Pet ownership carries with it the responsibility of proactive health care.  This means that you need to take steps to prevent health problems from occurring in the first place.  A typical program should incorporate the following measures:

• Take your pet to the veterinarian every six months for a checkup


• Keep your pet's vaccinations current


• Keep plenty of fresh water available, and monitor its consumption


• Feed your pet a diet appropriate for its age, weight, activity level, and health condition


• In multiple-pet households, make sure some pets are not preventing others from getting food and water


• Note any changes in your pet's urine output or stool consistency.  Cat owners should monitor their cat's urine output by measuring the amount of wet litter in the litter box


• Brush your pet's coat frequently to keep it from matting.  Dogs always need assistance while cats often require brushing due to insufficient self-grooming


• Clip your pet's toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth


• Keep your pet indoors as much as possible


• Weigh your pet on the same scale at least every 60 days and record the results.