Help your new puppy or kitten off to a good start. Older pets will also benefit from the following advice.

• Choose your new pet wisely. When choosing a puppy, evaluate your situation, what your expectations are for this pet, and the breed that's right for you. Read our article about picking the right puppy, what to consider and look for.

• Set up a preventative health care program with your veterinarian as early as possible.

• Give your veterinarian as much information as possible about your new pet-age, where acquired and vaccination records.

• Follow your veterinarian's schedule for initial and booster vaccinations.

• Have your puppy or kitten examined for internal parasites as early as possible; severe cases can severely weaken, or even kill, your new pet. Multiple treatments are often necessary.

• Start and keep your puppy and kitten on heartworm prevention year round to protect against heartworm disease. A monthly tablet can protect your friend from a mosquito-carried disease that can kill.

• Discuss the important benefits of spaying or neutering your pet with your veterinarian.

• Pet proof your home to help eliminate unsafe conditions and substances. Know the plants and foods that are toxic to pets (not just dogs and cats, but most all animals).

• Provide suitable shelter to protect your pet from extreme weather conditions (hot and cold) and other dangers. In South Florida, protecting your pet from the extreme heat can be a matter of life and death. (Click on last phrase to read "Dog Daze of Summer".)

• Teach your pet basic obedience which may help save his or her life.

  

• Exercise your pet daily for fun and fitness.

• Pets may start to suffer from the relentless itch of allergies. Know the signs and how to soothe your tormented pet.

Follow these hints and you and your pet will have a bloomin' great spring (fall, winter and summer)!