Simple steps to help the well-being of your animals

Katie VanderKolk<ockertka@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Four everyday steps to ensure the well-being and safety of your animals.

Youth involved in animal science programs are uniquely positioned to learn firsthand about how management decisions can impact animal well-being.  Through learning about the proper care and management practices of various animals, youth are able to be proper stewards to the animals in their cares. Being knowledgeable about the various aspects of animal needs helps youth provide for their animals overall well-being. 

Some key factors that youth learn through their 4-H animal science projects that help ensure that their animals well-being is kept in the forefront are basic management practices that all animal owners should follow.

First, all animals must have identification. This may vary depending on the specie of animal—for example, dogs may have a tag on their collars, sheep may have an ear tag and rabbits may be tattooed. The identification serves as a concrete indicator of the identity of that particular animal. 

Second, records should be kept on all medications and treatments that a particular animal has had. It is important to keep information regarding medical care in one easily accessible location. 

Third, everyone that owns an animal should have a trusted veterinarian that they are able to work with to ensure that their animals stay healthy. A trusted veterinarian can help animal owners create a routine health plan for their animals as well as provide care should your animal become sick or in the case of an emergency. 

Last, animal owners must provide proper animal handling and care to all animals in their care. Knowing the appropriate ways to interact with your animal is essential to their well-being.

As responsible animal owners, it should be our top priority to make sure that our animals are well cared for. By keeping in mind these simple and easy to do principles, you can make sure that your animals health and well-being is your top priority.

For more information about Michigan 4-H Animal Science Programs, please visit http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/animal_science.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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