And while love and affection go a long way toward being a good pet owner, there are many ways in which you can become a better or more responsible pet parent.
As a dog owner, I personally know I want to do everything I can to ensure our 2 awesome dogs (Pablo and Lili) live their best lives.
In my efforts to protect our dogs’ health and happiness, I did a lot of research. And here’s what I learned about becoming the best pet owner possible!
Here are some top tips to get you started being a great pet owner!
The easiest way to provide for your pet is to form a strong bond with them. This is because they will then begin to view you as a trustworthy figure.
Furthermore, many studies have found that bonding time is mutually beneficial, as “spending time with your pet can also stimulate the release of the neurotransmitters known as dopamine and serotonin, both of which help to relieve depression and can help you feel happier.”
Being a good owner means being as accommodating as possible and understanding how the unique needs of your pet factors into your care.
For example, chickens are grazers, meaning they eat small amounts throughout the day as opposed to more scheduled meals. You can save yourself time and ensure they are well-fed by buying a chicken feeder and waterer and installing it within their coop. This way, they have easy access to food 24/7.
While it would be amazing to be able to speak to our pets (and have them respond), it’s important to note that they are not ‘impossible’ to read. That is, you can often pick up on how your pet is feeling by reading their body language or studying their behavior.
For example, if they are quieter than normal or cowering, they may be upset, scared or anxious.
Recognizing these behaviors means you’re able to support them. And this could help you to identify particular triggers so that you can remove them from your home. For example, they may be startled by the doorbell. If so, you could replace it with something that isn’t quite as loud. The more you can understand how your pet is feeling, the easier it will be to fulfill their needs.
Following a healthy diet is just as important for animals as it is for humans. However, as you’re the person preparing our sourcing their food, the responsibility to ensure your pet eats well falls on your shoulders.
As such, you should do some research here and there to ensure your pet is getting the right food and nutrients. This can be a great way to help your pet maintain a healthy weight, especially as they get older and they may not get quite as much exercise as they once did. When your pet is eating right, they are also less likely to encounter health problems, as it helps boost their immunity all year round. Check out for the best information on dogs, cats and other pets. There are many great websites providing you with the best information on dogs, cats, and other pets regarding diet and general care.
If your pet is injured or falls sick unexpectedly, pet insurance can be a real lifesaver. Not only will it ensure they get the healthcare support they need, it also protects your bank account quite considerably. After all, even a single veterinary appointment can cost hundreds of dollars, and that is before you pay for things such as medication and insurance.
As a result, while insurance is a monthly expense, it’s well worth the investment. You can use price comparison websites such as GoCompare to find the best deal, and ensure that you are not overpaying for insurance. You should also renew your policy annually, especially if your pet is getting older or if they have been diagnosed with a healthcare condition to ensure their care and medication are covered by your policy.
Do not view the vet’s as a place you only visit in an emergency. Annual check-ups can be a great way to take better care of your pet. You want your veterinarian to keep an eye out for potential health complications before they have a major impact on your pet’s health and happiness. And you want to make sure you have time for any necessary treatment to be carried out sooner rather than later. This can also save you money.
Furthermore, your vet will also be able to give you advice on how to better care for your pet. For example, they will tell you ways to fit more exercise or activity into their schedule.
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