Protecting Our Pets - Essay

Protecting Our Pets
As a devoted pet owner I try my best, as I am sure we
all do, to give my pets the proper nutrition, shelter,
and love so they are happy, and healthy.
However, I know that there are times where pet owners
are unaware of the hazards we are exposing them to, either through human food
“treats” or an unsafe environment.
For instance, many of us are familiar with chocolate as a potentially fatal food… but
did you know that even turkey can cause many health-threatening conditions?
Before you indulge your pet in any special foods, be sure to check out our list of harmful
foods.
Keeping good care of our pets doesn’t only mean supervising what they eat. It also
means keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, which is especially important
during the winter months.
I know many people keep outdoor pets inside the garage or basement when it’s cold
outside; mistakenly assuming it is a safe haven. However, there are likely many
potential hazards awaiting your pet in this often overlooked place. Be sure to find out
what to secure or remove before allowing your pet to spend time in the garage or in the
basement.
Much like humans, pets’ bodies need a little extra attention due to harsh winter
weather conditions as well. Their immune system, coat and skin are especially
vulnerable to infection and ailments, so we should all pamper our pooches and kitties
during the winter months and pay careful attention to these noted areas.
Keeping your pet’s health in top condition can go a long way in preventing other
illnesses and problems. For instance, did you know that liver, kidney, and heart
inflammation are often triggered by poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease?
Oral health is of utmost importance in pets, just as it is for humans. Unfortunately,
dental health should be a very large concern to pet owners, as more than half of all