9 Tips for Being a Better Pet Parent

Pets are important members of the family. For some pet owners, their pet is their child. It’s understandable because pets are like children; they require lots of love, care, and attention. Pets can be a major part of your life, but unlike a child, a pet doesn’t grow up and look after itself; it needs you. Being a better pet parent is a lot easier than you think, even if you’re becoming a pet parent for the first time.

There’s little doubt this will be a challenge. You have to ensure the pet is looked after well and given all the love and support they need. Knowing a few tips may allow you to become a better pet parent. So, what 8 tips could make you a better parent to your beloved pet?

1. Pets Need a Schedule

While you might think it’s silly to have a schedule for your pet, it’s necessary. If you have set times for when the animal eats, gets walked, exercises, plays, and goes to bed, it gets them into a routine. Like a child, pets need their routines. And, it’s necessary for you too. For instance, you have a bowl of water out. This allows the dog to drink and hydrate as and when he needs to.If, however, you leave big bowls of food out, he will come and go as he pleases. That may lead to overeating and that’s unhealthy for the animal. Instead, have a schedule for his meals and snacks. This will prevent the animal from begging for food later.

2. Understand What Eases Their Anxiety When You Leave

Pets, no matter their age, can become anxious when you leave the home. Some get anxious when you leave a room. It’s something that all pet parents go through and it isn’t pleasant to watch. It’s heartbreaking when you hear a dog bark or a cat whine when you walk out the door, so it’s essential to ease that separation anxiety.For example, you could leave the animal alone for smaller periods of time and increase it until they’re used to not seeing you while you’re at work. Or, you could leave something with your scent behind. For instance, you could leave a jumper so that the animal could pick up your scent and feel a little calmer.

3. Look For an Exercise You Both Enjoy

Pets need exercise. Some exercises will be suited to certain pets more than others, so it’s essential to identify the right one for your pet. For instance, jogging or running isn’t best for a house cat, but may be ideal for a German Sheppard. Smaller dogs may prefer a power walk, while others get sufficient exercise with rigorous playtime. If you want to become a better pet parent, you have to find an exercise you and your pet will enjoy.

4. Microchip for Their Safety

What would you do if your pet suddenly ran away? Despite what you think, your dog or cat may not be able to find their way home again. They could be hit by a passing vehicle or taken to an animal shelter. Unfortunately, without any identification or tracking device, you may lose them forever. That’s why it’s essential to microchip your pet. GPS can be used to locate your pet. This keeps them safe.

5. Play Dates for Pet Socializing

Pets are like humans, they need to interact with other animals. This is an important part of their lives because it allows them to get used to new surroundings and social situations. Good pet parents should have their animals interact with other animals so they can play together and have fun. It’s good for their mental health. And, there are lots of groups that encourage pet socializing. These groups can be useful resources for pet parents, too.

6. Regular Grooming Is Essential

Responsible pet parents know to bathe their animals – and know this must be done regularly. However, it may also be necessary to have some professional grooming done. For instance, cutting a dog’s nails or coat could be tricky to try at home. A professional dog groomer would be able to deal with this task. What’s more, some grooming needs should only be handled by a professional.

7. Educate Yourself on Your Chosen Breed

Being a pet parent is hard work. There are a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders and you need to know how to care for them. Every pet is different; they have different needs and medical requirements. It’s essential to do some research about the breed of cat or dog you have. This may make it easier to see to their needs and become a better parent also.

8. Pet-Proof the Home

It doesn’t matter if you have a puppy or older dog, when you introduce them to a new home, they’ll explore. Unfortunately, some may chew through wires or damage sofas. To avoid serious damage to your home, you need to pet proof it. This protects the animals and makes you a better parent to your pet.

9. Become a Better Parent to Your Pet

Owning an animal is hard work and is very much like being a parent to a child. They need constant attention and care to keep them safe. There are lots of ways for you to become a better parent, such as pet-proofing the home, regular grooming, and getting them into a routine. Become a better pet parent and keep them safe.