Adopting a pet is really adding a new member of the family! And whether you’ve brought home a new pet or already have one, make a resolution to love and take good care of your furry faced or fine feathered friend! Here’s a top 10 list of things pet owners can do for 2012 and beyond:

1. ID your pet! Get an ID tag for your pet’s collar and consider having your vet or shelter implant a microchip ID. If your pet is lost, these IDs can help it get back home!
2. Make sure your pet always has cool, fresh water. If your dog is outside, it should always have access to shade and a warm place to sleep.
3. Protect your pet by having it vaccinated as recommended, and keep your dog’s license current with the county.
4. Get your pet checked out by a veterinarian on a regular basis. If you don’t have a vet, ask your local shelter for a referral or recommendation.
5. Don’t overfeed your pet! Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Use a quality food, don’t give too many treats, and don’t give them table scraps.
6. Exercise your pet to help it stay in shape. Cats can be played with (some like being walked), and dogs love walking in this weather. Remember, if your pet is out and about, you must put it on a leash.
7. Love your pet. Dogs and cats need positive attention from their family members. Give your pet enough physical and verbal attention.
8. Give your pet new bedding so it can rest and relax!
9. To help control the very sad situation of pet overpopulation, be sure that your pet is spayed or neutered. There are health benefits for dogs and cats that are spayed or neutered, too!
10. Be patient with your pet. Have realistic expectations, and never abuse your pet. If your dog needs it, enroll it in training classes!

Dear Paw Prints,
I have a 9-year-old dog. Would she like it if we got a new puppy or kitten to be her friend?

Thanks, M.L.

Dear M.L.,

Lots of older dogs do quite well when a new friend comes to live with them.
If your dog has been around cats, a new kitty in the house will probably work out fine. However, if your dog has never been around cats, a puppy might be a better friend for Fido. Here are a few things to consider!

1. Does your dog get along with other dogs? If she’s a friendly, social gal, she’ll probably do fine with a puppy. But if she’s cranky and not very social, it may take a lot more work.
2. Take time to introduce the new puppy to your dog and don’t expect them to be best friends right away.
3. Make sure your dog has a quiet spot to get away from the puppy if it needs a break. Puppies have lots of energy and might get annoying at times.
4. Think about how big the puppy will be when full grown. A large breed puppy could accidentally hurt a smaller, older dog when they’re playing.
5. Be patient and always give both pets lots of love and attention. GOOD LUCK!

Pima Animal Care Center
4000 N. Silverbell Rd. • 243-5969
www.pimaanimalcare.org

Send your pet questions to Paw Prints
1037 N. Alvernon Way #150
Tucson, AZ 85711