Allowing your pet outdoors can give it the exercise it needs and the chance to explore. However, from parasitic insects to feline leukemia virus, many dangers are present as well. From dogs and cats to farm animals that require time to graze and socialize, each may face different hazards when you allow them to roam your property. To lower the risk of injury or illness, there are several actions you can take while giving your pet the freedom it desires.
1. Get Your Pet Microchipped
Microchipping your dog or cat can give it the best chances of getting home to you if it should wander too far and become lost. These tiny chips, which are injected under your pet’s skin, are scannable and allow any vet or shelter to identify your dog or cat if it is not wearing any collar or identification tags. The chip number carries your name, phone number, and other important information. Some shelters pair the microchip with a wearable tag that lets people know your pet is chipped and not a stray animal.
When you adopt a pet, some shelters offer chipping as part of the adoption fee. Your pet will not be aware of the chip once it is injected, and it causes no pain or discomfort, even for toy breeds.
2. Use a Flea and Tick Treatment
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can cause a miserable infestation in your pet that can lead to long-term illnesses and even death. Once your pet picks up fleas and ticks and brings them into your home, their eggs can hide in carpets and bedding for months until they hatch and spread throughout your home. Using a pest treatment program can prevent these parasitic insects from hurting your pets or invading your home.
Advances in veterinary technology offer you many different choices when it comes to protecting your pet from biting insects. Collars, dips, shampoos, and even pills are available to repel fleas and ticks. While some come with the risk of mild side effects, most animals can tolerate them. You can ask your vet which type of treatment is the best choice for your individual pet.
3. Limit Contact With Strange Animals
If you allow your pet outdoors or take it with you on hikes or errands, it is a good idea to keep it under your control and supervision at all times to prevent contact with strange animals. Strays, wandering animals from nearby neighborhoods, and wild animals can all cause injury to your pet. Even leashed dogs might carry ear mites or fleas, so limiting your pet’s contact with strange animals can reduce the chances of transfer.
Limiting contact with other dogs can be especially important for a puppy who has not has its full course of immunizations. Contact can increase the chances of contracting parvoviral syndrome, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and eventually death. While puppies can overcome parvo, they may develop distemper afterward, which causes high fever and coughing. There is no cure for this illness, and dogs that develop it usually have to be euthanized.
4. Immunize Your Horse
Letting your horse out to graze can expose it to contagious and deadly diseases, such as equine distemper, which is also known as strangles, or tetanus, which can be picked up in pastures and grazing fields. Immunizing your horse can protect them as they enjoy the company of other horses, and you can visit VPD for horse vaccines and other products that can keep your horse safe and healthy.
Your pets face certain risks when you allow them outdoors to explore. However, with a little preventative care and knowledge, they can enjoy all the freedom that comes with visiting places beyond your backyard.
1. Get Your Pet Microchipped
Microchipping your dog or cat can give it the best chances of getting home to you if it should wander too far and become lost. These tiny chips, which are injected under your pet’s skin, are scannable and allow any vet or shelter to identify your dog or cat if it is not wearing any collar or identification tags. The chip number carries your name, phone number, and other important information. Some shelters pair the microchip with a wearable tag that lets people know your pet is chipped and not a stray animal.
When you adopt a pet, some shelters offer chipping as part of the adoption fee. Your pet will not be aware of the chip once it is injected, and it causes no pain or discomfort, even for toy breeds.
2. Use a Flea and Tick Treatment
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can cause a miserable infestation in your pet that can lead to long-term illnesses and even death. Once your pet picks up fleas and ticks and brings them into your home, their eggs can hide in carpets and bedding for months until they hatch and spread throughout your home. Using a pest treatment program can prevent these parasitic insects from hurting your pets or invading your home.
Advances in veterinary technology offer you many different choices when it comes to protecting your pet from biting insects. Collars, dips, shampoos, and even pills are available to repel fleas and ticks. While some come with the risk of mild side effects, most animals can tolerate them. You can ask your vet which type of treatment is the best choice for your individual pet.
3. Limit Contact With Strange Animals
If you allow your pet outdoors or take it with you on hikes or errands, it is a good idea to keep it under your control and supervision at all times to prevent contact with strange animals. Strays, wandering animals from nearby neighborhoods, and wild animals can all cause injury to your pet. Even leashed dogs might carry ear mites or fleas, so limiting your pet’s contact with strange animals can reduce the chances of transfer.
Limiting contact with other dogs can be especially important for a puppy who has not has its full course of immunizations. Contact can increase the chances of contracting parvoviral syndrome, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and eventually death. While puppies can overcome parvo, they may develop distemper afterward, which causes high fever and coughing. There is no cure for this illness, and dogs that develop it usually have to be euthanized.
4. Immunize Your Horse
Letting your horse out to graze can expose it to contagious and deadly diseases, such as equine distemper, which is also known as strangles, or tetanus, which can be picked up in pastures and grazing fields. Immunizing your horse can protect them as they enjoy the company of other horses, and you can visit VPD for horse vaccines and other products that can keep your horse safe and healthy.
Your pets face certain risks when you allow them outdoors to explore. However, with a little preventative care and knowledge, they can enjoy all the freedom that comes with visiting places beyond your backyard.
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