Dr Marks 10 tips to showing your pet some love this Valentine’s Day

Our pets’ love for us is unconditional so they deserve plenty back in return, and what better time than Valentine’s to show how much we care for our furry companions.

One of the best ways to show your pet how much you love them is not to spoil them with expensive toys and unhealthy treats, but with gestures to improve the pet’s quality of life.

Valentine’s Day is also a good time to remind us to look after our pets’ hearts and to protect them against Heartworm Disease. Heartworm Disease is caused by heartworms which are injected into our pets’ body when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. These worms eventually make their way to the animal’s heart and lungs, growing up to 30 centimetres in length and cause severe damage to the tissues and blood flow resulting in heart failure and death.

Luckily this life threatening disease is very easily prevented by making sure your pet is protected by using one of the easily available products on the market such as Heartgard.

Follow these 10 tips to ensure your pet feels extra loved on this special day

1. The kindest cut: It might seem a bit unfair on what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, but Valentine’s is a great time to think about desexing your pet because in the animal world, too much love can be a bad thing. All owners have a responsibility to desex their pets so they can live healthier, longer lives and to reduce the number of unwanted animals being euthanised.

2. Get registered: Remember to have your pet properly registered with your local authority and consider micro-chipping so you have a much better chance of being reunited with the animal love-of-your-life should it stray.

3. Have a heart: Heartworm is a big summer risk for family pets so ensure all vaccinations are up to date for this and other doggie diseases this Valentine’s Day. Preventing Heartworm is easy and inexpensive with the different range of products you can choose from to suit your lifestyle and budget. Products like Heartgard can help give your pet the protection they deserve and can easily be ordered from online store VetShopAustralia.

4. Here comes the groom: Give your pet a pampering wash and grooming session so they are happier, healthier and more pleasing to be around. Promise to make this a regular part of your pet-care routine.

5. Inside info: The most loving thing to do for your cat, and native wildlife, is to shut the door on their hunting instincts and keep them inside. Properly cared for indoor cats have a life expectancy of 15-20 years compared to ten years for outdoor cats.

6. One good dish deservers another: Keep an eye on the food that goes into your pets bowl. Make sure it is only ever filled with healthy, quality food in appropriate amounts. Valentine’s Day is a great day to start getting your doggie’s diet in order.

7. What’s up doc?: Show you pet how much you love them by taking them to the vet for a check-up (You can even ask them to warm the thermometer first!)

8. Exercise your love: Take your dog for a walk, swim or play in the park. Regular exercise benefits owners and pets alike and it’s a great way to bond with your animal. Toys are also a great way to add some extra fun into your pets exercise routine.

9. T-I-M-E is how pets spell love: Give the family animal plenty of constructive attention and become the centre of their world. To feel really loved, animals need your energy and time.

10. Class act: Make intelligence one of your dog’s most attractive features by booking him/her into dog behaviour training classes this Valentine’s Day.

Everyone at VetShopAustralia would like to wish you and your pet a very special Valentine’s Day!

Dr Mark Perissinotto