Pets can be friendly and comforting companions. They bring unconditional love, affection and joy and add dynamic to your home. Not to count the numerous benefits such as stress relief, blood pressure lowering, and a lower prospect of suffering from heart disease. Shortly put, companion animals can be a blessing in our lives.
Shouldn’t we make all the necessary efforts to ensure our beloved companions receive the best care?
They have pretty much the exact necessities as we do. Besides the physical needs of healthy nutrition, a clean and protected environment and regular exercise, they have emotional needs too. They need to be loved and cared for and feel warmth in their home.
For example, some pets feel compassion and jealousy, and most of their medications and treatments are the same as we take when we are ill.
If you already own pets or want to introduce one to your family, know that there are some aspects you need to consider when determining how to care for them properly.
Pay attention to their behavior
Responsible pet care requires you to regularly take your hairy bud to the veterinary. Start by getting them all the vaccinations they need and ask the veterinarian what is best to feed them. Remember to groom them frequently and inform yourself how to manage their hygiene.
Pets can get the same illnesses as us and need doctor visits, medications, antibiotics and vitamins. Every pet has its sensibilities, and you should get a good understanding of the symptoms when they display them, so you take prompt action.
Given that they can’t talk or show us where and when it hurts, we need to pay attention to every behavioral change, apathy and grimaces.
Cats don’t give up on their routine of sleeping, cleaning and playing unless something is wrong with them. For example, it might be a kidney disease symptom if your cat drinks more water than usual. If their eyes are watering, they might have conjunctivitis. On the other hand, if dogs appear more lethargic and less energetic and don’t want to play anymore, it might be a sign of metabolic, heart, or hypoglycemia problems, and you should take proper veterinary-advised medication.
Get a pet insurance
Owning a pet is a serious long-term commitment, and it also means you submit to a money-spending, energy-draining and time-consuming lifelong job. Before deciding on his care routine, vaccinate and microchip your pet. The implanted electronic device is the size and shape of an ant and ensures you track your furry friend in case it gets lost.
What should you do when hazards happen, and you have to take tough financial decisions?
To cover unexpected vet fees that may arise, such as accidents, illnesses and injuries treatments, and ordinary and preventive vet expenses, Bivvy recommends having pet insurance. Pet insurance agencies may cover various costs like hospitalization, emergency care and orthodontic treatment, as well as expenditure that results from chronic and hereditary conditions. Search for the most convenient one for your needs: some are expensive, and some are affordable.
Give them adequate nutrition.
Take care of their dietary requirements and restrictions accordingly. Our loyal companions must be fed healthy, good quality, fresh and nutritious food, and their portions should be weighed as they should not be overfed or starve.
They must drink clean, room temperature water too. Animals living in the wild develop a sense to discern which water or food is good, not contaminated and pollutants-free. But domestic ones can’t do that. Therefore, we must ensure they constantly have clean drinking water at their disposal.
We know you love how ecstatic and joyful they get when they receive treats. But don’t fall in that trap, as many treats are not healthy and could do more damage than good. Natural and healthy treats for pups are apples, celery, cooked sweet potatoes, watermelon, carrots, green beans and many more. You can also offer some of them to your kitty, besides salmon and fish oils.
Make your home pet safe.
Brainstorm some spots you don’t currently use, free them up and make a play or sleeping place. You can place a cozy dog nock, a cat tree or some piece of unused wooden item for your chinchilla to chew. Any pet loves a good mat, but ensure you find a high-quality one that is easy to clean. Leave toys around or placed in a basket and make them a playing background so you can keep doing your work while carefreely knowing they don’t injure themselves.
Provide a hygienic and sanitary toilet
Some pets have special grooming needs. Dogs’ and cats’ hygienical requirements differ depending on their skin conditions, breed, and whether they live indoors or outdoors. It would be best if you bathe your kitten once every 4-6 weeks. Dogs need washing once a month, and they can be cleaned more often but not any less frequently than every three months. Chinchillas take dust baths at least twice a week for almost a quarter-hour and never should be bathed or wet, or they can get sick.
Make exercise a daily habit
Just like humans, all animals need exercise. Cats play, dogs run, and hamsters run on their wheels.
To keep a dog healthy, it would be best to exercise between 30 minutes and two hours daily. An active dog needs an hour of exercise per day.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play with or walk them. There are other practical ways they can spend their energy too. For example, go to a pet store and buy them toys. There are tailored toys for any pet, even for parrots and hamsters.
Extra info!
If you lack the time, space or financial means, then dogs and pets are out of the question. Don’t be disheartened, though! You can still get your fair share of love and companionship from lower-maintenance pets that you can leave alone without any fears, such as:
- Hamsters
- Chinchilla
- Fish
- Guinea pig
- Turtle
- Birds
Hamsters, guinea pigs, fish and turtles are among the cheapest ones to take care of.
