America is a nation of animal lovers, with around 67% of US households (around 85 million families) owning at least one pet. The types of pets owned vary from cats and dogs and fish all the way through to the more exotic such as skunks and hedgehogs (although not all states allow these to be kept as pets.) The vast majority of pet owners feel their furry, feathered and scaly friends are members of their family, but showing our love is about much more than enjoying cuddles with them, so how else can we show just how much we care about our animal companions?
1. Feeding a Suitable, Good Quality Diet
Like humans, pets need to eat well to stay healthy. Whatever pet you have, it is important to feed them high quality food specially tailored to their needs. As a general rule, pets should not be given human food as it does not provide the right nutrients, and certain foods should never be fed to animals as they are extremely toxic. Some pets may need specialist food depending on their breed or medical conditions, so if you are unsure you should consult your vet. Feeding your pet well does not come cheap, but the associated problems of feeding your pet a poor diet can cost even more.
2. Looking After Their Health
All pets can be prone to health issues caused by poor lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to do everything you can to keep them fit and healthy. Dogs will need regular walks, cats need indoor or outdoor space to jump, climb and stretch, and smaller animals may need an exercise wheel. On top of a good diet and exercise, you will regularly need to ensure that your pet is healthy. This means you should have a vet for your pet so you can access healthcare should you pet become ill or injured, and so they can have regular health checks and vaccinations where necessary.
3. Purchasing Insurance
Pet insurance can be a costly outgoing, however the cost of an unexpected vet bill is often considerably higher, and more than many pet owners can afford to pay at short notice. For this reason, purchasing pet insurance is something that all owners should consider, to avoid having to make difficult decisions down the line. If you decide against insurance, you should check you are able to afford the potential veterinarian costs.
4. Playing with Them
Playing with a pet is the most fun way that people show how much they love their pets. To be honest, this is the main reason that most people decide to get a pet, and luckily for us, it is enjoyable for us as well as them! Playing with your pet will mean something different depending on what pet you have, but however you and your pet play, you can be sure that it is good for their physical and emotional health; stopping them from becoming bored and making them feel loved and accepted. Just remember to follow your pet’s cues for what, when and how much they want to play to avoid distressing them
5. Keeping Them Well Groomed
The type of pet you have will determine what their grooming schedule looks like. For cats, this may mean regular brushing and for dogs it could mean baths and coat trims. Whatever your pet, keeping them clean and tidy will help to keep them healthy and happy.
6. Providing an Appropriate Environment
A safe and appropriate living environment is vital for all pets’ wellbeing. Every animal needs an appropriate amount of space, security, stimulation, and warmth. For some pets, this may just involve providing a safe space to exercise and toys, but certain, more exotic pets, may need specialist equipment such as a heat source. It is also important for your pet’s area or enclosure to be cleaned regularly.
All of these things are basic but vital for the wellbeing of any pet and in ensuring you can provide all of them is the best way you can show how much love you have for your animal friend. Anything else you wish to do for your pet is a bonus, but make sure their wellbeing is your top priority!
(Syndicated press content is neither written, edited or endorsed by ED Times)
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