Did you know that February is Responsible Pet Owners Month? And even though February may be over, it’s never bad to revisit what it means to be a responsible pet owner. Pets can sometimes be thought of as accessories and possessions, but in reality, they are so much more than that.
Keep Them Moving, Active and Engaged
Keeping pets active prevents obesity and all of the complications that come from being overweight.
- Walk them regularly.
- Make sure to socialize them regularly.
- Get them treat puzzles to keep them busy when you’re not home.
- Play games like tug-o-war and fetch with them.
- Don’t forget to cuddle with them and give lots of positive reinforcement.
Healthy Eating Habits
The first step in establishing healthy eating habits for your dog is to talk with your vet. They will help you decide what type and how much food is right for your pet. Depending on the type of pet, weight, age, and activity levels your vet can help you determine the right diet.
- Feed them at the same time every day. Don’t let them graze all day long.
- Avoid overfeeding to keep them at a healthy weight. This includes treats too!
- Always have easy access to clean water
- Clean their food and water bowls often to prevent mold and bacteria from building up.
- Don’t feed them table scraps. It’s can be hard, but they usually end up with an upset stomach from eating “people food.”
Hygiene & Medical Care Counts
Keeping your pet healthy and happy starts at home. Don’t wait until they get sick to take them to the vet. Schedule yearly checkups to make sure that they stay on the right track. Preventing sickness is far easier than trying to cure it.
- Schedule yearly visits with the vet
- Keep up with their vaccinations
- Give them regular flea and heartworm treatments
- Make sure their teeth and gums stay clean with dental chews and regular brushing.
- Keep a pet first aid kit on hand
- Don’t forget to spay and neuter
Give Them a Safe Home
Pet ownership means giving them a safe place to call home. They need enough space to move around comfortably and safely.
- Give them their own blanket, bed or crate. If you’re using a crate make sure they have enough room to stand up, sit, turn around and die down in.
- If have a caged pet make sure it is the right size for them to move around and thrive.
- Pet proof the area. Remove chemicals like antifreeze, toxic plants, cords, and garbage cans from places your dog will frequently be.
- Make sure the climate is appropriate, especially if they are outside.
- Never leave them tied up in the yard while you’re away. They can easily get wrapped up and choke.
Being a pet parent is a very big and very rewarding responsibility. They look to us for their basic care and also for comfort and stability. That’s why it’s our responsibility from this Responsible Pet Owners Month to make sure we’re always giving our pet’s all of our love and care.
Head to our Facebook or Twitter and share how you take care of and spoil your furry family member. Also, don’t forget to contact us to help care for your precious pup while you’re away from home.
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