You’ve welcomed a new pet into your life – congratulations! Bringing a furry friend home is exciting, and you’ve likely got all the basics covered, from cozy beds to tasty treats… But let’s not forget the essential part of pet ownership: ensuring your new companion’s longterm health and wellness!
The Basics
One of the first things on your to-do list should be getting your pet spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you’ve adopted from a shelter like HAP, there’s good news: this is already done!
- Core Vaccinations: Vaccinations are vital to keeping your pet healthy. In Delaware, all dogs, cats, and even ferrets over six months old must get a rabies shot. A license for your dog, tied to this vaccination, is also required by law. Beyond rabies, other necessary vaccines are known as “core vaccines.” These include protection against distemper, adenovirus types 1 and 2, and parvovirus for dogs. For cats, you’re looking at vaccines for feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and for kittens, feline leukemia. Puppies and kittens will need a series of these shots. Humane Animal Partners also offers low-cost vaccination clinics for pets. Be sure to consult your vet about the best schedule.
- Microchipping: Microchipping is like giving your pet a permanent ID tag. It’s a small chip implanted under the skin that can be scanned to reveal your contact details. It’s more reliable than a traditional collar and tag – collars can get lost or damaged, but a microchip stays put. Dogs should have both collars and microchips in the event your pet ever goes missing. If you’ve adopted from HAP, your fur-baby is already covered. If not, schedule a low-cost wellness visit or pop into one of our upcoming vaccine clinics to get your pet chipped.
- Food Matters: When it comes to feeding your pet, you’ve got options: wet food, kibble, or even pricier boutique choices like raw diets. It’s best to talk to your vet about your pet’s needs, but let’s break down the pros and cons of the two most common options.
- Kibble: Kibble is cost-effective, has a long shelf life, and easy to portion. It’s great for pets who graze throughout the day. However, it’s not as appealing as wet food and can be harsh on pets with dental issues. Also, cheaper kibble can contain fillers that aren’t ideal.
- Canned Food: Wet food has the benefit of added moisture, which is great if your pet isn’t a big water drinker. It’s also more enticing and often nutritionally balanced. The downsides? It’s pricier, doesn’t last as long, and can harbor bacteria if left out and open too long.
There’s a lot that goes into pet nutrition! If you’d like to learn more, check out Pet Nutrition 101: Helping Your Pet Manage a Healthy Weight.
Other Resources
- Pet Insurance: Vet bills can add up quickly, especially in emergencies. Pet insurance can help, but it comes with a monthly premium and may not cover pre-existing conditions. It’s something to consider if you want to be prepared for unexpected expenses.
- Pet Food Pantries: If times get tough, don’t hesitate to reach out to local shelters, like HAP, for help from their pet food pantry. They’re there to support you in keeping your pet fed and healthy.
- Veterinary Clinics: Regular vet visits are crucial, but they can be costly. Look into free or discounted services offered by shelters or community groups, especially for vaccinations and routine care, like HAP’s low-cost pet wellness services.
And there you have it – your quick guide to pet wellness. Taking care of your pet’s health doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
