What is Responsible Pet Ownership?

Pet ownership is a privilege. As an owner you should provide good food, a comfortable and protected area to sleep, and adequate exercise. Keeping your pet updated on needed vaccines, spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted offspring, and making sure your pet's coat is clean and not matted are an important part of pet care. Heartworm, internal parasite and flea prevention are essential in Northeast Arkansas. The above care includes the basic things that your pet should have.

Being a good pet neighbor is also part of responsible pet ownership. Make sure that your dog does not bark continuously or late at night. Try to keep your cat off cars and out of trash. This can be very upsetting to your neighbors. Keep your dog in a fenced in yard. Do not allow them to roam and get into trash and other people's yard. Even if you live in the country. You make think your dog doesn't get out of your yard but ask your neighbor who has to clean up their trash from where your non-roaming dog scattered it all over the ground. I now live in the country and love finding doggy do right outside my door.

When you are a bad pet neighbor this can cause your neighbors to harm your pets. Some may resort to poisoning or shooting your pet. In most cities it is against the law to disarm firearms within the city limits. If your neighbor's pet is annoying talk to them before harming their pet. Sometimes a cat or dog may accidently get out so talk to your neighbor before harming. If talking to the neighbor doesn't help call the dog catcher or local police to report a problem. That bothersome dog or cat may be someone's beloved pet that they do not know is causing a problem.

Be a responsible pet owner and neighbor. Keep your dog under control at all times. I know people who think it is cruel to keep their pet in a fence. Do you not think it cruel to put your pet in harms way? Remember they are basically a 6 yr. old. Would you let your 6-year-old roam around the neighborhood unattended?

If you have questions about being a responsible pet contact Dr. Underwood at catdoc56@pcsii.com