There’s no bond quite like the bond you share with your pet, whether you’re caring for a cat, dog, horse, or something a little more exotic. However, becoming a pet owner (or pet parent) is also a big responsibility.
After all, this means that you must make a consistent effort to take care of their health and well-being, a task which goes far beyond keeping them fed and watered.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
With that in mind, here are some simple ways in which you can begin to take better care of your pet.
Keep them entertained.
Much like humans, pets can get bored if they have nothing to do or if their lifestyle becomes too sedentary. While activity levels vary depending on which pet you care for, it is important that you find ways to keep them entertained.
For example, when caring for a dog, you may want to look into dog parks in your local area. Not only will this allow them to stretch their legs and release any pent-up energy, but it also gives them the chance to play with other dogs. Not only will they have a lot of fun while doing so, but studies have found it can lower their cortisol (stress) levels, too!
Understand their needs.
Working to understand your pet's unique needs is also crucial when caring for their health. For example, if you were to take on the task of owning a horse, you should ensure that you properly understand their dietary and nutritional needs ahead of time. This way, you can ensure you’re giving them exactly what they need to thrive, whether that be through their daily food intake or through the introduction of Horse Supplements.
Take them to the vet.
While taking your pet to the vet is a no-brainer when they are sick, regular health checkups (at least once a year) are also important. After all, while your pet may appear in good health, a vet will be able to pick up on the warning signs of sickness, alongside providing you with some useful pet care advice. For example, if they are worried that your pet is overweight, they can give you some useful tips that will help facilitate healthy weight loss, whether that means upping their exercise or switching to a different brand of food.
Purchase pet insurance.
Pet insurance can help you save a lot of money when it comes to caring for your pet, especially as Veterinary bills can quickly add up. However, despite this, a recent study found that only 44% of pet owners have pet insurance. This means that they would be expected to pay out of pocket for any treatment their pet needs or receives, which isn’t always possible.
As a result, while it comes at an additional expense, purchasing pet insurance is a worthwhile expense - both for your pet and your bank account. However, you should do plenty of research ahead of time to ensure that you are selecting the best pet insurance provider.
