8 Ways You Can Cater To Your Pet The Right Way
Having a pet is a responsibility. It is a lifetime commitment. You need to make sure that you cater to their basic needs throughout their life. However, most pet parents, especially new ones, aren't aware of the right pet care methods. This can lead to the pet feeling unloved and even impact their physical and mental well-being.
To help such fellow pet parents and pet lovers, we have enlisted the eight basic needs of pets and how you can cater to them.
Before we begin, you should understand that catering to your pet starts with having the right perspective. Caring for your pet should feel like a chore or a task. It should come naturally. Once you adopt the right mindset, you can start catering to the following needs the right way.
1. Food and Water
Just like us, your pet needs food and water. Provide them with food that meets their daily nutritional needs. Create a high-quality diet plan for your pet. You can choose the food items depending on which animal you have, their age, and other needs.
You can check out common dog food and cat food items.
Similarly, provide access to fresh, clean drinking water. Have an easily-accessible water bowl and change the water once or twice a day. Make sure that your pet meets the recommended water intake.
You can check the water intake requirements for cats and dogs here.
2. Shelter
There is always the fear of traffic, aggressive pets, and predators if pets are left outside. Thus, they need to be kept indoors. But that doesn't mean that they should lie anywhere in your home.
You should have a clear designated pet shelter, home, or area. It can be indoors or outdoors. The area should make the pet feel safe, secure, and comfortable. It should also protect the pet from extreme heat and cold temperatures.
We recommend you provide an indoor shelter for your pet. You can have a simple kennel, crate, or a bed as the pet shelter.
3. Toys
Pets need toys regardless of their age. They are necessary to stimulate the pet mentally and physically, especially in their formative years. Different types of pet toys are available. When it comes to toys, you can buy the cutest pet supplies from a well-known and reputable pet care products provider. You can choose among dental toys, chew toys, latex toys, and plush toys for your pet.
The choice of toys will eventually depend upon your pet's age, preferences, and the toy's use case. For example, training toys help pets know what's okay to chew on and help with their teething process. Similarly, there are also enrichment and comfort toys. You will need to experiment with multiple toys before finding the right ones for your furry partner.
4. Exercise
Exercising is important not only for humans but also for pets. Your pets are filled with energy, which needs to be spent somewhere. Otherwise, it can lead to behavioral and health issues. Thus, exercising becomes necessary.
Some of the benefits associated with exercising for pets are:
It keeps your pet physically and mentally fit.
Improves their digestive and circulatory system.
Prevents behavioral problems.
To meet your pet's exercising needs, you can create an exercise plan. The plan must outline the activities you plan to do on specific days. Some simple exercises that you can include are running, fetch, hide and seek, nose work exercises, and swimming. If your home has a yard, use the tips below to transform it into a safe and fun place for your pet.
Provided by shed builder, Reeds Ferry Sheds
5. Veterinary Visits
Take your pet to the vet regularly if you want them to lead a long and healthy life. Medical examinations performed by the vet can help identify any health problems your pet might be facing.
The vet will examine the pet's ears, eyes, muscles, skin, and vital internal organs. The tests will help detect any issue your pet might be facing.
Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can help manage and treat the issue better. It can also save your pet's life. Thus, make sure to take your pet for veterinary visits once or twice a year.
6. Grooming
Pet grooming is essential to ensure the hygiene and cleanliness standards of the pet are maintained. Basic pet grooming includes pet haircut, nail trimming, removing fleas or ticks, bathing, ear cleaning, and dental care.
Nowadays, grooming has gone a step further. Owners groom their pets to enhance their appearance. You can have them wear boots, pajamas, or fancy costumes.
We are not saying that you follow Paris Hilton on this route. But, a little grooming hurts no one. This will make your pets feel like celebrities in their fancy pet world.
7. Socializing With Other Pets and Humans
Most pets, such as dogs, are social animals and prefer to be in the company of others of their kind. They might sometimes get aggressive, but mostly, they are happy to spend time among their kind. Thus, you can take your pets to an animal cafe, pet parks such as dog parks, or set play dates with other pets.
Similarly, pets also like being around humans. So, spend time with your pet. You can also introduce your pet to your friends, colleagues, and family members. It would be a bonus if they, too, had a pet of their own.
8. Love and Affection
Last but not least, your pet wants your love, care, affection, and attention. They woof/meow you and expect to be loved back. Loving your pet may seem like a simple concept. But, it's more than just adoring him or giving him treats.
Some ways you can cater to this need include:
Spending quality time talking to your pet. You can also ask other family members too.
Creating a healthy and safe environment where the pet feels secure.
Reward your pet with small treats when they behave well.
Give them back rubs and massages regularly. Massages can also help with reducing stress and anxiety and promote their overall well-being.
Parting Thoughts
These were some of the basic needs that any pet has, regardless of the species or the breed. We hope you will be better able to cater to their needs based on the advice, tips, and recommendations mentioned in this blog. We hope your pet lives a long, healthy, and secure life now that you are ready to understand and take care of them the right way.