As a pet parent, you would want to do everything you can to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy. This includes engaging in regular, everyday activities and much more. They also require a great deal of mental and physical attention. One must also keep a close check on their diet and ensure that they are always eating healthy things. The concept of having a pet at home is exciting, but before buying or adopting a pet, one must be informed of the everyday chores they would be responsible for. So, when it comes to pet care, there are a lot of considerations to make. These are some of the most important things to keep in mind on how to take care of a dog and other pets in order to keep them healthy.
Simple tips on how to take care of your pet
1. Be attentive toward your pet
How to take care of a dog or a cat starts with the simple yet challenging task of observing them. Pets don't only need to be fed or bathed, but also be taken good care of their habits and behaviour. Chewing plastic, catching lizards, or eagerness to taste everything can have serious implications on health. Animals, same as humans, tend to repeat what they enjoy doing. But unlike humans, they cannot differentiate between what is beneficial for them and what is not.
2. Regular veterinarian visits
Cats are prone to upper respiratory infections, rabies, ringworm, heartworm, diabetes, Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and many others. So, before minor problems turn out to be something big, paying regular vet visits is a big mandate. Similarly, puppies also tend to be vulnerable to problems like Parvovirus (Parvo), distemper, kennel cough, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, and Diarrhea. And, dogs too are prone to the above-mentioned diseases that are common to puppies and cats as well. So, paying regular visits to the vet would save your pet from unnecessary pain and you from monetary loss.
3. Keep your pets on a schedule.
For your dog, a daily structure is more important than a strict routine. Bedtime, playtime, mealtimes, and bathroom breaks should all take place at roughly the same time each day. Set reminders on your phone like you would for any other daily activity to keep their routine consistent. It won't be too difficult to coordinate your pet's schedule with your own if you stay organised. Make your life easier by scheduling your pet's first bathroom break of the day shortly after you wake up—this way, they won't be conditioned to wake up before you. In addition, make sure your pet's meals always come first to prevent them from pleading for some of yours, and leave a couple of additional hours for them to settle down before night when scheduling play sessions.
4. Make sure to pet-proof your home
This is one of the most important pet parenting tips to consider when having a pet at home. No matter how old your dog is, he or she will find a way to get into mischief - especially when you aren't around. Here are a few things you could do to keep your pet out of trouble:
- Keep food away from the table and counter edges.
- Secure trashcan lids to prevent overflow and the accumulation of stinky waste.
- Plants that are hazardous or harmful should be moved out of the way.
- Medications, chemicals, and detergents should be kept in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
- To prevent tripping, keep electrical cables out of reach and away from walkways.
- Put clothes, shoes, and other chewable things in hampers or shelves.
5. Get pet insurance
Get pet insurance if you want to go the additional mile when you’re thinking of ways how to take care of a dog or cat. Accidents and illnesses that occur unexpectedly often cost a lot of money. Pet insurance may help cover these unexpected costs, as well as prescription medicines, long-term health disorders, and other issues, making it a crucial investment for your family's four-legged members.
6. Observe your pet’s behaviour
Have you noticed any recent changes in your pet's behaviour? Is he scratching as much as he usually does? Is your pet not eating properly? Changes from the usual may be cause for alarm and suggest a deeper problem. If your dog or cat exhibits unusual behaviour, contact your veterinarian to determine whether an examination is required.
7. Grooming
This includes trimming your pet's nails, brushing them twice a week, and bathing them on a regular basis. Grooming is also a great method to keep an eye on changes in your pet's fur or skin, such as dandruff, dry skin or bald patches. It's also a good time to check for any lumps or bumps that may be cause for concern.
Apart from these, pet parents should also take care of the dental health of pets as they too can suffer from oral health problems like bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, pawing at the mouth, facial swelling, excessive drooling, and many others. Brushing your pet's teeth and paying a little attention may save your pet from a lot of suffering. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best grooming regimen for your specific pet.
8. Talk your pet for a walk
Regular walks benefit your dog in a variety of ways, including preventing boredom, aiding the digestive tract, maintaining a healthy weight, and allowing them to burn off excess energy. By providing them with a constructive outlet, you may notice that bad behaviour such as chewing, barking, or digging decreases.
As mentioned above being attentive towards your pet is a must, you should be able to notice minor changes in your four-pawed friend's physical and emotional changes in them for their well-being. The best way to avoid or halt overeating you need to stop feeding your fluffy friend fillers and give them crude proteins and good quality food, maintain consistency about the rules regarding food volume and timings, pay attention to the activity level and decide the amount of meal healthy for your pet. While all is being done do not forget that exercise deserves to be normal as it will not only improves the overall health of your pet but also balances the rarity of overfeeding.