Keeping your pet healthy does not have to be complicated. Here is a simple guide to the basics that matter most each day.
Start Here: Your Quick Path to Healthier Pets
Use a simple system instead of scattered efforts so you can act on each section this week.
How to Use This Guide
Keep key records in one place: microchip number, vaccine dates, parasite products and your vet’s after hours details. Add phone reminders so nothing gets missed. As you plan weekly care, schedule gentle baths too, choosing dog-safe formulas and setting reminders so you can use skin-friendly products for your dog, such as dog bath products.
ID That Gets Pets Home
A current microchip plus a clear collar tag is the fastest way home if your pet gets lost. Microchipping is required in most Australian states, although details vary.
What to Do Today
- Book a vet scan to confirm the chip reads correctly
- Search your chip number via Pet Address to verify your details
- Update your phone, email and address on the registry
- Add a sturdy collar tag with your mobile number
Save a clear photo of your pet and their microchip certificate on your phone and a shared drive for quick access in emergencies.
Vaccinations and Annual Vet Checks
Core vaccines protect against serious diseases like parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats, and yearly exams catch problems early.
What to Ask Your Vet
Discuss lifestyle risks, desexing timing, diet and behaviour changes. Log vaccine dates in your phone calendar and take a photograph of each certificate.
Parasite Prevention With Regional Risks
Year round prevention for fleas, worms and paralysis ticks protects your pet from serious illness, and daily tick checks in season can save their life.
Tick Checks Made Simple
- Run slow fingertips from nose to tail each evening
- Check ears, under collars and between toes
- Seek vet advice immediately if you find a tick
Never use dog tick products on cats because some ingredients are toxic. Align flea, tick and worming treatments on the same day each month for easy tracking.
Heat, Weather and Outdoor Safety
Heatstroke kills quickly, so never leave pets in cars and schedule walks during cooler hours. On a 22°C day, a parked car can exceed 47°C within minutes.
Walk Smart
Test the pavement with the back of your hand. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws, so bring water, seek shade and avoid tight muzzles.
Feeding for Health and a Stable Weight
A complete diet with measured portions keeps your pet at a healthy weight. Choose foods that meet local standards and suit their life stage.
Toxin Awareness
Common dangers include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic and xylitol. Keep a printed list on your fridge and contact your vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. Use a kitchen scale to weigh meals accurately.
Daily Dental Care Beats Expensive Fixes
Most dogs and cats develop dental disease by age three. Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is your best defence against pain and costly procedures.
Brushing Basics
Start with short sessions and reward calm behaviour. If gums bleed or tartar builds up, schedule a professional dental exam.
Grooming That Protects Skin
Regular brushing and occasional baths keep skin and coats healthy without stripping natural oils. Brush short coats weekly and longer coats several times per week.
Bathing Right
Brush before bathing to remove tangles, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent hotspots. If your dog is dirty or smelly, use gentle dog-specific formulas like Dog by Dr Lisa’s wash range to protect their skin.
Home Setup: Sleep and Toileting Made Easy
Comfortable rest and stress-free toileting prevent behaviour issues and reduce disease risk. Cats need at least one litter tray per cat plus one extra in separate locations.
Bedding Basics
Pick easy-clean fabrics and wash weekly. Place beds in warm, quiet corners away from drafts. Supportive, washable bedding cushions joints, controls odour and keeps fur cleaner so your cat rests comfortably indoors every day. Comfort matters for felines too, so for easy, clean, cozy resting spots explore Superior Pet Goods’ beds for cats.
Daily Exercise and Enrichment
Daily movement and brain work result in calmer pets and fewer behaviour problems. Use reward-based training and avoid punishment, which increases fear.
Micro-Routines
- 10-minute morning training session
- Midday sniff walk or play break
- Evening enrichment with puzzle toys
Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting. For cats, use vertical shelves and food puzzles to extend activity time.
Make Your Home Hazard-Safe
Many pet emergencies are preventable with a quick hazard audit. Secure bins, lock away medications and remove toxic plants like lilies from cat areas.
Audit Your Kitchen
Move sweeteners and sugar-free gum to high cupboards. Buy a pet-proof bin and teach a reliable ‘leave it’ cue using rewards. Print a one-page hazard summary for your fridge.
Wrap-Up and Quick 10-Point Checklist
Consistency beats one-off efforts. Small daily actions compound into healthier, happier pets over time.
Your 10-Point Checklist
- Confirm microchip and ID details are current
- Book vaccines and a yearly health check
- Set flea, tick and worming reminders
- Plan cool-hour walks and heat-safe routines
- Measure meals and avoid toxic foods
- Brush teeth regularly
- Groom appropriately for coat type
- Refresh litter setups and bedding
- Schedule daily enrichment and training
- Audit home hazards quarterly
Common Questions
How often should my pet see the vet?
Plan at least one full health check each year, and ask your vet if seniors need more visits.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Only when dirty or smelly, use gentle dog-specific shampoo. Over-bathing can dry skin and coat.
What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?
Call your vet or emergency clinic straight away; do not wait for symptoms.
How much daily exercise is enough?
Most adult dogs benefit from 30 to 60 minutes daily, and cats thrive with several short play sessions.