Furry, feathered, and scaled companions bring so much joy to our lives. Ensuring their health and well-being throughout their life is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Let’s dive into some key areas to keep your pets thriving.
- Routine Veterinary Care: Maintain regular check-ups, vaccinations and preventive care.
- Dental Care: Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Spay or Neuter: Avoid accidental litters, lessen the risk of cancers, and reduce challenging behaviors by spaying females and neutering males.
- Common Health Issues: Recognize symptoms of common illnesses and when to seek veterinary help.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Helpline: In case of an animal poison-related emergency, call (888) 426-4435.
- Nutrition: Provide balanced diets. Identify special dietary needs
,and avoid harmful foods. - Exercise: Physical activity is important for different types of pets.
The Oakland County Animal Shelter in collaboration with Oakland County Parks and All About Animals is hosting Pet Wellness Clinics. If you’re in need of pet vaccinations or a dog license, make plans to attend. For more information, please click here or call (586)-879-1745.
To assist pet owners in Oakland County, check out our interactive map showcasing essential community resources for your pets. Get information on veterinarians, grooming and training services, specialty animal care providers, and pet memorial services near you. Explore the map and utilize these resources to ensure the well-being of your pets.
Behavior and Training
- Basic Training: Establish a routine and provide obedience training with positive reinforcement using treats/toys. Remember that a well-socialized pet is a happy pet. Introduce new experiences, people, places and things to reduce anxieties.
- Behavioral Issues: Aggression, anxiety and destructive habits are common challenges that pet owners face. By paying attention to pets’ behavior and providing the right support, you can overcome their challenges and create a happier, more harmonious home for everyone.
- Understanding Pet Body Language: Each pet has its own unique communication style. Pay close attention to your pet’s behavior and learn to recognize their individual signals. Always consider the situation and your pet’s overall demeanor. By becoming a keen observer of your pet’s body language, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
Pet Safety
- Transmissable Diseases: Canine parvovirus is a contagious, deadly virus that spreads from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. The virus can survive extremely low to high temperatures and is resistant to many disinfectants. Feline panleukopenia virus is also an infectious, deadly virus that spreads through feces, body fluids, fleas, and contaminated items, including bedding, food/water bowls, and your hands and clothing. Completing the vaccine series can prevent these and other transmittable diseases.
- Home Safety: Pet-proof your home to prevent accidents by securing cabinets and drawers, bundling and securing electrical cords, and keeping dangerous objects out of reach. Use pet gates to block off areas you don’t want pets to enter.
- Outdoor Safety: Dogs must be leashed in parks, sidewalks and roadsides. You may also use a pet stroller or carrier for smaller dogs and cats. Always clean up after your pet in public spaces. If you do not have a fence at home, secure your dog with a 10-foot tie out at least. Never leave your pet unattended outside. Be sure to check the weather/temperature and use reflective gear during dawn, dusk or night walks.
- Emergency Preparedness: Create an emergency kit for your pets that includes food and water supplies, a pet-specific first-aid kit, identification such as a dog license, and a leash or crate.
- Toxic Substances: Identify and remove toxic houseplants and essential oils, keep medications in a secure place, and put personal care items and cleaning supplies in secure cabinets.
Pet Enrichment and Mental Stimulation
- Toys and Games: Choosing the right ones for your pet’s species, breed and personality is key.
- Interactive Play: Do fun activities with your pet that stimulate their mind and body, such as hide-and-seek with treats or toys, agility course, or training sessions.
- Environmental Enrichment: Create a proper environment for pets, especially for birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammals, to meet their physical and mental needs.
Legal Responsibilities
- All dogs are required to wear a collar with a valid identification tag when in public spaces to ensure the dog is under the owner’s immediate control.
- Dogs must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet and under control at all times when outside their property.
- Dogs that are 4 months and older require a license. Dog licenses can be purchased online, by mail, or in person at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, your local Treasurer’s Office, or participating veterinary clinics.
End-of-Life Care
Just like humans, our pets age or contract terminal illnesses, and with that comes unique needs and considerations. It’s important to take a proactive and compassionate approach to keep them comfortable as their health declines.
When it comes to end-of-life care, consulting with a veterinarian is essential. They can assess your pet’s condition and quality of life, discuss comfort care, and help make informed decisions.
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