How To Take Care of Your Pets? perromart Vet Q&A Series #1

Owning a pet sounds fun! But being a pet parent sure isn’t all fun and games, especially when it comes to the health of your pets. In our first series, we will be answering all your questions on how to take care of your pets, answered by Dr. Anne Claire from SVI!

Read on for the Q&A or watch the video below!

1. How do I treat my pet’s separation anxiety?

With more of us going back to work after the Circuit Breaker and moving into Phase 2, some pets may face separation anxiety, especially since they have been used to your presence every day!

Start with leaving your pet home for short periods of time and gradually extending it. One example would be to leave your home for 5 minutes and wait at a distance away from your home and gradually extending the minutes to hours to a day.

Playing some background noises, leaving their favourite toys or a piece of clothing with your scent would help make your pet feel more comfortable! In serious cases, consider crate training.

2. How do I keep my pet’s heart healthy?

Exercise! A 15-20mins daily walk would be great for most dogs. For cats, introduce playtime for a similar period of time daily!

Providing a balanced diet with no salt (even treats!) also helps to keep your pet’s heart healthy. Choose from grain-free diets and freeze-dried treats and air-dried treats! If you’re unsure on how to choose the right or healthy diet for your pet, you’d benefit from first learning how to read pet food labels and ingredient lists!

Adding supplements like fish oil would greatly benefit your pet’s heart as well!

3. How often should I visit the vet?

For younger pets, an annual visit to the vet would be sufficient. It is recommended for senior pets to visit the vet twice a year.

4. What should I expect during a routine vet visit?

A full health check-up will be done! From a physical examination of the eyes, mouth, nose, skin, to listening to the lungs, heart, and gut, as well as a full blood work or blood test and urine test.

5. What is the best flea and tick treatment and how often should I use it?

The best flea and tick treatment varies from pet to pet, however, a monthly use is necessary unless otherwise stated! Flea and tick are common especially in sunny Singapore or during warm summer months!

If you’re wondering which brand of flea and tick treatment to get, read more about What Is the Best Flea And Tick Treatment For Your Pet or take a look at the infographic below!

6. Should you brush your pet’s teeth and how often?

Yes, it’s really important to brush your pet’s teeth! Once a day is sufficient but is essential in ensuring your pet has good dental health to prevent other periodontal related diseases. Take a look at the full range of dental supplies!

Through it all, giving your pet loads of love and treating them like family is vital!