Choosing a new puppy, kitten, or other pet is an exciting prospect, but don’t rush into it. Depending on the breed, dogs live for around 10-15 years and cats for 15-20 years, so it’s important to understand that a pet is a long-term commitment.
Here are some tips and questions to help you adopt or foster a pet from a shelter:
- Do you have the time and resources to commit to a pet?
- Are you choosing a breed that is suitable for your home and lifestyle? Don’t forget to consider compatibility with your current pets.
- Some breeds are prone to hereditary disorders or diseases, or may be more susceptible to chronic health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Are you aware of any chronic or potentially hereditary diseases in the breeds you like?
- Does the pet ad indicate that the animal is microchipped, vaccinated according to age, and has documents proving its origin (if it is a purebred pet from a kennel)?
If possible, visit the breeder to see the puppy with its parents and make sure that the animal has been raised in a safe and calm environment since birth. Don’t forget to ask about the breeder and kennel documents, review the show results of the future pet’s “parents,” and health check records. Once you have purchased your pet and brought it home, allow it a few days to settle in before taking it to a new environment or going on long walks.
It is always a good idea to choose a veterinarian and consult with them on all matters related to breeding and care. Having a regular veterinarian or clinic that you visit will give you peace of mind when a problem or question arises.
ABC OF A HEALTHY AND HAPPY PET:
- Willingly engages in favorite activities
- Responds to attention
- Allows itself to be touched and stroked
- Coat is shiny, skin is not flaky
- Breathes with chest, not stomach
- Ear canals are clean, light pink
- Eyes are shiny, not watery, no discharge
- Has appetite, drinks
- Defecates and urinates regularly
- Does not have diarrhea or vomit
Several important aspects that will help ensure a long and happy life for your pet:
1. Don’t forget your vaccinations.
Vaccinations prevent diseases that could cause serious health problems or even death if left unvaccinated.
Specialists at the Begemotas Veterinary Clinic in Vilnius recommend vaccinating cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits against infectious diseases as recommended by vaccine manufacturers. Puppies and kittens are vaccinated according to different schedules based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. The specialists at the veterinary medical center will be happy to advise you on the best vaccination plan.
Annual rabies vaccinations are mandatory under Lithuanian law.
2. Parasite control
Pet owners should be aware that it is unlikely that parasites can be completely eradicated. Therefore, it is important to regularly use products designed to kill or repel internal and external parasites. All antiparasitic products in Lithuania are prescription-only, and there is a wide range to choose from, so your veterinarian will prescribe the best preventive and therapeutic measures for you.
Important! It is recommended to give medication for endoparasites 10-14 days before vaccination. This will help ensure better immunization against viral diseases.
3. Annual inspection
Global trends dictate that annual check-ups help to ensure and improve not only human health, but also the health of domestic animals. During the annual check-up, our veterinary clinic’s veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the animals and blood tests. If even the slightest deviations from the norm are noticed, additional tests (X-ray, ultrasound) will be performed and a consultation with a specialist in that field will be scheduled. During the annual check-up, a detailed consultation on nutrition, supplements, behavior, and care will also be provided.
Vet. gydytojas Robert
