Pets are lovely creatures that brighten up lives and bring joy to the family. In fact, surveys have shown that 70 percent of households own a pet. They provide emotional and psychological benefits to their owners, like reducing stress levels and improving mental well-being.
However, as much as they are adored, they also come with great responsibility. Pets need love, care, and attention like any other family member. And just like raising a child, taking care of a pet requires time, effort, and patience. To help ensure that your pet is healthy and happy, here are some best practices for keeping pets in the household:
Give them enough exercise
Pets need to stay active to maintain their physical health. Depending on the type of pet, this could mean taking them for a walk, playing with them in the yard, or taking them to a dog park. It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine how much exercise is appropriate for your pet based on age, breed, and health condition.
Exercise not only keeps your pet physically healthy, but it also helps them stay mentally sharp. It helps reduce boredom and destructive behaviors from a lack of stimulation. When pets are bored, they can become anxious and stressed, leading to health problems.
Many pet owners make the mistake assuming that their pets get enough exercise just from running around in the house or yard. While this is better than nothing, it’s not enough to keep them healthy and happy. Pets need dedicated time for exercise, just like humans do.
Feed them a nutritious diet
A well-balanced diet is necessary to stay healthy. A pet’s diet should be based on age, activity level, and health condition. For example, puppies and kittens need more calories than adult dogs and cats because they’re growing and need extra energy.
Older pets tend to have different nutritional needs as well. They may need fewer calories if they’re less active or more if they suffer from health conditions like diabetes. Many sources, including the American Kennel Club and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, offer helpful tips on selecting the proper diet for your pet.
By feeding your pet a nutritious diet, you’re not only helping them stay in good health, but you’re also preventing common problems like obesity. As a result, you’ll save money on vet bills in the long run.
Give them regular baths
Most pets need to get bathed regularly, but how often will depend on the pet type and lifestyle. For example, dogs that live in cold climates and don’t go outside much may only need a few baths per week. On the other hand, dogs that live in hot climates or are frequently outdoors will need more baths.
Cats typically don’t need to be bathed as often as dogs because they groom themselves. However, if your cat is dirty or has a foul odor, it may benefit from a bath. When bathing your pet, use a pet-safe shampoo and avoid getting water in their eyes, ears, or nose.
After the bath, thoroughly dry your pet with a towel or hairdryer set on the lowest setting. If it’s cold outside, put them in a warm room until they’re completely dry to prevent them from getting chilled. Doing so will help make an experience that they will hopefully learn to enjoy — even if it’s not their favorite activity.
Enroll them to boot camps
Sometimes, your pet might not behave as you want them to despite your best efforts. If this is the case, it might be time to seek professional help.
Many types of pet training are available, from obedience training to behavior modification. These programs are often called “boot camps” because they provide intensive training for a short period. Your pet will stay at the trainer’s facility during the program and receive one-on-one attention.
An effective dog boot camp will teach your pet the basics, such as how to sit, stay, come when called, and walk on a leash. They will also learn how to behave around other people and animals. If your dog is aggressive, the boot camp will help them learn to control its aggression.
Boot camps can be expensive, but they’re often worth the investment. Not only will you have a well-behaved pet, but you’ll also learn how to train them effectively.
Pets are wonderful companions, but they also require some level of care. Following the tips above, you can ensure your pet is healthy and happy. In return, they’ll provide you with years of love and companionship. So, what are you waiting for? Start taking care of your pet today.
