In light of Responsible Pet Owners Month, we want to give you a helpful test. We’re going to share a list of habits that come naturally to the best pet owners and help their furry friends lead healthy, happy lives. If these apply to you, you can rest assured that you’re being a good pet parent. But if you don’t perform these habits, don’t feel bad! Now is a chance to get on the right track!
Let’s start at the very beginning with the idea of adding a four-legged member to your family. A responsible pet owner would:
Consider before committing: Do you have other pets, and are they well-behaved around fellow animals? Is your backyard big and secure enough for a dog to let out their zoomies? Is your home safe for cats, who are prone to climbing on furniture and knocking things over? Is there room in your budget for taking care of a pet? These are the questions that quickly spring to mind for responsible pet owners.
Make playtime a priority: As we get lost in our daily grinds, it’s easy to let our cats and dogs sleep the days away. That’s why you have to fit in fitness time. Aim for one hour of exercise a day. You can split that up into walks, playtime at the dog park, five-minute sessions of driving your cat crazy with a laser pointer, etc. Cats, in particular, thrive on brief bursts of physical activity — about five to 10 minutes every few hours.
Be a stickler for healthy food: A lot of pet owners get into the bad habit of feeding their furry friends leftovers from the dining table. While it’s tempting to toss your pet some handfuls of turkey or let crumbs of chocolate treats fall to the floor, these foods can be toxic to them. If you want to share your food, consider plain, cooked chicken or fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, apples or bananas.
Share daily hygiene habits: You brush your teeth, bathe yourself, clip your nails, etc. So, why not do the same for your pet? More than 50% of pet parents never brush their pets’ teeth — don’t be part of that statistic! Daily brushing reduces the risk of bacterial infection, which can lead to heart, lung, liver and kidney disease in pets. Infection can also occur if pets chew or break their nails, so trimming is important as well. In addition, bathing keeps their coat clean and helps soothes dry skin.
Keep up with veterinary care: Regular wellness exams help keep your pet up to date with vaccinations and preventive medications, and stay ahead of potential health issues. Diagnostic testing and early detection can be vital in delivering effective treatment. When was the last time your pet visited the vet? This month is a perfect time to make an appointment! Call (770) 483-1551 to schedule one with us today.
