8 Care Tips for Your Companion and Assistance Animal According to Veterinarians - Service Animal Registry of CaliforniaService Animal Registry of California

Pets and assistance animals have been a part of our daily lives since ancient times and they continue to change the way we live for the years to come. They have kept us sane through tough times, kept our homes safe, and done a lot of things we normally can’t.

It’s also safe to say that we have changed the way they live. Instead of relying on instincts to survive in nature, most animals have chosen the path of domestication for survival. We couldn’t be more thankful for this symbiotic relationship.

In this blog post, it’s time to return the favor we receive from our furry friends by learning how we can take better care of them.

1. Choose the right food

There are many brand names of animal food on the market and it’s hard to choose one that you’ll buy every week. But there are two rules you should follow: Make sure the food you buy has carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, and minerals. And be familiar with your animal’s food allergies so you’ll avoid products that would endanger their life if consumed.

2. Keep them hydrated

Always have a clean water supply ready for your pet or assistance animal, especially during hot and dry seasons. Veterinarians suggest leaving a bowl full of water wherever your animal sleeps and eats. When you’re traveling, bring with you a portable drinker bottle.

3. Provide a safe environment

Like us humans, our pets and assistance animals also need an appropriate shelter. Think of your animal as a human baby that needs a warm comfy bed with a roof over its head. Don’t leave your animal out of your home to endure rain, snow, and heat. And certainly, don’t leave your animal unsupervised where they can chew or eat objects and harmful substances.

4. Have a med bag ready for your animal

If we humans need to have a medkit ready for emergencies, so do our familiars. They don’t wear shoes like we do which makes them prone to a lot of foot injuries. Veterinarians suggest strapping a med bag to a vested assistance animal during outdoor situations — one for you and one for them on each side of their vest.

5. Make sure your animal has clothing for all weather types

It’s recommended to buy clothing for your animal that will keep them safe and healthy for all seasons. Some animals like horses don’t require much clothing for winter, but dogs, cats, and other small animals do.

Having the right gear for your companion catered to all weather types will help them accompany you throughout the outside world at any time, especially when resupplying for your needs.

6. Identify veterinarians and their offices wherever you are

Knowing how to treat your companion animal for a variety of emergencies is good. But knowing where the professionals of animal healthcare are is better. Wherever you live and go, have the contact info of the local veterinarian and a map of where the veterinary clinics are.

7. Visit the vet annually

Keep your pet or assistance animal in their prime condition by visiting the vet once a year. These professionals can diagnose any potential health problems that you can avoid or prevent from worsening.

8. Care for yourself

Remember, your companion animal heavily relies on you as you do on them. By keeping yourself in good health, you can provide your pet, emotional support, or service animal a healthy and happy life.

Do you love your animal companion? Show your affection by giving them all the things they need. It doesn’t necessarily mean treating them to the grooming salon every week. Providing a loving home, good food, water, and bed is already more than enough.