Having a pet is rewarding since it lets you enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship and adds meaning and purpose to your life.
However, being a pet owner isn’t about bringing a dog or cat to your home; it’s also about knowing how to take good care of your pet and keep them happy and healthy.
If you’re ready to start your journey to pet ownership, one thing you must do is to learn about the common mistakes that people make when caring for their pet and ensure that you won’t commit these blunders. We’ve listed some examples below:
Giving pets too much food
Many people worry that their pets aren’t getting enough food. But, unless you see a significant change in their weight or eating patterns, it’s more likely that they are properly nourished and that you’re feeding them well. In fact, underfeeding isn’t the biggest issue that pet owners encounter since dogs and cats are more likely to overeat.
This can be a problem since overeating can lead to excessive weight gain, which puts a lot of stress on a pet’s joints and muscles and makes them more prone to developing heart disease and other conditions.
Encouraging a sedentary lifestyle
Dogs and cats evolved to be highly active, so you’re doing your pet an injustice if you’d allow them to lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Take your dog for short walks several times a day (depending on their age, breed, and health condition) or hire a dog walker if your schedule doesn’t allow for it.
Provide your cats with toys that encourage them to play and, if you have a pet-safe yard, bring them outside daily so they can play in the grass and sunshine.
Ignoring signs of health issues
Since animals can’t talk whenever they experience pain and discomfort, it’s their owners responsibility to figure out when they need medical attention. Observe your pets carefully, look for behavioural changes, and take them to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible if you notice that they’re not feeling well.
For example, if your dog is always scratching, leading to red and inflamed skin, they might have developed an allergy that should be treated right away. Ignoring any sign or symptom isn’t good since it can put your pet’s health at risk and lead to more serious conditions.
Picking the wrong day care centre
Some pet day care centres are dedicated to providing care and support to pets, while others are just after pet owners’ money and don’t really bother about providing expert services.
So, if you need to place your pet in puppy daycare, look for the best possible facility. This way, you’re assured that your puppy will be properly cared for while you’re at work and that they can safely socialise with other pets and even learn new skills.
Dogs and cats are highly resilient, but this doesn’t mean that you can be complacent with their health and fitness. By avoiding the pet care blunders listed above, you’ll help your pet maintain excellent well-being and lead a happy and fulfilling life.