Ask the Expert - Pets as Gifts for the Holidays

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

With the holidays approaching, you may be inclined to purchase or adopt a pet for someone this year.

Although a new pet can be a great addition to a family, it may not be the best gift option.

Dr. Lara Sypniewski from Oklahoma State University’s Center For Veterinary Health Sciences recently answered questions about giving and receiving pets as gifts live on the Oklahoma State University Facebook page.

The Q&A session is a part of OSU’s “Ask the Experts” series, which provides an opportunity for individuals to access the many resources and topic experts the university has to offer.

Here are Dr. Sypniewski’s Top Tips for Purchasing a Pet:

1. Do your research
   Before purchasing or adopting a pet, spend time researching the breed. CVHS can help determine what breed will work best for your home. Consider the animal’s size, nutrition needs and time requirements for care.
2. Prepare for costs
   Pre-plan for veterinary costs like heartworm and flea/tick preventatives that are essential to the pet’s overall wellness. Not taking these precautions can put the pet at a high risk for preventable diseases.
3. CVHS is 24/7
   OSU’s Veterinary Hospital is staffed 24 hours a day with registered veterinary technicians and a veterinarian is on call for emergencies at all times. More information on emergency and critical care can be found at- https://cvhs.okstate.edu/Animal_Emergency.

Learn more about OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences https://cvhs.okstate.edu/About_Us.

Learn more about Dr. Lara Sypniewski and OSU’s community practice staff https://cvhs.okstate.edu/community-practice-meet-staff.