Pets are an integral part of our lives. They provide us with companionship as well as emotional support, help us to alleviate stress and loneliness, increase our social activities, and contribute to a child’s self-esteem and positive emotional growth. They teach us responsibility, love us unconditionally, and are always there for us when we need them. Taking care of pets, on the other hand, is not easy and can be difficult at times. Don’t worry; these 10 tips will help you to keep your pets healthy and happy.
1. Provide them with a healthy and safe environment
Just like with people, we can’t just leave a dog without food or water because we might forget them. And just like with us, we can’t leave our pets in a condition where they’re left alone for hours on end. It’s a big mistake that could cause serious damage to the pet. In order to ensure the proper well-being of your pet, you should provide him with a pet-friendly area that he can share with you. For example, an indoor or an outdoor pen or a dog house. But do keep in mind that some places are not clean enough for your furry friends and are very prone to pests.
2. Provide them with healthy and nutritious food
Pets require special diets that can be difficult to follow for most owners. As their demands increase, you should not be surprised if your pet’s diet changes from being simple to being more complex. Therefore, you should create a food plan that allows you to accommodate the dietary requirements of your pet. For instance, if you’re buying high-quality dog food, it may be best to buy a variety of meats that include organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, and even brain. In addition, dogs and cats require different amounts of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Therefore, you should adjust the level of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins in their diet.
3. Train them good habits
How often do you see well-behaved pets? To keep them from destroying your house and your clothes, it’s a good idea to train them. It’s important to reward good behaviour. Dr. Wess Mitchell, Chief veterinary officer of Zoetis, a global animal health company, explains: “Rewarding your pet is one of the best ways to encourage him to do things that are good and give him the confidence to do what you want him to do. It’s all about setting and reinforcing positive behaviours.” A good way to reward your dog for being good is giving him a treat. Make sure you always keep treats handy so that you can give them whenever you want. But don’t give them too much, again, you need to be careful about their diet.
4. Ensure they get plenty of exercises
“Appropriate exercise for each pet depends on the breed and the individual,” says pet care expert, Nicole Auclair. “In the winter, your dog might do better with walks in the cold, especially short ones and fewer stops. When it’s hot outside, your pet might prefer to ride along in the car. Other times, it might just be a short run around the block. All dogs need a mixture of activity for optimal health.” And remember “Don’t leave your dog alone in a kennel,” advises Tiffany Diaz, who offers pet care services through My Dog House Pet Daycare.
5. Provide them with a balanced diet
The best diet for a dog or cat is based on the diet of their ancestors, and it contains lots of meat. The wrong diet can be a leading cause of disease, and lead to poor nutrition. Check your pet’s food supply on a regular basis to make sure they are getting the right amount of food. If you have a dog or cat which has access to water, provide them with fresh water. It is also a good idea to check that the water is not contaminated and doesn’t contain chemicals or detergents. Do not feed your pet a cooked diet, as the nutrients that are stored in the raw meat will be broken down by the heat and will not be absorbed by the body.
6. Pay attention to changes in their behaviours
Changes in a pet’s behaviour are usually very easy to identify. Apart from the obvious signs of aggression, such as growling or barking at unexpected noises, look out for changes in their mood. Is your pet more frightened and withdrawn at certain times? Is your pet cuddling more with you? Is your pet expressing jealousy, clinging to your attention and needing more attention or affection? Look out for changes in their eating and drinking habits. Is your pet not as interested in food as before? Are you noticing that your pet doesn’t play as much as before? Look out for changes in their sleep patterns Your pet’s behaviour and sleep pattern can be very hard to predict. Animals can have very short or long naps and at any time, a behaviour can suddenly change.
7. Provide them with healthy grooming
Anyone loves a furry pet, but remember, too much fur might cause health problem to your pets. For example, in the winter, your pet’s fur might keep him warm, but in the summer, it will be a huge uncomfortable issue for him. It prevents him from heat releasing and might cause his hot temper or skin-related diseases. Therefore, please remember to bring your pets to the groomer when needed.
8. Keep them entertained
If you have a little one at home who is often bored, then you know how important it is to entertain your pet. There are many activities you can do with your pets. Find some activities which are useful for both you and your pets. Try walking your dog on a leash, give your cat a toy to play with, and encourage your dog to chase after you. For every activity, find a fun way for your pet to participate. As for the most important part, make sure that your pets are properly dressed. Older dogs especially need regular exercise. Make sure that your pets are walking a lot and being active every day. This will make a big difference to their life expectancy.
9. Take them to the vet regularly
Yes, it is true that our pets don’t really talk to us and say that they are in pain or experiencing discomfort. However, by taking your pets to the vet regularly, you can increase their chances of a longer, healthier life. Plus, even if you only have to visit the vet for annual shots, you will still be able to benefit from all of the new advice and techniques and hear from professional veterinarians all about how to properly care for your pets.
10. Give them plenty of love
When you see your beloved pet suffering, don’t hesitate to give them extra love and attention. Spend quality time with them, because the more they love you, the more motivated you are to take good care of them. On the other hand, you also need to give your pet some time alone while you are at work or away from home, to keep her calm and keep her at rest. When you bring her to the park, she will enjoy the environment and socialize. Finally, consistency is the key, don’t over care about them on some days and completely ignore them for some other days. You know, love needs to be nurtured and maintained, right?
0 Comments