What should you get your pet for the holidays in Des Moines?

1. Routine Veterinary Care.

It’s important that we spend time on at least an annual basis talking with you about your pets lifestyle, diet, and disease prevention. Vets in Des Moines recommend a head-to-tail examination for your pet! One year of a dogs life is equivalent to 5-7 years in a person’s life, and one year in a cat’s life is equivalent to 5 years in a person’s life. Quite a bit can change medically in that time!

2. Exercise.

This is important for both you and your pet. We recommend at least 30 minutes daily; pets suffer from inactivity! Exercise prevents diseases including obesity and diabetes, as well as behavioral problems. There are ways you can encourage exercise for cats, such as purchasing a cat jungle gym (cats love to go vertical), engaging with cat toys, having them chase a laser pointer, or getting them roused up with occasional catnip.

3. Consider Pet Health Insurance.

This helps protect against unexpected illness and accidents. Some policies also cover routine veterinary care.

4. Consider donating to a pet waiting for their “forever” home.

Our clinic and other vets in Des Moines are participating in a holiday drive to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Iowa; we are collecting needed items including clay cat litter, quality food for small animals & birds, small animal pine bedding, large KONG & Nylabone toys. Visit our website or contact the veterinarians or staff at Ingersoll Animal in Des Moines IA at 515-274-3555 for more details.