Contact: Dianne Zoppa t 516-883-7636 c 516-232-5998 e diannez@nsalamerica.org

Could Your Pet Use a “Spring Tune-Up”?
Some Seasonal Tips and Reminders to Ensure Well-being

Port Washington, NY. March 17 --Spring is here and it’s a fine time to think about the benefits of a “Spring Tune-Up “for your pet. Here are some tips from the experts at North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal organization.

• Pet owners who spend time outdoors with their best friends should make certain they are protected with flea, tick and heartworm treatments and are up-to-date on vaccinations. Commit to a regular veterinary check-up for your pet and create a log that tracks treatment and vaccination dates.
• Think “safety” and check that your pet’s identification tags are updated with your accurate phone or email information and securely fastened. For optimum peace of mind, consider microchipping your pet as a way of permanently ensuring that if you and your best friend are separated, he or she can be tracked to you.
• Dental hygiene is another effective “Spring Tune-Up” tool, so have your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned by a vet. Plaque, gum disease and decay are known to lead to other ailments, thus, having a clean, well-maintained mouth can add years to your pets’ lives.
• Schedule a professional grooming that includes a bath, haircut if needed, and nail trimming. Often, a groomer can spot a skin condition or growth that might be missed during a routine veterinary exam.
• Know your pet’s proper body weight and ask your vet if a special diet is in order. In many parts of the country, warmer weather is approaching, and for dogs, outdoor exercise can aid in controlling body weight. For felines, monitoring their food intake can make a healthy difference.
• And most importantly, any time of the year, resolve to spay and neuter your pets so that your animals don’t contribute to the large population of unwanted litters.

For further information about pet care, shelter adoptions, and spay and neuter, visit www.animal-league.org, or www.spayusa.org, a low-cost spay/neuter referral program of North Shore Animal League America.