Our Furry Friends Need Regular Check-Ups, Too

Written by: Linda Formichelli

Anyone committed to a pet knows animals are complex and amazing. Behind those cute whiskers or wagging tails you'll find loyalty, mischief, intelligence, and sometimes, capable workers. There are dogs that cheer up hospital patients and cats that alert their owners to gas leaks, as well as roly-poly puppies and kittens that make us happy even when they trash our houses. It's no wonder most people consider their animal companions full-status members of the family.

"People love their animals so much, we're seeing a trend of laymen learning as much as possible about pet health," says Charlotte Reed, director of Two Dogs & A Goat Inc., a pet care service in New York City. Whether you've had a menagerie in your room since the age of 8 or you've just adopted your first mutt, knowing the basics about natural pet care will help you keep your canine or feline companion happy and healthy for years to come.

The Young and Restless

Congratulations if you've added a fuzzy new member to the family. Now take your new companion to the vet for a check-up, pronto.

Intestinal worms are common in puppies and kittens. Sometimes you'll see the worms in a pet's stool, but other times they're invisible to the naked eye. Cues that your young pet has intestinal worms include loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Immune problems are also common in a young pet because the animal's defense system isn't fully developed. Kittens and puppies can pick up chronic respiratory viruses from other animals and from environmental germs. Reed suggests keeping young pets indoors at all times until they reach four months of age.

Click here to read more about protecting your pet's health.