Easy Tips for Taking Care of Your Pets
Pets are awesome, aren’t they? Whether you have a big dog who loves to go running with you or you have a silly cat who does all kinds of Internet-ready stunts, pets make life better. But in order to keep them healthy and happy, you have to take great care of them. Luckily, it’s really not that hard to give your pets the love, care and attention they deserve. Proper care has the added bonus of strengthening your bond with your animal, so no matter what kind of pet you have, whether it’s a feisty betta fish, a chubby little hamster or a grumpy cat, it pays to take care.
Keep Them Busy
This is more true of some animals than others, but in general, it’s important to provide some sort of mental and physical stimulation for your pets. This looks different for each species of animal, and the ideal kind and amount of activity can even vary between different breeds of dog. Think about it: you wouldn’t be too happy if you were stuck inside a small room with nothing but a bed and a plate of food, right? Even cats, which most people think of as self-caring animals for the most part, need to have daily sessions of active play and exercise with you. It’ll make your pet better behaved and easier to live with in the long run.
Groom Them Regularly
Obviously, you don’t need to trim a fish’s nails, but there are plenty of pets that require regular grooming. Even bunnies need to have their nails trimmed. Just as you take the time to untangle your hair, keep your teeth clean and make sure your nails are in good shape, most pets need to have this kind of care. In most cases, you need to start early so your cat, dog or other animal gets used to the feeling of you holding on to their little paws. It’s actually a great bonding activity too, so it’s a win overall.
Give Them Their Space
Most pets, especially dogs and cats, like to have some space that feels safe and comfortable just for them. That doesn’t mean you have to give your pet his or her own bedroom, but it does mean that you should do some research and find out what your animal might like. Cats often like to have some sort of lounge space that’s high up off the ground near a window, and dogs usually like some sort of cave-like space, such as a crate, where they can rest.
Be Patient and Understanding
As much as we’d like to be able to just have a chat with our pets, the reality is that they don’t speak our language and they don’t always understand our rules. While most pets can learn what’s off limits with proper training, don’t expect a new dog or cat to just magically know that they shouldn’t get up on your couch or eat your plants. Accidents are sort of inevitable, but it’s all worth it in the end, right?
Do Your Research and Train Right
Speaking of training, it’s a really important part of pet ownership for most animals, especially dogs. Dogs want to make you happy and earn your praise, and there is a ton of information out there on how to use training techniques to teach your pooch to behave. Think of it like very important homework. The added bonus is that you’ll learn a lot of important lessons for your own personal use on how to stay compassionate and kind even if you’re frustrated.
Feed Correctly
Food is an important factor in health for every animal. Your dog may love getting all those extra treats, and your cat may really whine like a toddler when the food dish is empty, but it’s your responsibility to maintain control and make sure your pet doesn’t get overfed. Overfeeding is actually a common cause of death for aquarium fish. In general, pets probably need less food than you think. Just as you sometimes need to focus on salad over pizza, your pet will be healthier and happier in the long run if it doesn’t get all the food it wants all the time.