when there's a new baby. It is important to continue to give your pet lots of love and attention. It encourages your pet to accept the new baby in the household.

14. Spend quality time with your pet. A strong bond creates special memories. In those moments, we too become gentler and kinder.

15. Some pets do not travel well in the car. If your pet isn't accustomed to travelling, try several short trips spread over several weeks. Gradually increase travel time.

16. Spay or neuter your pets. Encourage your family, friends and neighbours to do the same.

17. Housebreaking is like toilet training. Accidents do happen, but once they're trained they're trained for life. All it takes is patterns, persistence and patience!