Jansen Animal Hospital

If you're training your kitten, don't reward their naughty behavior. If they become overactive or destructive due to boredom, don't choose that time to play with him or her. Instead, choose a different time to give them the extra attention they need.

Pay attention to the "best if used by date" when buying pet food. As with human food, it's important to buy pet food that's relatively fresh. Food that's outdated, looks moldy, or smells funny should be discarded immediately.

Outdoor pets are at an increased risk for accident, illness and injury. Because of the heightened risk of illness, it's crucial to keep shots and vaccines up-to-date to protect your pet's health.

Easter lilies can be lethal to cats. Even if they just eat a small amount of the plant, it can quickly lead to kidney failure and death in as little as 18 hours. It's best to keep Easter lilies and other lilies far away from your feline friends.

So what exactly is bird grit? This is a digestive aid for birds who eat their seed unshelled. This nutritional supplement also contains valuable minerals and other important trace elements.

So what exactly is the 5-in-1 vaccine? This shot protects puppies and dogs from common communicable diseases, specifically distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Always make sure to use a leash when walking your pet. Even the most well behaved animal can be distracted by a loud noise or tempting morsel, and other people may also feel frightened or bothered by your furry friend. Many municipalities have leash laws for these reasons, and so, to avoid the hassle and potential legal trouble, its best to only let your pet run free in a designated area, such as a dog park.

Make sure your cat has something to scratch. If your cat is tearing up your furniture, you'll need a more appropriate location to divert them. Scratching posts are great, but you can also provide a piece of carpet, as most cats love the texture of the backside of rugs.

If you're looking to adopt a pet, there are certain things you should consider, including your schedule, your budget, the amount of space in your yard/home, and how much time you can dedicate. Remember, different pets have different needs, so do your homework ahead of time.

Keep in mind that puppies need multiple vaccinations during their first year. They need a 5-in-1 vaccine at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, and then once thereafter on an annual basis. In most areas, a rabies vaccination will be required as well.

Your pet's nutritional needs will change throughout their life. While a puppy may need nutritionally dense food to help them grow, older dogs need food that's easier to digest. Choose pet food that is calibrated to your particular pet's age, weight, and health.

Does your pet shed too much? Shedding can help lead to allergies, so to cut down on shedding, be sure to brush your pet every day. Also, look for brushes specifically designed to remove as much hair as possible.

It's important to check your dog's coat for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Any sign of infestation should be promptly treated. We can also give you some strategies for control.