Getting a new pet has a lot of responsibilities, from potty training to daily exercise. New pet owners must be prepared for the thing that they will have to purchase and do to maintain the health of a new animal. Home pets like dogs and cats have different living habits and necessities, but they all need the same things when it comes to basic care.
You must be thoughtful of your pets daily. Many people see animals as little toys or to show off when they are actually living beings that are unable to care for themselves.
If you have decided that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of a pet owner, you must understand the things you need to maintain good living circumstances for your pets. There are certain items that you must purchase and give to your animals as they grow and live within your home.
1. Collars & ID Tags
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One of the most important things that your pet needs immediately is a collar with an ID tag. An ID is crucial to your pets safety and your peace of mind when he/she gets lost. You want others to know their name and to be able to contact you if they are found. ID tags are also used for certain health issues and also help determine the health of your pet. A pet without a name tag is a lost one and, not only will the possibility of them getting stolen heighten, but the possibility of them never returning to your care.
The collar you choose for your pet must be properly fitting and must accommodate the type of cat or dog breed you have. You have to consider the fur length and health issues to choose the perfect collar for them. Cats are simple when it comes to collars and only need a basic flat style collar. When it comes to dogs, there are many different types of collars to choose from:
- Flat collar
- Martingales
- Choke Chains
- Pinch Collars
- Harnesses
- Head Halters
2. Designated Eating Area
Make sure you decide on an area of your home where your pet will eat. You should do this once you get home. Provide enough space so they can et comfortably. If you don’t want them inside your home, it’s okay to take them outside to eat. Try not to leave food outside because it will lead to pests and you don’t want to danger your pet’s health.
Provide the correct sized bowls for the size of your pet. If you want to invest in a smart bowl for your dog or cat, it will alleviate the stress of remembering to feed your animal and they can eat or drink when they’d like.
3. Bed or Cat/Dog House
Provide a personal bed for your pet to sleep. Don’t treat them like they are outside animals when they live within your home. Having a special place where they can rest will make them feel loved and at home. If you have a big dog and want to keep him/her outside, create a dog house fit for their body type.
These will help against some weather conditions like rain. Don’t leave them outside for too long in extreme weather circumstances. If it is freezing cold or excruciatingly hot, bring them inside or keep them in a place that can withstand those conditions. For cats, there are cat houses that allow them to have a place to rest and play. These are important in keeping your cat occupied so they don’t ruin your things out of boredom. Again, treat your pets like they are your family.
4. Toys
Toys are great for entertainment and play. While you’re away, toys are there to keep your pet occupied. There are many types of toys that you can have for different reasons. Active toys like a tug of war ropes and bones are good for keeping your dog busy. These also help with play time. Strings and balls are great for keeping your cat entertained.
Toys that are for comfort are good when your dog needs a companion when your away or help them relax. Sometimes you may catch your animal chewing up or ruining your personal items and they’re only doing this because it smells like you. Pets want to feel close to their owner, especially when they’re away. Grab a few toys to help your pet stay busy and entertained.
5. Tasty Food & Treats
The food you feed your pets matter. It will determine their overall health and stool. Pay attention to if your cat or dog actually enjoys their food. You’ll notice by how excited they get for meal time and how much they eat. If your pet shies away from the food, they may not particularly like it.
Also, grab some treats to make them feel good. Treats also help with training and rewarding good actions.
6. Ample Amounts of Love
You must love your pet. This is the most important thing out of the entire list. Your pet can feel the love you give them and they notice when they’re being neglected. If you’re busy it can become easy to forget about them so, try to pay attention to their needs of affection as well. Pets are there for companionship and this is the main reason people get pets.
Humans love pets because interacting with animals relieves stress but when they are living with people it can be the opposite more often than not. If your pet is stressing you out, remember why you got them in the first place and you’ll begin to appreciate them. Caring for and loving pets can vary with breed and type. You wouldn’t care for your pit bull the same way that you would care for a kitten. Caring for cats is known to be easier due to the fact that they are more self-dependent and require less affection. Dogs can sometimes be attention seekers and create trouble for it.
