Regardless of whether you are a dog or cat mom or dad, as the person responsible for your pets you will always seek to do everything to take care of them. This task involves some regular daily activities to ensure that they stay happy and healthy.
For this reason, we have ten essential tips for responsible pet care for you. They are sure to ensure you have a happy and healthy companion at home.
Pets in the home and foolproof tips on how to properly care for them
Bringing a new pet into the home can be as intimidating as it is exciting. Even if you’ve had a furry friend in the house before, this decision can raise a lot of questions. However, we’re sure the following tips will help.
First and foremost, visit the veterinarian
Responsible pet ownership starts with regular visits to the vet. Given their life expectancy, your puppy or at a minimum should have a checkup once or twice a year. But establishing and maintaining your pet’s good health means keeping up with vet visits as they age.
Key tip: Before you leave on your way to the vet, take them for a walk. This is so they don’t associate getting in the car with going to the vet.
Key tip: before leaving on the way to the vet, take them for a walk. This is so they don’t associate getting in the car with going to the vet.
Provides a safe, comfortable, and nurturing living environment.
Just as humans need a home where we can feel comfortable and safe, so do our pets.
Key tip: Pets that are too young or already several years old lose their ability to regulate their body temperature efficiently. It is important to offer them a blanket and bedding that provides comfort and warmth. Especially at night.
Take care of their nutritional needs
All living organisms need food to survive. Unfortunately, many pets suffer from obesity and other metabolic problems due to poor nutrition. This can later lead to other health problems.
While there is debate about which dog food is most appropriate, there is a consensus. Everyone needs a good balance of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and plenty of water (Pets, 2021). These should be given in the right amounts and also in the right proportions.
Key tip: select a pet food formula that is appropriate for your pet’s age, health conditions and activity level.
Spay or neuter your pet
Spaying or neutering your pet prevents a number of health problems (ASPCA, n.d.), including complicated pregnancies, and helps reduce homelessness. Because spaying or neutering is a surgery that requires general anesthesia, your pet will likely spend the night in the veterinarian’s office. This is for at least one night for observation and recovery.
Key tip: try to practice this procedure at an early age for your furry friend. This way his recovery and healing process will be quick.
Get vaccinations on time
Shortly after arriving at your home, the first visit should be to the veterinarian. Then a vaccination schedule will be established for your small puppy or kitten. This is to protect them from diseases such as rabies or distemper in the case of dogs. Cats also benefit from vaccines that prevent feline herpes virus, feline leukemia, and rabies.
Key tip: If you adopted an older pet, make sure it is also protected. Vaccinations need to be renewed and are not just for young pets.
Training as wellness
One of the most important aspects of responsible pet care is making sure your dog or cat is properly trained. Potty training is the number one priority. So is working on training minimal obedience commands. A well-trained pet is a happy pet, and that translates to a happy parent.
Key tip: Reward-based training yields excellent results. You can include so
Look for safe toys
Discard and replace toys that are worn out. Squeaky toys can provide a lot of entertainment for your dog. It is important that the device that provides the sound cannot be ripped off the toy. This object can easily be swallowed, causing you to end up visiting the vet. Also, don’t forget to eliminate toys with loose parts that could present choking hazards and hard or sharp edges that could cause injury.
Key tip: Avoid toys that are too small; they can easily be swallowed or become lodged in the throat. Stuffed toys are good for several purposes. They are sometimes useful to include as a reward in a training scheme; however, they should be used with caution.
Clean their paws regularly
Your pet’s paws are one of the most vulnerable parts of his body. If not properly cared for, they can easily become cracked, injured, or bleed. This causes great discomfort and difficulty walking. They are also exposed to bacteria present in the waste of other pets that are not regularly vaccinated or flushed.
Key tip: you can use special pet wipes without alcohol for this task. We also recommend using water and a special shampoo for your pet’s skin and coat.
Key tip: In the absence of a regular prophylaxis appointment, you can provide them with treats and dental toys that will help in a preventive and maintenance way with this task.
Tooth brushing
Just like people, your pets can suffer from not having their teeth cleaned regularly. For this task, you can use special pet toothbrushes and toothpaste. Brushing their teeth regularly is the main way to remove soft plaque before it turns into mineralized calculus. The habit of cleaning teeth prevents such things as bad breath while helping to prevent other diseases.
Give them all your love
We know it goes without saying. However, it doesn’t hurt to remind you how all pets really want to be petted relentlessly. They love affection, warmth, and smiles. Give your pet special attention and they will return to your family the unconditional love that only a pet can give.
As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. It is important for all pet parents to get everything they need to raise happy and healthy pets. As a final tip, we recommend you consider pet insurance to cover the financial risk of your pet getting hurt or sick.
Finally, having pets is one of the best decisions you can make. Go ahead and check the option of adopting, in this way, you will be doing a solidary action that serves to reduce animal abandonment. By having a furry in your life, you can discover your passion for animals. You will surely end up becoming a great caretaker of the most fun and loving members of a family.