Annual Pet Care Tasks: A Checklist of Once-Yearly To-Do’s to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy
Happy New Year’s Eve! As a pet owner, you know the day-to-day tasks that you perform to make sure your pet is well cared for. Good food, fresh water, medications if needed, and exercise are all easy to remember. While daily care is essential, there are a few tasks you should tackle annually to maintain your pet’s well-being. Here’s a handy checklist to guide you through the yearly responsibilities that can make a big difference in your pet’s life.
- Schedule an Annual Wellness Exam: If it’s been over a year since your pet’s last wellness visit, now is a good time to get them in for a check-up. Annual exams are our opportunity to ensure vaccines are up-to-date, review your pet’s parasite prevention plan, perform any necessary lab work to screen for infections or organ dysfunction, and of course to perform a full physical exam to check for anything abnormal or concerning.
- Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information: Checking your pet’s microchip information once a year ensures that your contact information and address are up-to-date. Many pet owners forget to update this information after moving or changing phone numbers. Contact the microchip registry to verify and update the details.
- Review Diet and Exercise Plans: Has your pet transitioned from puppy or kittenhood to adulthood but you are still feeding a puppy or kitten food? Or are they now seniors but still eating a diet designed for adult pets? Maybe the daily walk they have always taken is now ending in limping as they are entering their golden years. Consider making adjustments to diet or exercise if your pet has moved from juvenile to adult or from adult to senior in the past year.
- Restock Medications: Some items that you don’t use on a daily basis, such as medications for situational anxiety or monthly preventative medications that you forgot to give over the year, can expire. Check expiration dates and ask your veterinary clinic for refills if you notice expired medications.
- Check ID Tags, Collars, and Leashes: Normal wear-and-tear on your pet’s collars and leashes can eventually make them unsafe or ineffective. ID tags can become illegible with normal wear or can be inaccurate if your address or phone number have changed. Give these items a thorough check and replace anything that is too worn out to be safe or useful.
- Refresh Grooming Supplies: Shampoos and toothpaste can eventually go bad once they are open long enough. Other supplies such as KwikStop (to stop bleeding if a toenail is torn or clipped too short) can also dry out or degrade. If you don’t use these items frequently, get rid of old bottles and restock with fresh supplies.
- Check Your Yard: Conduct a safety audit of your home and yard. Check for hazards such as toxic plants, unsecured fencing, or items your pet could ingest. This is particularly important if you have pets that live outdoors like backyard poultry. Ensure their living space remains safe and comfortable.
- Reevaluate Training and Socialization: Even well-trained pets can benefit from a refresher course or new challenges. Evaluate your pet’s behavior and consider enrolling in a training class or providing enrichment activities to keep their mind sharp and behavior on point.
- Celebrate Your Pet! Everyone at St Francis agrees that our pets made 2024 a lot better. Take a moment to give your pet an extra snuggle, special treat, or a nice long walk and remember all the moments in 2024 that were made extra special because they were there!
Winter Solstice Pet Memorial Ceremony 2024
Thank you to everyone who gathered on December 21st to honor the many lovely animals who left us, whether they left this year or many years ago. We know that as long as we remember them, they are not truly gone. If you would like to view the slideshow that was created for this year’s ceremony, or for ceremonies in previous years, you can find them here: https://stfrancisanimalandbird.com/winter-solstice-memorial-ceremonies/
Species Spotlight: The African Pygmy Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are unique and fascinating creatures that can make wonderful pets for the right owner. With their adorable faces, quills, and curious personalities, they’ve gained popularity among animal enthusiasts. However, owning a hedgehog comes with specific responsibilities and considerations. Here’s what you need to know before bringing one of these spiny friends into your home.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they’re most active at night. They are generally solitary creatures and prefer a quiet, low-stress environment. While they can be socialized with patience, they’re not as naturally affectionate as dogs or cats, so it’s important to respect their boundaries.
To thrive, hedgehogs need a secure, comfortable living environment. A spacious enclosure with adequate ventilation is essential, with a minimum of 4 square feet recommended. Bedding should be safe and dust-free, such as paper-based products or fleece liners. Maintaining a consistent temperature between 72-80°F is critical to prevent hibernation or overheating. Their habitat should include hideouts for them to retreat to and feel safe, as well as a solid-surface exercise wheel to help them stay active and fit.
Diet is another important aspect of hedgehog care. As insectivores, they require a balanced diet that includes high-quality commercial hedgehog food. Occasional treats like mealworms or crickets provide additional protein, while small amounts of safe fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrots, can be offered as supplements. Always ensure fresh water is available, either in a shallow dish or a bottle.
Building trust with a hedgehog takes time and patience. It’s important to let them get used to your scent by placing your hand in their enclosure. When handling them, be gentle and support their body carefully. If a hedgehog curls into a ball or hisses, it’s best to respect their mood and give them space.
Hedgehogs also require regular check-ups with an exotic animal veterinarian to monitor their health. Common health issues include obesity, which can be prevented by encouraging exercise and avoiding overfeeding. Dental problems, such as tooth decay or infection, are another concern, as are skin conditions like mites or dryness. Early detection and proper care are key to keeping your hedgehog healthy.
When looking for a pet hedgehog, ensure you’re adopting from a reputable local rescue, such as Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue, or purchasing from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the animals’ health and well-being.
Owning a hedgehog is a long-term commitment that can span 4-7 years. Daily care and attention are necessary, from feeding and cleaning their habitat to socializing and monitoring their health. Hedgehogs are charming pets that can bring joy to your life if you’re willing to meet their unique needs. By understanding their behavior, providing proper care, and respecting their individual personalities, you can build a rewarding relationship with these delightful creatures. If you’re ready for the commitment, a hedgehog might just be the perfect pet for you!
Upcoming Closures:
December 31st: Early Closure at 12:30 pm (New Year’s Eve)
January 1st: Closed (New Year’s Day)