11 Pet Care Tips Your Veterinarian Wishes You Knew

When it comes to taking good care of your cherished pets, having access to accurate information is important. The duty of a pet owner extends beyond the simple act of feeding their animal friends. 

As animals can’t communicate with us verbally, it’s up to us to recognize when they’re not feeling well.

Today, we will talk about 11 pet care tips your veterinarian wishes you knew. Following these guidelines will ensure that your pet has the best quality of life possible and save you money in the long run.

1. Maintaining Your Pet’s Health with Regular Checkups

Regular veterinary visits keep pets strong and happy. Adult dogs and cats should see the vet at least once a year, while older pets benefit from visits every six months. Many pet owners think their healthy animals don’t need care until they look sick—but health issues often start quietly and worsen fast. Finding problems early through routine exams can save money on treatments and even save lives. When your pet is well, vet tests establish a “normal” health record. This baseline helps your veterinarian spot changes sooner during future visits.

2. Animals Require Dental Care as well

Taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums stops bad breath and prevents health problems early. Daily brushing removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, keeping their mouth healthy and fresh.

Why Dental Care Matters

Pets can get periodontal disease, which is painful and costly to treat. If mouth infections go untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart or kidneys.

At-Home Preventive Measures

• Daily Brushing: Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush along the gum line each day.
• Dental Chews: Offer vet-approved chews to reduce tartar and massage gums.
• Water Additives: Add oral care solutions to drinking water to help control bacteria.

Professional Dental Care

Pets should see the vet for a dental exam and cleaning at least once a year. Older pets or those prone to dental issues may need cleanings every six months. Regular checkups let the vet spot early signs of trouble and keep your pet comfortable and healthy.

By keeping up daily care and scheduling regular professional cleanings, you protect your pet from pain, serious disease, and help them live a happier life.

3. It’s Not Always Best to Rely on Home Remedies

Natural cures might seem safe, but they can hurt your pet instead of helping them. Homemade mixtures and herbal blends are not tested for animals and may cause upset stomachs or worse.

Reasons to Be Careful

• Wrong Dose: Pets process substances differently than people. A safe human amount might poison a cat or dog.
• Toxic Ingredients: Garlic, onions, and some essential oils are toxic and can damage blood cells or organs.
• Delayed Help: Using DIY cures first can push back proper treatment, turning small problems into serious ones.

Always Check with Your Vet

Talk to your veterinarian before trying any home remedy. Your vet knows your pet’s health history and can suggest safe, effective treatments. This avoids harm and helps your pet get better faster.

4. Your Pet’s Litter Box Habits Might Indicate Their Wellness

If you clean the litter box once a day, you will have a good chance of seeing any changes in your cat’s excretion habits, which could be an early warning sign of health issues. 

Let’s say your cat has started using the couch as a toilet instead of the litter box. 

It can be a result of anxiety, a problem with the litter box arrangement and the frequency with which it is cleaned), or an underlying health condition. 

If your cat’s habits have changed, you should take it to the vet.

5. Focus on Healthy Eating Habits

Keeping your pet active and feeding them well is the best way to help them live longer and stay strong. Dogs and cats need food that has all the nutrients they require for their life stage. Always look for the AAFCO symbol on pet food labels. This mark means the food meets standards for complete and balanced nutrition for puppies, kittens, adults, or seniors. Choosing AAFCO-approved food helps ensure your pet gets the right mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

6. Make Sure Your Medication Is Out of Reach

Medications meant for people can be very dangerous to pets. Store all pills, creams, and bottles where curious paws and noses cannot reach. According to Dr. Ted Cohn, many human drugs—both prescription and over-the-counter—can cause serious harm or death in animals. Acetaminophen is especially risky. It can damage a dog’s organs at low doses and is even more toxic to cats. Always consult your vet before giving any medicine to your pet.

7. Treat Fleas Immediately

A single flea (particularly if your pet is sensitive to flea saliva) is all it takes to set off an itching and scratching frenzy, even if you don’t see any on your pet. 

According to Doctor Cruz, fleas are probably to blame for your pet’s itching, biting, or scratching.

Fortunately, the solution is straightforward: keep your pets‘ environments flea-free all year. 

You should take your pet to a good veterinarian if the itching persists after that.

8. At-Home Pet Treatment Increases the Workload for Veterinarians

Giving pets human medications at home can cause serious problems for both animals and their vets.

Why Human Drugs Are Risky for Pets

Pets process drugs differently than people. A dose that helps you may harm or even poison your pet, leading to stomach ulcers, kidney damage, or liver failure.

How It Makes Vet Care Harder

When pets arrive at the clinic after taking human meds, veterinarians must first treat the side effects or toxic reactions. This extra step slows proper diagnosis and delays the right treatment plan.

Common Examples

• Ibuprofen and Naproxen: Can cause severe stomach bleeding and kidney issues even at low doses.
• Acetaminophen: Often leads to liver failure in dogs and is deadly for cats.

Safe Alternatives

Always call your veterinarian before giving any medicine. Vets can prescribe pet-specific drugs that relieve pain safely and work well with fewer side effects.

9. Google is not a substitute for a veterinarian

Searching online can feel quick and easy, but it cannot replace a vet’s expert care. Many websites share pet health tips, yet only licensed veterinarians have the training to diagnose and treat animals correctly. Relying on strangers’ opinions can lead to wrong treatments or missed serious conditions. A simple symptom search may sound helpful, but self-diagnosis often overlooks hidden issues that only a vet can spot with proper exams and tests. Always call or visit your veterinarian when your pet shows worrying signs. Their advice is tailored to your pet’s history, breed, and health needs—something Google cannot match.

10. Behaviour Problems Are Difficult for Vets to Treat

Sometimes, vets can’t fix behaviour issues on their own. Dogs learn habits and emotions that need special training methods.

When to Seek a Behavioural Therapist

If your dog keeps breaking rules—like jumping on guests or chewing furniture—ask a qualified behaviourist for help. These experts study animal learning and body language. They use proven training plans to change unwanted habits.

Why Vets May Struggle

Veterinarians focus on health checks and medical care. While they can identify health problems that affect behaviour, they often lack time and deep training in behaviour change. Behaviour consultations take more time and may require follow-up sessions that fit best in a specialist’s practice.

Benefits of Professional Behaviour Therapy

• Tailored Plans: Behaviourists create step-by-step guides to teach new skills and reduce anxiety.
• Expert Techniques: They use reward-based methods that build trust and confidence in your dog.
• Ongoing Support: You get follow-up sessions and adjustments as your dog improves.

Getting help early can make training smoother and keep your pet happy and safe.

11. Be Willing to Spend Money on Your Pet

Taking a pet home from a shelter doesn’t end your costs—care can add up fast. Food, toys, and bedding are just the start.

Veterinary bills come next. Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings can total $200–$400 each year for dogs and cats. Unexpected illnesses or injuries often cost hundreds more.

Quality food and treats are another expense. Feeding a medium-size dog good kibble can run $300–$600 per year. Cats may cost $200–$400 for food alone.

Don’t forget supplies and services. Leashes, litter boxes, grooming, and pet sitters or boarding can add $100–$300 annually.

Planning for emergencies with savings or pet insurance is wise. Setting aside $500–$1,000 each year helps cover surprises without stress.

Your pet’s health and happiness depend on your budget. Be ready to invest in them—they’re worth every penny!

Conclusion

For all the happiness your pet brings into your home, it’s important to provide it with the care it needs. If you see any warning signs of a health condition, make an appointment with the vet right away. 

The tips in this article come straight from veterinarians who want nothing but the absolute best for your pet. 

The most essential thing is that you feel comfortable talking to the vet about your pet’s well-being and any worries you may have. After all, they exist to assist you in providing the best possible care for your beloved pet.

FAQs.