Having a fur-baby is more complicated than having a human child in some regards. Unlike little ones who can speak, you have to discern your pet’s needs from little more than changes in behavior. How can you tell what constitutes pain, overarousal or happiness?
You have a lot of responsibility on your hands. Why not educate yourself before you head to the shelter? Here are seven things all pet owners should know.
1. How to Find the Right Sitter
Even if you love your fur baby with all your heart and want to spend every waking moment with them, you will have temporary absences. Going on vacation can become traumatic for both you and your pet if you don’t feel confident with the caregiver you leave when you depart.
The issue gets even trickier if your pet has health issues. For example, you may need to show your sitter how to apply and remove your puppy’s leg brace if they need one due to illness or injury. You may need extra time to review feeding procedures and how to administer various medications.
Even smaller animals require care in your absence. For example, otherwise peaceful hamsters have been known to eat each other if they sense a threat to their survival — like an interruption of their usual food and water supply.
2. How to Read Your Pet’s Emotions
You know your dog is happy to see you by the way they bound up to you, tail wagging, at the end of a long workday. Having them greet you at the door is one of pet ownership’s greatest rewards.
However, how can you tell if they’re feeling sick? If a curious toddler overstimulated them? If they’re overly tired?
Cats may evidence distress by showing little interest in play and becoming more or less vocal than usual. Part of your interpretation job, though, entails understanding your feline’s baseline temperament. Some kitties are naturally low energy, preferring to spend their days snoozing on the couch rather than chasing the red dot.
Even those who don’t own pets should recognize signs of aggression in dogs. For example, barking isn’t necessarily indicative of hostility — it can also signify excitement. However, a canine with a fixed stare and a low, guttural woof might be getting ready to snap. Pay attention to such behaviors if you have a toddler playing nearby.
3. How to Socialize Your Furry Buddy
Dogs, cats and small mammals require socialization if you want them to become loving family members. Some people have even trained their goldfish to do tricks — you decide how intense you want to go with the fin-crew.
Dogs often do best if you take them to an obedience class. Such training doesn’t only teach your pooch. It also helps you to learn how to modify their behavior using science-based techniques, not force.
Kitties and small animals also need frequent handling — otherwise, they could turn feral and bite. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes a day with your new fur-baby when you first bring them home. Longer playtime is even better.
4. How to Adjust the Feeding Schedule
You might need to adjust your pet’s feeding schedule for several reasons. Preparing for surgery and combating obesity are two reasons.
Some cats can develop struvite crystals that can cause litter box issues. If you notice your pet having accidents outside the box or making noise while eliminating, these stones might be the culprit. Your pet will need to remain on a special diet to prevent stone formation. Your vet might also prescribe medications to acidify the urine. In rare cases, surgery becomes necessary.
5. How Much Exercise Their Pet Needs
Like humans, pets need exercise to keep themselves healthy. How much depends on your species and breed.
Cats thrive in a varied environment. Please provide plenty of toys and a tree or two for climbing and scratching. Some pet owners let their kitties outside, but please know doing so could shorten their lifespan. Cars and coyotes pose serious risks.
Some dog breeds like more exercise than others. Size isn’t the only determining factor — for example, Great Danes have lower requirements and take well to apartment living. However, a much smaller Jack Russell terrier might develop behavioral problems if left cooped up too long. They need an outlet for their excess energy.
Consider your pet’s exercise habits when adopting. For example, if you’re a runner in need of a companion, a Doberman or German Shepherd might be among your best bets.
6. How to Clean Up Pet Messes
Please don’t think you can let your dog’s doo-doo lie in your yard until it dissolves. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that can spread to your family members.
Instead, invest in a cleanup system and make a schedule. If you have a cat, provide at least one box per animal and scoop at least once per day. Once a week, scrub the box with a mild soap solution to remove germs and odor.
7. When They Should See the Vet
Finally, you should know when it’s time to call the vet. Your best indicators are changes in your pet’s behavior.
Other clues include vomiting, especially when accompanied by lethargy and diarrhea in cats. Many felines will hack up occasional hairballs or do a “scarf and barf” — these episodes shouldn’t concern you unless they frequently occur.
Also, look out for signs like runny noses and fever. Research shows that pets can get COVID-19, although it’s uncertain how readily the virus spreads between species.
Pet Owners Should Know These Seven Things
Being a pet owner is a huge responsibility. Make sure you know these seven things before heading to the adoption center.
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