Regardless of whether you are a dog or cat mom or dad, as someone responsible for your pets you will always try to do everything to take care of them. This task involves some regular daily activities to ensure they stay happy and healthy best family pets.
For this reason, we have ten essential tips for responsible pet care. It will surely guarantee you have a happy and healthy company at home.
Pets at home and 10 infallible tips to care for them correctly
Bringing a new pet into the home can be as intimidating as it is exciting. Even if you previously had a furry friend at home, this decision can raise many questions. However, we are sure that the following tips will help you.
- First of all, visit the vet
Responsible pet ownership begins with regular visits to the veterinarian. Given their life expectancy, your puppy or puppy should get 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 head out to the vet, take them for a walk. This is done so that they do not associate getting into 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 older lose their ability to regulate body temperature efficiently. It is important to offer them a blanket and a bed that provides comfort and warmth. Especially at night.
- Take care of your nutritional needs
All living organisms need food to survive. Unfortunately, many pets suffer from obesity and other metabolic problems due to poor diet. Which can later lead to other health problems.
While there is debate about which dog food is most appropriate, there is a consensus on the matter. Everyone needs a good balance of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and plenty of water (Pets, 2021). These must be administered in proper quantities and also in their correct proportions.
Key Tip: Select a pet food formula that is appropriate for your pet’s age, health conditions, and activity level.
- Sterilize your pet
Spaying your pet prevents a number of health problems (ASPCA, nd), including complicated pregnancies, and helps reduce homeless animals. Because spaying or neutering is a surgery that requires general anesthesia, your pet will likely spend the night in the veterinarian’s office. This, for at least one night for observation and recovery.
Key tip: try to practice this procedure at an early age for your furry friend. In this way your recovery and healing process will be rapid.
- Apply vaccines on time
Shortly after arriving home, the first trip should be to the vet. A vaccination schedule will then be established for your little puppy or kitten. This, with the aim of protecting 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 a pet at an older age, make sure it is protected too. Vaccines need renewal and are not just for young pets.
- Training as well-being
One of the most important aspects of responsible pet care is making sure your dog or cat has proper training. Potty training is priority number one. As well as working on training minimum obedience orders. A well-trained pet is a happy pet, and that translates into a happy parent.
Key Tip: Reward-based training yields great results. You can include some snacks that help reinforce their positive behavior.
- Look for safe toys
Throw away and replace worn-out toys. Squeaky toys can provide a lot of entertainment for your dog. It is important that the device that provides the sound cannot be torn off from the toy. This object can easily be ingested, causing you to end up visiting the vet. Also, don’t forget to eliminate toys with loose parts that could present a choking hazard and hard or sharp edges that could cause injury.
Key tip: Avoid toys that are too small, these can be easily swallowed or lodged in the throat. Stuffed toys are good for several purposes. Sometimes they are often very useful to include them as a reward in a training scheme; however, these 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 crack, become injured, or bleed easily. Which causes great discomfort and difficulty walking. Likewise, they are exposed to bacteria present in the waste of other pets that are not vaccinated or purged regularly.
Key tip: You can use special alcohol-free pet wipes for this task . Likewise, we recommend using water and a special shampoo for their skin and coat.
- Brushing teeth
Just like people, your pets can suffer from not having regular dental cleanings. For this task you can use special toothbrushes and toothpaste for pets . Brushing your teeth regularly is the main way to remove soft plaque, before it turns into mineralized calculus. The habit of cleaning teeth prevents things such as bad breath, while also helping to prevent other diseases (Pets, 2021).
Key Tip: In the absence of a regular prophylaxis appointment, you can provide dental treats and toys that will help preventatively and maintenance with this task.
- Give them all your love
We know it goes without saying. However, it is worth reminding you how all pets really want to be petted relentlessly. They love affection, warmth and smiles. Give your pet special attention and they will provide your family with unconditional love in return that only a pet can give.
Key tip: pay attention to them and play with them whenever you can, add extra points in their hearts.
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, healthy little animals. As a final piece of advice, we recommend considering pet insurance that can 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 review the option of adopting, in this way you will be carrying out a solidarity action that serves to reduce animal abandonment. By having a furry friend in your life, you can discover your passion for animals. You will surely end up becoming a great caregiver for the most fun and loving members of a family.