Getting a new pet is a big commitment, and it’s certainly true that they quickly become part of your family.
If you’re thinking of getting a new pet, or else want to know how to help any existing furry friends thrive in your home, here are some top tips for keeping your favourite family members happy.
1. Ensure all Their Needs are Met
Pets, like humans, have physical needs, but also emotional needs too. Getting a pet is a big commitment, and you’ll need to make sure you have enough time to dedicate to loving and taking care of your pet.
This includes time for walking and exercise (if you have a dog), grooming and playing. You’ll need to budget for food, toys and regular vaccinations. Additionally, depending on which type of pet you have, you might also need more specialist expenses.
The average dog needs around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, and switching up your regular route can introduce them to new smells and provide a more stimulating environment for them. If you have a yard or garden, playing games with your dog can help to build a bond and prevent destructive behaviours that usually occur out of boredom.
Investing in enrichment toys like Nylabones can also help to prevent younger dogs from chewing furniture whilst teething and can improve teeth hygiene too.
Their range covers young puppies with soft teeth all the way up to enthusiastic and powerful chewers, with a broad scope of interesting shapes and flavours to keep dogs entertained for longer.
2. Enrol with a Good Vet
Having an excellent vet on hand for your pet is very important for their health and wellbeing. In the event that your pet becomes seriously ill and requires ongoing treatment, having a vet on board who you can trust to have your furry friend’s best interests at heart will put your mind at ease.
If you need a trusted and experienced veterinary practice to look after your pets, Elm House Vets are a trusted independent practice with over 70 years of experience in caring for your beloved furry family members. Whether you need routine vaccinations, neutering, health certificates or ongoing treatment, Elm House will happily handle your pets care.
3. Don’t Leave Your Pets For Too Long
If you haven’t been a pet owner before, you might want to consider whether your lifestyle is compatible with having a pet. Certain pets like dogs need a lot of attention and human interaction to stop them getting lonely.
Dogs aren’t ideal for those who have a high flying career and are frequently out of the house, so if this is you, it might be wise to consider getting a cat, fish, or other pet that can be more independent of human contact. Dogs thrive on human companionship, and are likely to become depressed if left alone too much.
In the event that you do need to be out of the house more frequently, hiring a dog walking or sitting service like Digs for Dogs can help your dog to make friends with others in the area and encourage socialisation, as well as giving them a much needed comfort break during the day and extra exercise.
Do you have any tips for helping your pet thrive in a happy home? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
