10 Ways to Help You Be a Great Pet Parent | Pet Tips and Tricks | by Pets Planet...

They may not be related to us by flesh and blood, but we cherish our pets like they’re our tiny, fluffy children all the same. Pet care presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can have the happiest pet on the block. If you’re looking for ways to show your feline or canine companions some love, here are some easy steps you can take to become a better parent to your pet.

1. Love them

This seems obvious, but here’s the thing: We tend to love on our pets the way we humans love to love, which may not be comfortable for your pet. To be the best pet parent in town, figure out what kind of love your pet loves, and dole that out daily.

For example, your cat probably doesn’t enjoy a belly rub, but she might flip for five minutes of chasing the laser toy around the kitchen. That’s love for her. Likewise, your dog may not love being squished into a great big bear hug, but he might love a belly rub on the sofa. Whatever your pet loves, do that. He’ll feel way happier, way more secure, and way more loved than if the affection wasn’t comfortable.

2. Find a Veterinarian

In many ways the veterinarian will be your most trusted advisor and the person you'll rely on the most when you have questions. Need advice on dog or cat food? See your vet. Not sure if you should neuter or vaccinate your pet? See your vet. Is your pet vomiting or scratching? See your vet. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience taking care of animals and truly care about the wellbeing of your pet. So don't wait to find a local veterinarian you can trust and visit on a regular basis — once a year for the annual checkup, at a minimum.

3. Measure Out Meals

It’s hard to walk down a pet food aisle without being bombarded by labels claiming a brand is the best option for your pet. But just because a product is vegetarian, grain-free, or certified organic doesn’t automatically make it healthy. Portion size and calorie density are vital parts of your pet’s diet that many owners pay little attention to. For instance, more expensive brands that replace grains with meat products claim to be healthier but are usually higher in calories and should be portioned out accordingly. Instead of eyeballing your pet’s serving sizes at mealtimes, find a pet calorie calculator online, which you can use to calculate the exact amount of calories your pet should be consuming each day. Use this information and the nutritional facts on the back of the dog food package to measure out the perfect amount of food for them.

4. Properly ID your pet

No one wants their pet to get lost, but accidents happen. The best way to help prevent losing your pet for good is getting them a comprehensive, digital pet ID such as a PetHub tag. There are many reasons to choose a digital ID tag but the main two reasons are that PetHub tags come with a free online profile and access to a 24-hour emergency hotline where someone can help in the process of reuniting you with your pet. With the online profile, you can upload a picture of your pet, provide important health information, list multiple contact numbers, give contact information for your pet’s veterinarian, plus more. Each tag contains a QR code that gives the finder access to the information stored online.

5. Trim Their Nails

Long nails can make walking painful for your pet and eventually lead to joint issues, so it's important to keep them short. Dogs with curly dewclaws need to especially be watched when they get longer, as they push into their paw pads. While you'll probably be able to trim your cat or small dog’s nails by yourself, invest in taking your larger dog to a salon if you're unable to perform the duty on your own. It's worth the money for your dog to be pain-free.

6. Establish an Exercise Routine

Though it may seem like your new four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs and cats need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do. From long evening walks to a daily game of fetch or "chase the toy mouse," starting a fitness routine with your new pet — combined with feeding them a well-balanced, nutritious diet — will help keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

7. Enrich Their Environment

You can’t be responsible for keeping your pet entertained 24/7. To prevent your pet from getting bored when you’re not around (or not in the mood play), fill your home with toys and products designed to stimulate their senses. Food-dispensing toys are a great option for both cats and dogs, especially if you’re looking to keep them occupied for long periods of time. For pet owners who want something that will distract them for even longer, try this neat trick: Freeze a scoop of peanut butter inside of the toy instead of filling it with dry treats. Don’t be surprised if your pet spends the whole day trying to lick out every last bit.

8. Make Pets Comfortable in their Own Home

Your pet will likely spend most of its time in the house so it’s important to make them comfortable in their environment. Make sure to do things like always keep their water bowl full, give your dog has access to a potty area whether that be a doggy door or indoor potty pad, keep your cat's litter box is fresh and accessible, and provide a bed for them to snuggle in so they don’t have to lay on the hard floor all day.

9. Take Your Pet on a Run With You

When you’re at the dog run, actually play with them instead of just pitching a ball. Get active with them, and you’ll both benefit.

10. Keep Them Well-Groomed

Regular baths are important, but they can be stressful—for both of you. If your dog or cat isn’t a fan of the tub, try feeding them breakfast or dinner during their bath, which will teach your pet to associate baths with a more positive experience.

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Reference: 

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