70% of US households own a family pet. Providing a clean and safe home for your pet is step one in caring for their needs. Though, there are many other ways to care for your pet.
Caring for the family pet takes commitment and time. It can be fun too! Read on for three tips on how to care for your family pet.
1. Exercise – Mental and Physical
Pets, especially dogs, need lots of physical activity – about an hour per day! Pets will get out of shape if they do not exercise regularly. Exercising your pet can be fun for you, too!
Exercise can be as simple as throwing the ball for 15 minutes at a time. You can go for hikes, walks, or runs together. Keep it interesting by splitting it up into a few shorter sessions throughout the day.
Dogs and cats need to live in a stimulating environment. Exercising their minds can help prevent undesirable habits from forming. Try feeding them using a puzzle feeder to make them work for their food!
2. Regular Clinic Visits
Your pet should go to your family pet clinic 1-2 times per year. Here they will get a check-up from a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy. They will also receive any vaccinations that they need.
A veterinarian will also help you with worm and parasite control. They will provide you with essential knowledge on what best practices are to take care of your pet. You will work as a team to keep your pet as healthy as possible.
Veterinarians can also advise on what and how much to feed your dog. A healthy diet is an integral part of a healthy pet. They will also be able to track your pet’s weight for optimal health.
3. Training
When you get a pet, you need to ensure they get trained to respond to basic commands. Attending puppy school is one way to train your dog to sit, stay, or lay down. Knowing these commands will keep your dog safe.
Training also strengthens the bond you have with your dog. The better behaved your pet is, the more you can take them with you wherever you go. It will also help you to understand their needs better.
Training is necessary if you have a personal protection dog or guard dog. Guard dogs need a specific type of training. They need to be well socialized and confident but not aggressive.
Guard dogs and protection dogs tend not to make good family pets. They are great for those who seek protection when out walking or living alone. Be sure the dog breed you choose is a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
Caring for Your Family Pet
We hope these tips help you care for your family pet in the best way possible. Creating a caring and loving environment will improve your dog’s life. It will also create a bond with you, giving you a furry best friend for life!
You can learn more about pet care and ownership on our blog!
