Dr. Ruth MacPete – "Love Your Pet" Valentine's Day Tips

Our pets give us so much and ask for so little. Show them how much you love and appreciate them this Valentine's Day by giving them the ultimate gift of love: good health.

• Why wait until your pet is sick before seeing the veterinarian? Instead, take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine check–up at least once a year. Routine check-ups allow your veterinarian to detect medical issues early when they are easiest to treat and help keep your pet in top shape.
• Vaccines are important so stay up to date on the recommended immunizations to protect your pet from preventable illnesses.
• Parasites are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious health problems to your pet. Protect your pet from parasites by using veterinary recommended parasite control products year-round. Unlike the products from the past, today's recommended products are safe, easy to use, and extremely effective.
• Keep your pet's smile pearly white by brushing regularly with pet-safe tooth paste and by providing dental toys and treats to help keep their teeth healthy and clean.
• Prevent your pet from becoming one of the many missing and unidentified pets at shelters around the country by making sure they always wear a collar and ID tag and have a registered microchip. No matter how careful you are, you can never be sure your animal won't get lost. Take every precaution to insure that if your pet gets lost, they have the best chance of coming home to you.
• Nutrition and exercise are as important for your pet as it is for you. Provide high quality food and plenty of exercise to keep your pet lean and fit.
• It's more than just for looks. Keep your pet's coat healthy with regular brushing and grooming.
• Be green and buy natural products that are pet, people and planet friendly. For cats, consider using all-natural, biodegradable corn based litter like World's Best Cat Litter™. And for dogs, try using biodegradable waste bags.

• Lastly, keep your pet's mind and body sharp by buying them stimulating toys for Valentine's Day. Here are a few of my favorites dog toys: The Buster Cube, TreatStik, The Babble Ball, GoDogGo and here are a few of my favorite entertaining cat toys: The Kitty Babble Ball, Panic Mouse, Cheese Mountain, and Thing in a Bag.

So remember when you are thinking about your loved ones this Valentine's Day don't forget about your four legged friends. Our furry friends give us unconditional love and companionship year round and deserve a show of affection.