Petsguide Magazine Online
Nov. 6, 2009

Pet expert Arden Moore reminds owners to that the little things still make a big difference in the personal well-being of pet and pet-owner. Here are some simple tips from her latest books “Happy Dog, Happy You” and “Happy Cat, Happy You.”

1. Give your favorite furball a head-to-tail checkup weekly.
For Fido About 80 percent of dogs lacking dental care develop gum and teeth problems by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. Inspect your dog’s mouth regularly for signs of deterioration and see your vet if you note bleeding or pale gums, persistent foul breath, tartar build-up, decay sores, or broken or missing teeth.

For Fluffy Devote a petting session to scrutinize your cat’s entire body, checking for lumps, bumps, sore spots or changes in fur or skin. Don’t forget to check her eyes, ear and mouth. Your observations may help catch a medical problem in its early stages.

2. Fresh water does a body good.
For Fido It goes without saying – provide fresh water daily. Because dogs slobber saliva when they slurp, bacteria can build up inside bowls containing water that is more than two days old.

For Fluffy Cats love pure, aerated water. Provide a little oasis for your cat by purchasing a special bowl that provide continous drip of fresh water or a large-capacity pet fountain.

3. Keep a pet first aid kit at hand. (You can buy or make one.)
For Fido For dog-gone emergencies: cold packs; nonstick sterile gauze pads; lightweight adhesive tape, cotton balls and cotton-tipped ear swabs; antiseptic wipes; surgical scissors; antibiotic ointment; hydrogen peroxide; styptic powder to stop minor bleeding; a clean white cotton sock to wrap an injured paw or limb; diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for bites and stings; coated buffered aspirin; and activated charcoal.

For Fluffy Be ready for a cat-astrophe with: triple antibiotic ointment; hydrogen peroxide; hydrocortizone cream; antiseptic wipes, bandages and gauze sqaures; cloth tape; stretchy vet wrap; bandage scissors; styptic powder or pencil; cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs; oral syringe; lubricating jelly; tweezers; and a metal or digital thermometer.

Book images courtesy of Storey Publishing.