Having a pet in your life can be a huge source of joy and companionship. They might greet you when you come home or they might snuggle up with you on the couch. Whether your pets bark, meow, chirp, swim around, or even slither, make sure you take good care of them. Pets need regular vet exams. They also need proper care if they get sick or injured.
Pets are a big responsibility, so having the resources to provide a good home for them is important. Looking for a vet for your pets? Trying to decide if it’s time for a pet? We’ll walk you through these topics and explore other pet information.
Dogs are loyal pets who know how to keep you company. Many are playful, although some enjoy lounging on the couch. Every dog has their own distinct personality. Your experience caring for your pup might be very different from someone else’s, but there are certain tips that all dog owners may find helpful.
Dogs need to burn off energy. Even dogs with low energy need some kind of stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Give your dog puzzle toys to fire up their brain. Take them for walks or to a dog park for physical activity. This helps keep them busy and lowers the risk of having a frustrated pet destroy your home.
Dogs shouldn’t have long nails, so regular trimming is important. Some dogs hate having this done. If yours is one of them, you can have a professional dog groomer or your vet’s office handle this. Trimming your dog’s nails helps them walk comfortably and prevents snagging.
Dogs love to eat, but watch what you feed them. Avoid overfeeding, since this can lead to pet obesity. Don’t give them certain human foods. Grapes, chocolate, onions, and other foods that we normally eat are toxic when dogs eat them.
Got a cat or two in your home? These pets tend to be more independent than dogs, but they still need regular care and companionship. Whether you have a chatty Siamese or a playful orange tabby, these tips can help you care for your feline friend.
Don’t let their reputation for being aloof fool you. Cats need playtime and interactions with their owners to stay happy and healthy. Have your cat chase a catnip mouse around or wave a feather toy in front of them and let them swat at it. Spending time with your cats is a great way to bond with them. Playing with them helps keep them active.
Invest in scratching posts and cat trees. Cats love to climb. If you want them off your counters, give them a cat tree to jump and climb on. Want to protect your furniture from scratches? Set up a scratching post for your cats to use instead. Place treats or toys on it to entice them to use it.
Make sure you have enough litter boxes if you have multiple cats. Some cats don’t like to share. Having one box per cat and one extra if possible helps prevent messes outside the litter box. Keep all of your litter boxes scooped on a daily basis, and change the litter regularly.
As a pet owner, you might have questions about caring for them, or you might wonder about certain behaviors your pets do. These questions and answers can shed some light on different pet-related issues.
This depends on several things. How big is your pet? What kind of food does your pet eat? Do you have a senior pet or a puppy or kitten? Does your pet have any health conditions? Your vet can recommend the right amount to feed your pet based on these factors. That helps prevent your pet from gaining too much weight.
Is your dog leaving messes on your carpet? Is your cat going to the bathroom outside the litter box? This can happen for many reasons. Some pets do this when they have an underlying health problem, like a urinary tract infection. Other pets do this if they’re frustrated or stressed. Talk to your vet if your pet is having accidents around the home.
This really depends on the type of pet you have and how dirty they are. Dogs who roll around in dirt need frequent baths. Other dogs might only need the occasional bath to keep their fur and skin healthy. Cats typically give themselves baths, but may still occasionally need one. Parakeets and other birds might need baths as often as your vet recommends.
Ask people to name types of pets, and most will say dogs and cats. These are among the top pets that people in the U.S. have. Dogs and cats are social animals that offer lots of love and companionship, but they’re not the only kinds of pets available. These are some of the other types of pets that people have:
Should you get a pet? If you’ve been thinking about it, how do you know if it’s time? This depends on a lot of factors, like the pet you have in mind and your lifestyle. Regardless of the pet you want, make sure you have the ability to care of them. This includes bringing them in for routine and sick vet visits and being able to provide them with food, shelter, and training if needed.
Consider practical issues, like your budget. The expenses that come with owning a pet can add up, so make sure you’re able to afford these costs. Do you have room for a pet? Fish might not need much space, but large dogs need plenty of room to move around. Cats need space to walk around your home and explore. Do you have young kids? Make sure you get pets that are good with children. What about other pets in your home? Choose a pet that gets along well with other animals.
Pets need physical exams and preventative care, like vaccinations and parasite prevention. They also need vet care if they end up being injured or sick. How do you pick a vet for your pet? You want one who provides quality care, of course, but there are other things to think about. Keep the following in mind when you need to choose a vet:
The responsibility that comes with having a pet can seem overwhelming if you’re not prepared. You might not know what to feed your pet, or you might not know what kind of pet you should get. This information can guide you in choosing a new pet, finding a vet, or caring for your pets.