I am delighted to be hosting an exclusive guest post by ArrestRecords.com writer DAPHNE HOLMES. Regular readers of my blog will know that animal welfare is a subject very close to my heart, and I hope you will enjoy reading Daphne’s post as much as I have. To find out more about Daphne please click on the ArrestRecords link above, or contact her via email on daphneholmes9@gmail.com.  

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Anyone who has had a pet knows how quickly they become part of the family, working their way into every aspect of home life. And as much as we rely on them to brighten our days, pets also count on us for proper care. Healthy animals live longer and have better quality of life, so the family wins too, when pet care is at its best.

Caring for animals, like cats and dogs, requires individual approaches based on breed, size, age, along with any special health or nutritional needs a particular animal may have. And like raising children, caring for pets is a long-term commitment that only grows more demanding as pets age, rather than slowing down. Although each situation is unique, and animals’ needs vary, responsible pet ownership shares a number of similar features, regardless of the particulars. Use these tips to get started on a trouble-free experience raising house pets.

Educate Yourself

Parents seldom go into their roles as mothers and fathers without doing some research and getting a handle on the basics of raising kids. First time parents simply have no first-had history with newborn children, so they rely on a wealth of resources to lay the groundwork for successful parenting. Pet ownership carries many of the same responsibilities as caring for an infant, so there are lessons to be learned from the comparison.

Before acquiring a pet, if possible, educate yourself about owning such an animal, using first-hand owners’ stories and other accounts tied to the species and breed you are considering. Individual breeds carry personality tendencies, for example, which may or may not suit your living situation. Dogs that need to run, for instance, are a poor match for close quarters. And certain cat breeds shed more than others, making them poor choices for owners prone to allergies. The more acquainted you become with the needs and habits of animals you’ll keep as pets, the better ownership choices you’ll make, as you match pets with your lifestyle.

Work with a Professional

Veterinarians are well-equipped to advise pet owners about an animal’s specific needs, so establishing a relationship with a trusted professional furnishes answers new pet owners need. Feeding animals, for example, can be perplexing to inexperienced owners unsure how much to feed their pets, and curious about the benefits of higher-priced food. Animals are subject to some of the same illnesses people experience, so maintaining contact with a vet, through regular checkups, is the best preventative care.

Exercise and Physical Needs

Each species and breed have their own unique needs, so it is a mistake to expect animals to adapt to inappropriate surroundings. Responsible pet owners are committed to providing precisely what their animals need to survive. Exercise requirements, for example, are different for each animal, so owners need to provide access to the types of exercise pets need.

Regular walks suffice for many dogs, but certain breeds need to open up more, running and playing in larger outdoor spaces.   Hygiene is another owner responsibility, which includes dental exams and inoculation against common pet ailments.

Balanced Nutrition

Pet food represents an overwhelming array of consumer options, which can be difficult to navigate without experience raising pets. To keep your pet healthy, consult with your veterinarian about particular needs and recommendations for your breed. In some cases, higher-priced food is more nutrient-rich than mass-produced brands, so pets actually eat less. Balancing the cost of food this way benefits the animal as much as the owner, but may go unexplored without the proper recommendation.

Identification

Despite measures used to keep them close to home, pets stray at times. Their natural curiosity and instincts are to blame, more often than not, so it can be difficult to hold them accountable for being true to themselves. What every pet owner hopes for, however, is a safe return home, even when animals misbehave. Whether it is done using an implanted microchip or an identification tattoo, marking your pet is essential to its safe return, if lost. Collars and tags are added safety features, which make it easier for neighbors to help corral wayward pets.

Doing right by your pet means learning what it needs and furnishing an environment in which it will thrive. Proper grooming and health care, as well as nutrition and exercise, provide cornerstones of responsible pet care.

Author:

Daphne Holmes contributed this guest post. She is a writer from ArrestRecords and you can reach her at daphneholmes9@gmail.com.