Tips for Being a Better Pet Parent
You love your pet. You provide food, clean water, appropriate shelter, and lots of love for your furry friend. But are you providing everything necessary to be a truly exceptional pet parent? Here are six tips every pet owner should follow to ensure their pets are getting the best possible care that they deserve:
1) Vaccinate!
Vaccines do more than prevent diseases. They keep pets healthy by strengthening the immune system. There is no reason not to vaccinate your animal companion if you can afford it. Veterinarians recommend vaccinating against rabies once every three years…but there’s no harm in giving them more often than that, so long as it does not compromise their health or immunity!
2) Trim nails!
A sharp claw can do a lot of damage. Trimming nails is important from both the standpoint of your car’s upholstery as well as your own skin, should your companion decide to attack you out of nowhere for no reason!
Your pet will thank you for it later with healthy claws that won’t damage property or cause injury. If nail trimming seems like too much work, try using dog socks instead!
3) Play with them!
Taking out time to play with your pet encourages exercise and mental stimulation; both of which are great for overall health. It also deepens the bond between you and your animal companion. Rescued animals often need extra love and attention since they miss having an owner before, so make sure you don’t forget to spend time with them!
4) Bathe them regularly!
There is nothing wrong with taking your furry friend in for a bath every once in a while. Remember that there are actually benefits to bathing them regularly, too! It can strengthen their immune system by removing dirt and bacteria; it can also help with treating ear mites using oatmeal or shedding fur using baking soda.
5) Socialize your pet!
Allowing pets to socialize with each other when they are young will make it less likely for them to be aggressive when they grow up. Not only does this keep the peace at home, but it also helps pets get along better in public places including animal hospitals, dog parks, and even on public transportation. Just remember to be a responsible pet owner and keep an eye on the situation!
6) Get them regular checkups and vaccinations!
Your pet needs to see the doctor just as much as you do. Ask your vet about what shots are necessary for your specific breed of animal companion since different types of pets have different needs. Regular checkups will help you identify if your pet is developing any health problems so that you can treat it early before it gets worse or even deadly. A few years ago, famous comedian Lucille Ball revealed that her dog was euthanized after she didn’t detect his cancer in time… Let’s make sure none of us ever makes that mistake again!
Remember these tips next time your friend wants some extra love and care! Remember that they are your family now, too, so give them what they need to be happy and healthy.