Your furry (or feathered) friend is a beloved part of your family – naturally you want to make sure they’re healthy, fit, and happy throughout their entire life with you. Though you may be new to pets or perhaps unaware of all the latest knowhow in pet care, we aim to equip you with all the knowledge you need to take care of your pet in the best way possible. Here are some tips and tricks as well as other aspects of pet care you may not have thought of before!
Setting up a good habitat
You need to set up your home to cater to the specific needs of your pet and how they would normally live. For example, dogs and cats want lots of room for exercise, access to their food, and clean water. Certain humidity levels or temperatures may be necessary for reptiles. Of course – NEVER leave pets in hot environments such as cars or enclosed spaces. Make sure they have adequate shelter from extreme temperatures at all times.
Regular grooming
You need to groom your pet – even cats will need certain grooming needs, though they largely groom themselves – to prevent skin conditions and other allergies. Dogs are especially prone to allergies which can develop into irritations or infections. Controlling fleas and ticks through bathing is also a must. Having a professional clip and maintain paws and claws will also leave your pet feeling a million bucks!
Diet needs
Just like humans, pets need a blend of fats, protein, and carbohydrates to feel their best. Some pets will have their preferences for wet or dry food and it may take a while for you to get a food product they will enjoy. Read up on foods your dog or cat should NEVER eat, such as onions, garlic, or chocolate for dogs. Of course, you should also give your dog and cat (if you can) outside time for exercise – many puppies need to burn off energy in this way!
Seeing the vet
You should see your vet once per year at the very least – twice per year if you can. Remember: seeing a vet once per year is like seeing a doctor as a human every five years. This way they can detect diseases early and set up treatment plans to prevent ailments from occurring in the future.
Protecting them with insurance
Vet bills and veterinary hospital bills may put your family hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket. One way of reducing this is by taking out pet insurance, which can cover you in the event of emergency surgery or complex medical treatments. It is about taking care of yourself as much as it is taking care of your pet!
Trips short and long
If you are taking your cat or dog on trips, you need to ensure they have all the right vaccinations and documents ready for your destination. Make sure they have an appropriately sized travel container with access to water and ventilation, as well as giving them breaks to roam around and do their business (remember to clean up after them!) Be aware of predators and other nasties so you can avoid a trip to the vet, too!
