Family pets are no easy responsibility. Here are some great tips to help you properly care for your family pet.

Tips to help you properly care for your family pet

Pets are not just things you can own. They are members of your family and should be treated as such. Like every member of your family household, they should have times when they are cared for. Their basic needs like food, water, and housing are met, It can seem a bit overwhelming for newbie pet owners when they try to grasp the extent of the obligation, time, and devotion a single animal can require. But don’t worry, care and empathy come naturally to most people, and those who don’t understand it are having some hardships of their own and should not be judged.

Being a good pet parent and owner is sometimes overwhelming because there are so many things to take into consideration. However, with the help of a veterinarian and these simple tips, it can be easy to provide your pet with all the love and care they need.

Pain relief medication

Sometimes we know our pets are uncomfortable and feel in pain, and we want to do everything we can to help them feel better. People tend to administer human medication to pets, especially dog owners, without consulting the veterinarian and not thinking of the dosage and consequences a specific drug can cause for the pet. A great example is using tramadol for dogs as it is a human drug. However, veterinarians will sometimes prescribe therapy using this drug but in a different dosage than a human would consume. It can help alleviate the pain a dog can feel after surgery, recovering from cancer, or alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. It is always best to have a veterinarian prescribe any type of therapy or medication for your pet, rather than trying to do it yourself. Veterinarians are skilled and trained professionals who know how to properly diagnose and treat any condition your pet may have. They also know the proper dosage and administration of any medication or therapy that is prescribed.

Regular checkups

After we chipped the topic of the importance of having a trained professional assess the health of your pet, it is only natural that you will bring them in for regular checkups (as you should go to see a general physician from time to time). Staying up to date with vaccines is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. Certain vaccines are required by law, such as rabies, and others are not required but highly recommended, such as Bordetella (for dogs) and feline leukemia. Some of the other services a veterinarian can provide during a regular checkup are obesity counseling, behavior counseling, senior wellness care, microchipping, and more.

Dental Health

Another extremely important aspect of pet healthcare that is often overlooked is dental health. Just like humans, our pets need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. The type of food you feed your pet will also have an effect on their oral health. Think about this when you’re checking out Freshpet dog food reviews  and the like. Some foods are more dentally friendly than others! Most veterinarians recommend brushing your pet’s teeth at least once a week, but ideally, daily brushing is best. There are special pet toothbrushes and kinds of toothpaste that can be purchased at your local pet store or online.

Grooming and maintenance

Proper grooming and maintenance are also important for your pet’s health and well-being. Depending on the type of pet you have, the amount of grooming required will vary. For example, dogs with long hair will require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, while dogs with short hair may only need to be brushed once a week. All pets, however, should be bathed regularly using pet-safe shampoo. In addition to bathing, all pets should have their nails trimmed regularly. This is especially important for cats because if their nails get too long, they can begin to hook onto furniture and carpet, which can cause serious injury.

A happy pet is a healthy pet

Pets are a part of the family and, as such, their needs should be met for them to feel secure and happy. This means providing them with adequate food, water, shelter, and love. In addition, it is important to engage your pet daily with good stimuli to keep them entertained. This can include playing with them, taking them on walks or runs (if they are able), and providing them with pet-safe toys. Depending on the type of pet you should try looking up some interactive toys they can enjoy while you are not at home to engage with them.

Helping them focus on things that are fun a pet is far less likely to start destroying things around the house because of where boredom. Another thing a bored dog with extra energy can do is be loud and annoy the neighbors, raise its anxiety levels and develop really bad behavioral patterns down the road that can impact their and your quality of life.

Training

Training is an extremely important aspect of pet ownership. All pets should be obedience-trained, and depending on the breed, some may also need to be trained in specific disciplines, such as agility or hunting. Training your pet will help to create a strong bond between the two of you, as well as teach them how to behave in various social situations. It can also help to prevent bad behaviors from developing down the road. A well-trained pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet is a healthy pet.

Organize play dates

Pets, dogs, in particular, are social animals. Especially those that are used to you from their younger days should be accustomed to experiencing interaction with other animals because this can help them spend all of the energy while they are doing nothing at home. This is extremely important to do especially if you work full-time and have no choice but leave them at home all day long. Look for a friend that also has a pet dog and is okay with hosting playdates during the weekdays; rotate each other’s houses so both pets can get the interaction they need. Having interaction with their kind, or any other animal for that matter, can help them stay calm when you are not around and also teach them how to socialize properly.

Pets are a part of the family and deserve to be treated as such. By following the tips listed above, you can ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. Remember to always continue learning and trying to improve the quality of their life and your relationship with them, because it will help you grow immensely as well.