Keeping Your Pet Healthy, Happy & Safe

10 Tips to Care for Your Pet

Your pet depends on you for a safe and happy life. Here are some tips to help make it as easy as possible for both of you.

1. Understanding the Responsibility of Pet Ownership

There's nothing more endearing than a puppy or kitten. Many an owner has started out falling in love with two sweet, innocent eyes only to discover that some real work goes into keeping a pet healthy and happy. Be prepared for what you're committing to. Know what you're getting into with a cat or dog.

2. Your Pet's Very Own Nutritional Consultant

Iams has developed an easy, fun and interactive way to make sure your four-legged companion is getting the right nutrition. Not every cat or dog has the same needs. Some pets are extremely active while others tend to be more laid-back. It's also important to understand what type of food is best, and which ingredients are more beneficial, throughout the different stages of life.

3. Choosing the Right Vet

There's more to owning a pet than providing love, exercise and proper nutrition. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential to making sure your pet is as healthy as possible. However, not all vets are created equal. How can you be sure a vet is the right one for your pet?

4. Keeping Weight in Check

By now we all know obesity is unhealthy—for both people and our pets. But do you know just how many health problems it can cause for your pet? Cats can develop diabetes, liver disease, arthritis and skin problems. Dogs can suffer from diabetes, bone and joint damage, heart disease and other serious conditions. There are ways to protect your pet by taking a proactive approach to keeping the pounds off.

5. Getting Your Pet to Go Green

You've probably heard a lot about your "carbon footprint" and the many ways you can reduce the effect your very existence can have on the environment. You might be thinking about recycling or hybrid vehicles, but have you thought about your cat or dog? Yes they too, have a carbon footprint and there are steps you can take to reduce their global impact as well. Discover ways to go green with your cat or dog.

6. Does Your Pet Have Allergies?

The human animal isn't the only one affected by allergies. Like you, your adult dog or cat can suffer from allergic reactions to any number of things—in the air, on his skin and in his food. Allergies must be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian, but first, you must know what to look for. Know signs and symptoms for your cat or dog.

7. Maintaining Your Pet's Oral Health

Healthy teeth and fresh breath don't necessarily mean your pet's mouth is clean and bacteria-free. Oral care is a key component of your pet's overall health—a smart regimen can prevent the development of serious conditions. With a little know-how and effort, you can protect your pet for a lifetime of companionship.

8. Is Your Pet Covered?

As veterinary science has advanced, so have veterinary costs. In the last decade, these costs have more than doubled. We know how much your pet means to you but her health can be unpredictable. Are you prepared? With pet insurance, you're covered—from routine office visits to significant medical incidents.

9. A Shiny Coat: Nutrition Is Key

Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are important players in the skin and coat health of dogs and cats. To understand their role, it is necessary to start with understanding skin and hair. If your pet's diet doesn't contain adequate protein quantity and quality, hair may fall out, or become dry, weak and brittle.

10. Introducing New Members Into Your Family

Children and pets are a natural combination. But just as children and pets can offer each other companionship, they can also feel threatened by the addition of a new family member. Therefore, before the newcomer—be it baby or pet—arrives, it's best to prepare the family by explaining what will change and what will not (your love), setting rules and limits, and monitoring the interaction.