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A word about animal behavior issues.

Basic Care 

• Select a pet wisely, based on your lifestyle, schedule and budget. Keep in mind the animal's expected physical and behavioral characteristics and grooming needs.
• Remember, you are the caretaker of you pet. When you adopt an animal, you adopt the responsibility of taking care of that animal for its entire life. Your pet loves you and depends on you.
• Your pet will be happier and healthier if it is spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.
• Make certain you pet receives the appropriate vaccinations annually.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Call your veterinarian promptly at the first sign of illness. If medication is prescribed, follow the instructions carefully and completely.
• Make certain your dogs receive necessary heartworm preventative monthly.
• Keep your cats indoors. Being outside makes your cat susceptible to being hit by a car or getting into fights with other animals, which can spread FIV and Feline Leukemia.
• Supply your pet with the appropriate type of food, considering factors such as brands from reliable companies, your pet's age, nutritional requirements and special health considerations.
• Provide your pet with fresh water at all times, cleaning and changing water daily.
• Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise, especially large dogs.
• Spend time with your pet every day to encourage bonding and to ensure your pet learns solid social skills. 
• Train your pet at the earliest age possible with basic house training and discipline. Be sure to include playtime to balance and aid in the training process.

Signs of Illness

• Discharge from eyes, nose or ears
• Bad breath
• Pale or bleeding gums
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Sudden change in bowel or litter habits
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Coughing or sneezing
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive scratching, licking or loss of hair
• Lumps or growths
• Limping or reluctant to move
• Signs of pain or discomfort

Summer and Winter Safety

• Provide proper shelter for your pets if outside in the heat. They need shade and plenty of water.
• Fleas are prominent in hot weather. Protect your pet from fleas. We suggest using Advantage or Frontline, which you can purchase from your veterinarian.
• Be sure to bring your pets indoors in cold weather. If your pet must be outside, provide a warm, insulated pet house, which should be elevated so moisture cannot accumulate inside. Block wind and add bales of straw. Straw is the best material to keep your animal warm. Make sure their water does not freeze.
• Antifreeze can be fatal. Clean spills at once and keep containers closed tightly out of an animals reach.
• Cats sometimes climb into vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn.
• Alcoholic beverages and holiday treats, such as chocolates can be harmful and toxic to pets.
• Cover and tack down electrical cords.
• Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are toxic to animals.
• Take necessary precautions to protect your pet from decorations.