Responsible pet care is about so much more than putting out a food dish and a water bowl. It’s a commitment to making sure your dog, cat, or any other pet you may have is happy and healthy for as long as possible.
Being a responsible pet parent takes a good amount of work and, in some cases, a good amount of money. In the long run, all of the effort is worth it. Dogs, cats, and other pets make phenomenal companions.
Here are a few ways you can make sure you’re the best possible pet parent you can be.
Responsible Pet Care: Be A Great Pet Parent To Your Furry Family Member
Family pets are exactly that – members of the family to be cherished and loved. Having a pet is a long-term commitment. It should never be viewed as anything but. If you haven’t had a pet before and you’re thinking of bringing one home, make sure you’re ready for that commitment. Don’t make an impulse decision to get a dog or a cat.1
Another important consideration to keep in mind is whether your pet is suited for your lifestyle. Make sure you have the resources to provide the basics, including food, toys, and veterinary care. Being a good pet parent means setting money aside for regular vet visits and for any emergencies that might occur.2
Also, remember that spaying and neutering your pet is incredibly important. Animal overpopulation is a major problem. Do your part to keep that issue from getting even worse.
Adoption: The Responsible Choice For Animal Welfare
Many pet parents opt to rescue a dog or cat from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many of them will also tell you it’s one of the best decisions they ever made. There are a lot of reasons why adopting an animal is the responsible way to go. Here are just a few.
The most important reason to consider adoption, of course, is that you’ll be saving a life. Millions of dogs and cats enter shelters each year. Adopting a pet will not only save an animal but also provide space for another.3
Another great reason to adopt is that you’ll be bringing home a fantastic companion. Many dogs and cats in shelters are very loving and loyal. They’re in a shelter because their family had to move, or for some other reason. They did nothing wrong. Many shelter animals are already well trained and housebroken as well.
Adoption is also less expensive than going through a breeder or buying an animal from a pet store. In most cases, spaying and neutering has already been performed, and vaccinations have been administered. This can save you a great deal of money.4
Your Pet’s Physical Health: Basic Needs Like Veterinary Care, Food, Shelter, And Exercise
It’s every pet owner’s responsibility to make sure their animals have ample food and protective shelter. Talk to your vet to see what type of food would be best for your pet’s stage of life. Your vet can also tell you how often and how much you should feed your pet.
Regular veterinary care for your pet is also a must. Checkups are the best way to keep tabs on your pet’s overall health. They also give your vet a chance to spot any minor issues before they potentially become major problems. Regular vaccinations are also important, as they’ll help to protect your pet from a wide variety of serious diseases.
Your vet can also check your pet’s dental health. Dental care is very important to your furry friend’s overall health, so your vet might recommend regular cleanings.
Also, check your dog or cat’s fur regularly for fleas. These parasites can be really troublesome, causing a great deal of discomfort. They can also potentially spread disease. Have your pet treated for fleas at the first sign of an infestation. Ask your vet whether they’d recommend preventative flea treatments.
Mental Health And Well-Being: Quality Of Life For Family Pets And Companion Animals
As important as your pet’s physical care is, their mental health is just as important. Just like humans, dogs and cats can get bored. If this happens, they can act out in destructive ways. The result can be torn up furniture or shoes, overturned garbage cans, and more. Mental stimulation and positive reinforcement are key to keeping these kinds of problems from happening.
One of the things you’ll have to weigh when getting a pet is the amount of time they’ll be left alone at home. Are you at the office most of the day? Do you take vacations regularly? Pets, in general, love to be with their humans. When they’re deprived of interaction with the ones they love, behavioral problems may be the result.5
Even if you’re gone most of the day, there are still ways you can help keep your pets occupied. Treat dispensing food puzzles are one idea. As the name implies, these toys release small amounts of dog food, cat food, or treats as your pet interacts with them. Think about getting these toys for your dog or cat instead of just filling a food bowl.6
If you have a cat, leave a couple of window blinds open. Cats love to look outside – they can spend hours doing just that.
Responsible Pet Care – The Best Way To Have The Best Possible Companion
Responsible pet care not only helps protect the health of your pet but also makes your home that much happier. Bringing home a puppy or a couple of kittens can make your family’s eyes light up.
But whether you make a dog, cat, or other type of pet the newest member of your household, make sure you’re ready for the responsibility. Raising your pet brings a joy that makes all the effort so worth it.
Learn More:
Indoor Dog Activities: Exercise For Your Pet When The Cold Weather Hits
How Pet Technology Is Revolutionizing Life For Pet Parents
Dog Freaking Out Every Time You Leave? Learn All About Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Sources
1 https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/responsible-pet-ownership
2 https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/responsible-pet-ownership
3 https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet
4 https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet
5 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-you-tell-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-bored
6 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-you-tell-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-bored
