Everything You Need to Care for Your Pet
Pets require a lot of attention and care to keep them healthy and happy. Whether you have a dog, cat or another type of animal companion, take a look at our pet care checklist to ensure you’re providing the special care that they need. Plus, our list is a great resource if you’re just now welcoming a brand new family member to the house!
A Pet’s Dining Room
Pets should have a clean place to eat with one bowl for food and one for water. For pets with skin sensitivities or allergies, be sure to provide a non-plastic option for bowls – stainless-steel and ceramic are nice alternatives. For cats, consider a water fountain bowl to encourage them to drink water. Keep a clock near their food bowl and set alarms as necessary to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule.
Playtime
Your pet needs entertainment and stimulation to stay youthful and energetic. Dogs love balls, bones and chew toys, while cats enjoy toy wands and scratching posts. These types of toys keep pets in a good mood, and the exercise will help prevent weight issues.
A Great Place to Snooze
For all pets, sleep is an essential and important part of their day. Make naptime more comfortable by providing the necessary to ensure good quality sleep. Choose beds that are made from natural materials with removable covers for a long-lasting solution. Make sure to wash their bedding regularly to keep their essentials fresh and safe – doing a special load of laundry once per week is a good idea to maintain the cleanliness of their space.
A Stylish Collar
A collar is important for several reasons. For one, especially for dogs, a collar provides a way for the dog to wear their required tags, including a mandatory registration tag for the city. And for any pet, in the case that they make a quick escape, a collar ensures that someone will see that your pet belongs to someone and is not a stray. There is a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from, and if your pet is often out and about, consider a collar with reflective materials. For the active cat, consider an easy tear-free option to keep the cat safe in case it gets in a pinch and needs to wriggle out of the collar.
Going on Daily Adventures
If your pet requires physical activity, be sure to take them on a daily walk. Make sure to have a solid leash, and choose from either retractable or heavy duty leashes. The retractable leashes are better suited for smaller breeds, whereas the heavy-duty leashes are great for larger-sized dogs. Harnesses are another great option.
Keep Them Groomed
Pets, even if they don’t have much hair or are short haired, require some sort of grooming. Dogs should be washed monthly, and if they have long hair, should be brushed on a regular basis. A trip to a professional groomer is a good option, as well. Cats don’t necessarily need to be washed as often as dogs, but it varies breed to breed. Brush cats on a regular basis to avoid hairballs. Besides the basic items for your pet, consider sprucing up your room with fun ideas related to pets. For example, grab some wall decor featuring rabbits or horses. Also, decorative pillows with animal-themed prints are a great addition to their favorite space. Also, large rugs are a great way to keep the flooring free of accidents and spills. And on colder days, pets love to snuggle on or under blankets and throws.