Tag: pet care

Image by Freepix

Anyone who has talked to me for more than a few minutes knows I am an animal lover. Almost all of my books have at least one cat or dog and sometimes even a horse or two. Today, John Dunbar is returning to offer some great advice for new pet owners. Take it away, John!

* * *

The decision to bring a new pet into one’s life is both exhilarating and filled with responsibility. Regardless of whether this is a person’s first pet or they’ve had the experience before, there are universal guidelines that can elevate the level of care given to a new animal companion.

Find a Pet That Fits Your Lifestyle

The first crucial step in responsible pet ownership is selecting an animal that suits one’s lifestyle, home, and daily habits. Someone living in a small apartment may find a big dog inconvenient, while a person with a big backyard might opt for a more energetic breed. Assessing one’s circumstances is vital because it impacts not just the owner’s life but also the quality of life the pet will experience.

Safeguard Your Living Space

Once a pet is chosen, the next step is to prepare the household for its newest member. A home with a pet should be a safe one, free from hazards like small objects that can be swallowed or toxic substances that can be ingested. PetCoach suggests organizing a designated space with a bed, water, and toys will also help the pet adapt to its new environment.

Manage Stress Turbulence

During the initial days, it’s crucial to manage the stress levels of both the owner and the pet. The principle here is simple: pets are highly sensitive to human emotions, thus keeping your own anxieties in check so your pet doesn’t pick up on them is essential. Adopting calming techniques for oneself can translate into a smoother transition for the pet into its new home.

Organize Veterinary Documentation

Medical records are a critical aspect of pet care. These should be saved in an organized manner — if you need to create a PDF online, it can make life much easier. Furthermore, saving documents as PDFs with Adobe Acrobat offers benefits such as maintaining formatting across devices, having compatibility with different operating systems, and easy sharing and storing of files. This kind of organization is particularly beneficial during emergencies or while traveling.

Establish a Veterinary Partnership

Establishing a long-term relationship with a qualified veterinarian is crucial after the initial stages of pet ownership. Regular medical examinations are vital for monitoring your pet’s well-being and catching potential issues early. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations provides an additional layer of protection against various diseases. Being proactive about your pet’s health can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life for your furry friend.

Engage in Strong Connection

Building an emotional bond with a new pet is more than a mere feel-good activity; it’s a requirement for a healthy pet-owner relationship. Engaging in games, offering cuddles, and investing time in activities that both the pet and owner enjoy will lead to a more balanced and happy life for the pet.

Maintain Physical Activity

For dog owners, regular physical activity is non-negotiable. Walking the dog daily not only keeps the pet fit but also mentally stimulated. Opt for locations that are pedestrian-friendly and conducive to walking to ensure safety and enjoyment for both the pet and owner.

Pet ownership brings with it many responsibilities, but the rewards are endless. Implementing these guidelines ensures that one is prepared to select an appropriate pet, set up a safe and welcoming environment, manage stress levels, maintain organized health records, build a relationship with a reliable vet, cultivate a meaningful emotional bond, and provide adequate physical activity. The collective outcome is a lifetime filled with love, companionship, and the enriching experience of caring for another being.

* * *

Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.

By guest blogger, Ryan Goodchild of A Pupper’s Love

Now that the cold weather has arrived, you need to make sure your pet has the essentials to stay healthy and happy all season long. Not sure where to start? Then check out these top health and safety tips for taking care of your furkids.

Find Allergy Relief for Your Pets

Itchy pets may be suffering from allergies. Pet allergies are pretty common for cats and dogs, and can be the result of dust, pollen or even certain foods. All of the scratching can lead to hair loss and infections, so schedule a checkup for your pets if you suspect environmental or food allergies. You can also try switching your kitty to an allergen-free food to see if that helps with symptoms.

Address Your Pet’s Behavior Issues

Winter weather can mean more indoor gatherings with family and friends. If you plan on bringing your pets along you should make sure they have at least some basic manners. This can also be helpful if you want to sip your favorite fall lattes on local dog-friendly patios. If you need help with training your dog, consider reaching out to a local, qualified trainer for a consultation.

Be Aware of Signs of Pain in Your Pet

Colder weather can make your pet extra achy. Arthritis is another common health concern that tends to come in during colder seasons, and aches and pains can be particularly common for senior pets. Lifestyle changes can reduce pain and inflammation for your pet, including keeping your pet active and investing in quality beds.

Pain from inflammation, nausea and vomiting from cats with sensitive stomachs is another thing to look out for. In this case, switch your kitty over to food that is specially produced for such ailments. Ingredients in sensitive stomach cat food — such as prebiotics, highly digestible ingredients, and fatty acids like fish oil — are geared towards soothing cats’ digestive systems.

Make Sure Your Pets are Microchipped

It’s always a good idea to microchip your pet. If your pet gets away from you during a hike, a walk, or a holiday vacation, having a microchip will increase the chances of being reunited with you. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure that can be priceless when it comes to protecting your furry family members.

Protect Your Pet’s Paws and Nose

You know how your lips and hands can get dry and chapped during the winter? Well, the same thing can happen to your pet’s paws and nose. If you notice dry skin or cracks on their skin, consider mixing up a protective balm. You can also add a layer of balm to help safeguard your dog’s paws against salt and other chemicals used to prevent ice on sidewalks.

Protect Your Pet From Holiday Hazards

Finally, before you enjoy any holiday celebrations with your pets, you should be aware of some of the most common holiday pet hazards. Human food may be the first thing that comes to mind, and keeping fatty meats, herbs and other risky treats away from your pets can be crucial for keeping them healthy. But holiday decor, including poinsettias, mistletoe and tinsel, can also present poisoning and choking hazards.

Ensuring a safe and healthy season for your pets is all about preparation and planning. So even if the temperatures are still hot and sticky in your area, start making appointments and stocking up on supplies as soon as possible. Then you can rest assured that your pets are healthy enough to enjoy all the fall fun ahead.

* * * * * * *

Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love. For more pet safety tips How To Keep Pets Safe at Home by LA Homes offers advice for every room of the house.

Creature Comforts: Essential Life Hacks for New Pet Owners