Having a pet can be an incredible blessing and comfort. Companion animals fill our lives with joy, entertainment, and endless love. But taking care of an animal is also a tremendous responsibility and not something you should take lightly. So if you are considering adopting a furry friend, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure cat, dog, or any animal you bring into your home has a nurturing and happy life with you.
Impulsively Adopting
Don’t just go to a pet store and buy the first puppy you see! Research pet breeds ahead of time to see what kind of animal fits with your lifestyle, budget, and needs. Is the commitment and effort that goes into taking care of this kind of dog or cat fit with you and your family? And also be sure to check with the rest of your family members to make sure you are bringing home someone that can vibe with everyone in your household.
And as for pet stores…you should avoid taking this route when adopting. While you might think you are saving a cute animal, you are actually perpetuating the harmful cycle of animal mills, where animals are mistreated and subject to frequent breeding. Consider a pet shelter or breeder instead.
Not Pet-Proofing Your Home
Just like kids, animals can be quite curious creatures. Before getting a puppy or kitten, pet-proof your home to keep your new furry friend safe and out of harm’s way. Keep trash cans covered, toilet lids closed, and medications and chemicals out of reach. Place childproof latches on your cabinets to keep pets from opening them up. And place dangling wires from lamps, televisions, and other electronics out of reach.
Starting Bad Habits
While some people might assume that the first thing you should when taking your puppy home is to give them free rein to scope out the whole house, this could actually backfire and encourage bad behavior. Letting your new animal roam wild their first day home, could actually lead to them getting into trouble (like chewing on the cabinets or getting into the trash). Instead establishing clear rules and boundaries immediately will help keep your pet safe and you happy.
Letting Your Pup Walk You
Make sure to not let your dog have control during your walk. Every year tens of thousands of people end up in the ER because of pet-related falls—usually during walks because of pulling. Some dogs can be strong pullers during walks so train your dog not to pull at the leash by getting a no-pull dog harness.
The best dog harness for pulling will give the pet owner better control and ensure an easy walk. To ensure a perfect fit, the dog harness must go over the dog’s head and neck comfortably and then attach to the dog’s leash easily. A typical dog harness will fit around your dog’s chest and have leash attachment points.
Not Giving Them Enough Exercise
Just like humans, animals need a certain amount of exercise every day. Without enough exercise, animals may become obese which leads to even more serious medical conditions. Make sure to take your dog out for a 30-minute walk each day to keep them healthy. And be sure to let them run out in the yard (if you have one!).
If you’re worried about dog waste ruining your lawn and spreading germs, then consider a pet waste removal service like Scoop Troop. These poop scooper experts will help keep your yard clean and looking nice. Big dog or small dog – they all poop. Instead of taking time out of your day to clean up the mess, consider hiring these professionals to do the job for you so you can spend more time playing with your pup instead of cleaning up after him.
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