Top 5 Tips for Pet Owners

By Dr. Edward Schettino

As 2024 winds down, I hope your year has been filled with the never-ending joys of having pets in your life. As we all know, pet ownership can be equally as challenging as it is rewarding; and if there is one thing that I can convey to pet owners, it’s that you are not alone!

Whether you’ve had pets throughout your life, or if this is your first time with a furry family member, there will inevitably come a time when you may need support. That’s why organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) offer many resources, including this column, to help both pets and their owners thrive.

To start your new year off on the right paw, here are the top 5 tips we’ve shared with you in 2024:

1. Tick Prevention is a Year-Round Battle. Of course, the warmer months of the year are when ticks are most active, however mild winters have made tick prevention an important part of pet ownership all year long. Ticks are seemingly everywhere, so to best protect our pets, talk to your primary veterinarian about a tick preventative as well as the Lyme disease vaccination. Additionally, try to avoid outdoor areas where ticks are known to inhabit, and maintain your yard by keeping grass mowed and shrubbery trimmed.
2. Never Leave a Pet Alone in a Hot Car. ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot summer safety campaign reminds pet owners of the dangers of leaving an animal in a hot vehicle, even with the windows cracked. A car’s inside temperate can rise to deadly levels in a matter of minutes. Not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal in Massachusetts. This is also true in winter months when the low temperatures can be life-threatening as well. When it doubt, keep your pet at home.
3. What to Know When Boarding your Pet. There are countless options when it comes to pet boarding and doggie daycare, but it’s important to remember that there are currently no state-wide regulations regarding these businesses so all facilities are not created equal. It’s up to you as a pet owner to advocate for your animal and do your research before selecting a business to entrust the care of your animal to. Some things to keep in mind include finding out about safety protocols and licensing, asking for details when it comes to supervision and interaction, and downloading ARL’s Board Safely checklist at arlboston.org/board-safely.
4. Microchipping your Pet Ups the Odds of Being Reunited if they’re Lost. Millions of pets go missing each year, but if your pet is microchipped, it can exponentially increase the odds of the animal returning home safely. A microchip is low-cost and will last the life of your pet. Should your pet go missing, contact your local animal control, fill out a lost report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of where your pet went missing, and if microchipped, contact the company to let them know the animal is missing. It’s important to remember not to give up! Many pets go missing for months before being found, so stay positive and keep searching.
5. Make Pet Wellness a Year-Round Commitment. We want our pets to live the best lives possible, and with that desire comes some things to keep in mind to keep our pets healthy and happy for years to come. Regular veterinary visits are important to give us an idea of our pet’s overall health, and while we’re at the vet, make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives. Just like us dietary needs change as we age, so be sure to talk with your vet about your pet’s nutritional needs, and you can always increase playtime and training sessions as well as periodic grooming for your pet. Visit arlboston.org for more pet tips, or to revisit any of the topics covered in this year’s A Moment of Paws column.

I look forward to bringing you more pet health and safety topics in 2025. Until then, I wish you and all of your furry, and feathered family members Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Thanks to Dr. Edward Schettino and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) for contributing this article to Westwood Minute. Dr. Schettino is the President and CEO of the ARL, and has a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.