When you think of family, do you automatically imagine a mom, dad, and 2.5 kids? If that’s what makes your family happy, go for it. But sometimes it’s not about the number of people in your home but how many animals are there. Pets are an essential part of any household and deserve to be treated as such. Here are some ways to make sure your pet feels like they belong among all the hustle and bustle
Make sure your pet has a comfortable and warm place to sleep
This can be a bed, a blanket, or even a box. It may seem like an insignificant act, but it will show that you care about their comfort.
Many companies specialize in making pet apparel for just about every type of animal. If your family has a dog or cat, you can find shirts and sweaters made especially for them. Don’t worry if you have an unusual breed; many companies have pet apparel for just about every breed. The best part is that they’re reasonably inexpensive.
Give them plenty of attention
Give your pet some extra love in the morning and when you get home from school or work. Even if they don’t like to cuddle (like cats), they can appreciate a little attention.
When you’re sitting on the couch watching TV, make sure your pet has something fun to do. Whether it’s an interactive toy or an old newspaper to tear up, it’s always nice to know you won’t be left out.
One great way to keep your pet mentally stimulated is to give them interactive toys. This will help them use their brains more, which is good for their health, like physical activity. Interactive toys can also help you bond with your pet while giving them something fun to play with.
Letting your pet run around the backyard by themselves isn’t always good for them. If you have children, make sure they are old enough to take care of the dog or cat while you’re away. If not, consider getting a playmate for your pet or a new pet if your current one isn’t good with kids.
If you notice some behavioral problems and want your fur baby to be well-behaved when you take them out with you, you can sign them up for obedience training programs. This way, they’ll be easier to manage when they’re around other people and when they see other pets. It can be challenging when they get frisky and excited. Proper training can solve that problem.
Be aware of any allergies or other medical conditions you have
If you have a cat, make sure you don’t let them sit in your lap after eating fish, and they’ll smell it on you and probably want some for themselves too.
If anyone in the family is sick, keep your pet away from them until they’re better. It’s not that your pet can catch what you or other members of your family have, but any pet’s immune system is much weaker than ours. Instead of taking a chance that you or your family gets even sicker, keep them away until their symptoms have passed.
Use various foods to make your dog’s meals more interesting
Try new tastes and brands that they may not be familiar with. If you’ve been feeding them the same type of food for a long time, switch it up now and then. The best part is that if they don’t like it, they’ll learn to eat it eventually. But don’t torture your pet by constantly changing their diet — try out new foods around once a month.
Sometimes being stubborn can get you what you want. For example, if your pet is not eating the food and refuses to eat anything else, get up early the next day and make sure they get their breakfast before anyone in the family does. When they don’t eat at their usual time, they’ll see that everyone else is affected too, so they might start eating sooner to avoid upsetting everyone.
Take care of their grooming needs
Pets should always look good on the outside. They spend a lot of time with you throughout the day, so they deserve to look their best.
Another important aspect of caring for your pet is their dental hygiene. Getting rid of plaque and tartar from their teeth can prevent tooth rot from forming, so get them a special toothpaste and brush. If they don’t like to have a finger or a brush in their mouth, try out a store-bought toy that has a space to put toothpaste on. The best part is that most pets enjoy the taste of their toothpaste, so you can feel good about brushing their teeth.
Consider how your pet feels if you get another one
If you have a dog that gets along with other dogs, bringing one into the family might be okay. However, if this is not the case, perhaps having two pets isn’t a good idea. If one of your pets gets jealous quickly, then this is something to think about seriously.
If you get a second pet, make sure that they get along and don’t fight constantly. Your pets should have a long, happy life with you and each other. After all, who else would take better care of them than their own family?
Pets can benefit from being considered. They’re less likely to develop anxiety or depression if they feel loved and accepted by their human family members.
