Story by Christina Mais
Coming home after a long day of work to your furry friend’s face greeting you at the door with pure excitement is by far one of the best feelings in the world. Pets just have a way of making everything better. They not only make for top tier companions but can truly become a member of the family. However, having a pet is also a big responsibility. You’re dealing with a living, breathing creature after all. Well if you are planning to get a pet or are already a pet owner, take some time to consider these essential pet care tips that Dr. Briana Schwapp, DVM shared with Buzzz Magazine. Before heading into the nitty gritty of proper pet care, one must first know how to pick the perfect pet for your household. Factors such as lifestyle preferences, purpose of the pet, home environment are important to take note of before deciding on what kind of pet to get.
HEALTH & WELL BEING
Taking the necessary healthcare precautions
is extremely important in order to prevent
pets from contracting any serious illnesses.
“Every animal needs proper medical care
and neglecting this can lead to a sick pet
and even higher bills. Always stay on top
of routine vet visits and good husbandry
(pet care – e.g., clean tank, clean cage,
appropriate food, adequate sunlight, etc) to
keep costs as low as possible and to keep
your pet healthy”, said Dr. Schwapp.
GROOMING
You know the saying, “you look good, you feel good?” well that’s also true when it comes to pet grooming. Dr. Schwapp suggests that failing to groom long-haired animals in particular can be detrimental to their health and can result in anything from severe matting (which is uncomfortable and can cut off circulation to limbs) to maggot wounds that can be life threatening. When it comes to tips and tricks for pet grooming, her top tip was to start early. Brushing for long haired dogs, bathing once to twice a month, clipping and cleaning nails are also some key grooming tips for pet owners.
FEEDING
Is there a type of pet food that is better than another? How do you know which one to choose? Well, depending on the type of pet, species or age it is important to do your research on what is available on the market and see which one would work best for your pet. Take a look at the labels, make a note of the ingredients and pay attention to how your pet reacts to whatever type you decide on. Some persons tend to just feed their dogs cornmeal or bones but Dr. Schwapp shared that these types of food won’t usually provide enough nutrition.
LOVE & AFFECTION
Your pet needs that same love and affection that we as humans crave. But everything in moderation. It is important to show this nurturing side without overdoing it.
Dr. Schwapp describes her take on the topic; “A good example of this is that a lot of pets that were obtained during the pandemic have separation anxiety! It’s also very important not to spoil our animals. I see this a lot particularly with small dogs, that have never been told no, never been trained and never been disciplined, and they end up biting everyone in the home and becoming unmanageable. Consult with a reputable trainer if you need assistance.”
At the end of the day, once you keep them healthy and happy they will reward you ten times over with unlimited love, cuddles and sloppy kisses.