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Pet Care Tips

Your Guide to a Happy,
Healthy Pet

Practical Advice for
Great Pet Parents

Great pet ownership is built on great habits. We’ve created this space to share practical, vet-approved tips that make everyday care easier and more rewarding. Here, you’ll find simple, practical advice to help you and your pet thrive together. Think of this page as your official cheat sheet, filled with vet-approved tips to make everyday care easier and more rewarding.

For a handy reference, you can keep on your fridge, download our free, printable Quick-Care Guide!

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Nutrition & Feeding

Choose Food for Their Life Stage
Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adults or seniors. Make sure their food is appropriate for their age.
Portion Control is Key
Overfeeding is a common mistake. Read the feeding guidelines on your pet’s food bag. When you come in for a regular check-up, let’s discuss the right amount for their specific age, breed, and activity level to prevent obesity.
Know Your Toxic Human Foods
Many human foods are dangerous for pets. Never give your pet chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, or anything sweetened with xylitol.
Fresh Water is Non-Negotiable
Ensure your pet has access to a clean bowl of fresh water at all times. This is vital for their energy levels, organ function, and overall health.
Treats in Moderation
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake to avoid weight gain and unbalancing their diet.
Need Pet Supplies Delivered?
To make things easy for you, you can shop the best vet-approved food, treats, and toys at our online store. We offer free shipping to the clinic or, for a small delivery fee, convenient home delivery through Purolator.

Training & Behaviour

Understand Their Body Language
Learn to recognize the subtle signs of fear or stress, like a tucked tail, flattened ears, or excessive yawning. Understanding how they feel helps you respond appropriately.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training is the most effective and humane way to teach your pet.
Celebrate the behaviour you want with treats, praise, and toys instead of punishing what you don’t.
Reward Calm Behaviour
Don’t just reward tricks. Give your pet praise and attention when you see them resting calmly. This teaches them that being relaxed is a good thing.
Socialize Early and Often
The first few months are a critical window for puppies and kittens. Safely exposing them to new sights, sounds, and other animals builds their confidence for life.
Consistency is Your Best Friend
Whether you’re house training or teaching commands, everyone in your household needs to be on the same page with rules and cues. Consistency creates a clear structure that your pet understands.

Grooming & Home Care

Brush Their Teeth at Home
Regular brushing is the best way to prevent serious dental disease. We can show you how to make it a positive, stress-free routine.
Make Nail Trims Positive
Handle your pet’s paws often from a young age, and use plenty of treats during nail trims. This prevents trims from becoming a stressful struggle.
Weekly Paw Check
Gently check your pet’s paw pads for cuts or cracks, and look between their toes for any foreign objects or irritation.
Regular Ear Checks
Once a week, look inside your pet’s ears. They should be clean and free of odour or redness.
A bit of wax is normal, but a lot of dark debris isn’t.
Regular Brushing is More Than Just for Shedding
A quick daily brush removes loose fur, prevents mats, and gives you a chance to check their skin for any unusual lumps, bumps, or ticks.

Safety & Enrichment

Create a Safe Space
Every pet needs a den-like area of their own, like a crate or a cozy bed in a quiet corner, where they can retreat and feel secure.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Keep electrical cords, toxic houseplants, cleaning supplies, and human medications safely out of reach of curious paws and mouths.
Exercise Their Mind and Body
Daily walks are great for dogs, but don’t forget mental exercise. Training sessions and puzzle toys are just as important for a well-rounded, happy pet. For cats, daily interactive playtime is a must.
A Bored Pet is a Destructive Pet
Prevent boredom-related behaviours by providing enrichment. Puzzle feeders, regular playtime, scratching posts for cats, and chew toys for dogs keep their minds active and happy.
Never Leave a Pet in a Hot Car
A car’s interior can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes, even on a mild day. It’s never safe to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle.

Need Advice Tailored to Your Pet?

These tips are a great start, but the best advice is always personal.
Let’s talk about your pet’s unique needs.

Need to Talk?

Phone Us: 780-705-2131

Email Us:
contact@oxfordanimalvet.com

Office Location
15168 127 St, Edmonton, AB T6V 0C5,
Canada

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T & TH: 8am-6pm
Sat: 8am-5pm
Sun: Closed
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