Having a pet in the home, especially a pet like a cat or a dog that are more hands-on, can be like having another member of the family.
And as such, they are not unlike children either. Our pets need our care and attention in order to help them to be happy and healthy.
They do rely on you for everything, much like a child, so here are some of the ways that you can help to make them healthier and happier.
Grooming
Grooming your pet is a really important part of helping your pet to be happy. It helps them to feel better and get rid of any itches or hairballs.
Which is why having a brush for your pet is really important; it can also be a great bonding time for the two of you as well.
Dogs and cats have nails just like us, and these grow and grow. If you don’t stay on top of keeping these trimmed, then it can be really bothersome to them as it can impact how they walk and how comfortable they are.
They can scratch themselves as well and cause damage if their nails are kept too long.
Another aspect of grooming that we often forget about is our pet’s ears. We all know how important something like your dog’s hearing is to them, but how many pet owners think to check inside the ears?
This can be a place where a lot of different troubles could be brewing up and breeding. The things to look out for in the ears of your cats and dogs, are things like wax, dirt, and any moisture; these can all cause problems when left.
Teeth and gums are important too, as just like us, ant problems can be really bothersome. Chew toys or sticks are a good idea, and you can even get toothbrushes or your pet (but check with your vet first).
Activity
Keeping your pet active is really important for a variety of reasons. It can be good to help them to be active, as well as to maintain their weight, and help them to be happier.
It allows you to spend time together as well. For a pet like a dog, the main activity for them will be walks and running and chasing.
But for cats, you might need to get more things for in the home, like balls, things that make noise, or even something like a unique fish cat toy.
Anything bright and colorful is going to be a good idea and keep their attention. Again, these are all great things to be doing together and helps you bond.
Bathing
Cats do normally keep their own fur clean by doing their own washing. However, there are some parts that the cat won’t be able to reach, like under the chin and round the neck.
If you want to bathe your cat, it is best to get them used to water and bathing at a young age; the same thing goes for a dog.