Veterinarian Lists 5 Things Humans Can Do to Keep Pets Out of the ER

What if you knew you could buy yourself more time with your pet--would you do it?

Of course! Every loving dog and cat owner wishes their pets would live as long as they do,  but the heartbreaking reality is that our animals' lifespans are only a fraction of ours. We may not get decades with our furry friends, but there's a lot we can do to ensure pets are around for as long as possible.

In the same way that people use diet, exercise, and medicine to feel their best, the same needs to be done for animals. It's up to you--their trusted owner--to find the best food, toys, and routines for your four-legged friend; though veterinarians are always there to assist you. In fact, emergency veterinarian Dr. Bozelka even takes to TikTok to share animal health facts and news so that pet parents can stay in the know. On November 28, the ER vet shared 5 things humans can do to keep their pets out of the emergency room--because many emergencies are preventable! Remember, important safety tips like these could literally save a life.

Whew--that's a lot to take in! There's always a lot to keep in mind when you're considering the health of your furry friend, but @dr.bozelka's tips are especially vital to the well-being of cats and dogs. If a little education and awareness can keep a pet out of the hospital, I'd call that a win!

Related: Charleston Animal Society Breaks Guinness World Record in Honor of Keeping Pets Healthy

If you're guilty of breaking any of the rules on this list, you're not alone. In fact--you're far from it! For example, most pet parents don't even know what a gastropexy surgery is. Retractable leashes are still sold almost everywhere, and people are still buying them. So what's the issue?

Keeping Pets Safe and Healthy Starts With Educating Owners

It's a lack of education! When you adopt a dog or cat, you don't get an instruction booklet of everything to do and every red flag to watch out for. Routine vet visits provide owners with tons of valuable education, but not everyone gets to go into detail about preventative measures like these. That's why it makes such a difference that Dr. Bozelka is making videos like this! Not everyone has access to affordable veterinary care, but everyone is entitled to at least some education.

If you want to set up a preventative care plan for your pet, a visit to the vet is the best way to get started. A physical exam (and hopefully some testing) will let you know if there are any immediate concerns, and then you can chat with the veterinarian to make the best plan for you.