How You Can Be A Better Pet Parent

Deciding to become a pet parent is a serious commitment. Your new pet is going to count on you to provide them with everything, from food to healthcare. So if you want to be an awesome parent to your pet, here are some important tips to ensure you settle into your new life together with no extra stress.

Feeding

When it comes to pet food, there are so many different options available that it can seem daunting at first. The good news is that all of the good brands of pet food will have recommended serving amounts and how often your pet should be fed depending on their type, breed, age, and weight. 

If this is your first pet or you’re simply unsure which one is right, you can just ask your vet about the most suitable food and how much they need to be fed. Either way, you should always follow their feeding instructions to ensure your little buddy is at a healthy weight. Many pets are overweight due to overfeeding, which isn’t good for them at all.

Grooming

Regular grooming is super important because pets with poor hygiene can very easily develop a wide range of health issues. It’s also a really convenient time for you to search for any signs of ticks, fleas, or other parasites, as well as checking their skin for any lumps, bumps, or rashes which may need some veterinary attention. 

Not only that, but grooming is also the perfect chance for you to start bonding with your new little friend, so make sure you always take your time. If you’re unsure about how to groom your pet, you can always do an online grooming course to learn how to do it correctly and safely. Remember to always give them a little extra loving attention as well as some of their favourite treats to reward them after each grooming session to ensure they enjoy it as much as possible.

Exercising

Now that COVID restrictions have been eased, you can start exercising your puppy by taking them out for walks, jogs, or games of fetch. If you have a kitten, make sure you take advantage of their playfulness with toys to play with between their naps in the sun. Regular exercise is really important for all pets to ensure they’re active. 

In fact, young pets especially will usually need heaps of exercise. Otherwise, they may start developing some negative behaviours, which ultimately cause some pet parents to give up and give them away. Exercise also keeps them healthy while also helping to prevent them from getting pet diabetes. Plus, it shows your pet how much you love them and they’re going to love you back even more for it.

Training

It’s super important to start training your pet while they’re young because that’s how it will become a habit for them. Some people assume their pet will start behaving later in life when they start growing up and grow out of their playful stage of youth. But while aging may calm them down enough for them to learn a few things on their own, your pet needs your guidance from the moment you bring them home, no matter how old they are. 

Most pets will have no trouble learning most things, so you should be able to give them some pet-specific training. If your pet is particularly hyperactive or stubborn, you can always take them to obedience school for a little extra help.

Parasites

Regular and year-round prevention and control of parasites are key for your pet’s ongoing health and happiness, especially in endemic areas. Fleas are by far the most common parasite found on pets, which can cause irritations, rashes, skin problems, and hair loss. 

Unfortunately, simply swallowing a single flea can also cause other internal parasites called tapeworms to be introduced, negatively affecting your pet’s life. It’s super important that you talk to your pet about how to keep your precious pet safe from parasites, especially because some medications can be fatal if used incorrectly.

A new pet coming into your life is an exciting time. Simply by following these tips above, you can prepare for their arrival and then transition to your new life together with ease.