Keeping domestic animals doesn’t fall under the category of a pointless pastime. Aside from providing owners with a sense of amusement, pets also offer certain levels of comfort. Research shows that playing with tamed brutes reduces stress by stimulating relaxation-inducing neurotransmitters. Pets need this attention to be reciprocated by their parents. If you’ve just become a pet-owner, here are some suggestions on how you can take care of your animal companion with ease:
Tips For Responsible Animal Care
Feeding
Feeding your adopted buddy high-quality pet food should always be your #1 priority. A good diet allows an animal to maintain fitness and regulate its immune system. It’s also beneficial to the pet’s intestinal well-being and helps the little one improve its agility and mental sharpness. But don’t let your pet be overfed since obesity may contribute to the decline of the animal’s overall health. It can lead to the pet acquiring disorders, including diabetes or heart diseases.
Walking
Domesticated animals require spending some time outside the confinements of their comfy abode. Hence, you should take your pet out for a walk and allow them to breathe the fresh air outside. Among your canine buddies, walking contributes to strengthening muscles, lowering blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular health. Cats are difficult to be trained to walk on a leash. It’s also a bit odd since people usually don’t take their pet cats out for a walk. But, with some training, it’ll cease to be weird for you to be seen walking your pet cat.
Supervising
Animals require constant watching over and parent supervision. Permitting them to wander on their own may result in the pet falling victim to diseases/accidents. Moreover, you don’t want your cat or dog to relieve itself on a neighbor’s lawn. So, ascertain that the animal always plays under your regulation. And, if you’re busy, someone you trust should manage your animal companion. That’s why disciplining your pets and restraining their hazardous actions should be your urgent preference.
Restraining
Providing the animal with proper identification saves it from getting lost. That’s why parents use secure dog collars containing their contact information. These collars – combined with a leash – restrain your pets from escaping or getting into unnecessary trouble. Collars can be bothersome for your feline friends due to their adventurous nature. So, experts suggest alternative methods such as a microchip implanted under the pet’s skin, making it identifiable and trackable.
Cleansing
Besides health and nutrition, your pet’s oral/dental hygiene also matters a lot! Tooth loss or gum swelling can be problematic for your little buddy’s well-being. Ensure that the animal’s mouth remains clean from dirt and germs. Dental check-ups ascertain that the pet’s lack of oral hygiene doesn’t lead to any severe complications. Experts suggest brushing your dog’s teeth thrice a week. If the pet is uncooperative, ask a doctor to recommend dental toys, treats, or diets.
Visiting vets
Regularly visiting your local veterinarian should be your main priority as a parent. Experts recommend annual complete physical check-ups once your pet reaches one year of age. You’d need a carrier to bring your animal companion out of the confines of a familiar household. Also, the vet can accurately inform what food is healthy for your pet and what its allergies are.
Vaccinating
A report published two years ago revealed that one-third of English pets weren’t receiving proper vaccines. It means that around 7 million animals were vulnerable to different fatal diseases! You can’t risk the little darling with infections and allergies. That’s why it’s imperative to schedule an appointment to immunize the pet as soon as you bring it home. Some crucial canine vaccines in the country include CAV, CDV, and CPV that protect dogs from certain malevolent infections.
Neutering
Sterilization prevents animals from contracting severe health problems. Neutered dogs become immune to prostate/testicular tumors. Similarly, spraying your kitty-cat protects it from ovarian/cervical cancer. Dogs will have reduced aggression, while cats will not wander away from home searching for a mate. Statistics show that male dogs live 18% while female dogs live 23% longer after sterilization. Also, male cats live 62%, and female cats live 39% longer after neutering.
Grooming
Grooming your pets regularly helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can always take the pet to a grooming salon for professional service. These experts will brush the animal’s teeth to preserve its oral hygiene. Bathing makes the pet more pleased since it reduces itching. Clipping its nails makes the animal walk comfortably. Brushing the pet’s skin preserves its fur against dirt, dust, and dander. Though shaving your little friend’s hair seems like a duty better performed by professionals.
Exercising
Your pets need exercise as much as you do since it prevents them from being overweight. Now, some people find chubby animals beautiful. But obesity poses numerous threats to your pet’s physical fitness. That’s why training and socializing with your animal friend is essential for you as a parent, even if it’s merely throwing a ball at it or teasing the little one with a piece of string. Training helps the pet learn obedience and understand that it’s bound to follow only your command as its master.
Conclusion
Statistics from last year show that over 50% of people owned pets. Most pet-owners lean towards feline and canine domestication. Rabbits are the third most popular animal among the residents of the United Kingdom. These innocent little companions provide emotional support to their parents. In exchange, they require the owners’ immense care and attention. Proper consideration will enhance your pets’ loyalty and devotion to you.
