10 Ways To Take Care Of Your Pets

Mots families in Botswana have at least one pet, the most common being cats and dogs. Having a pet is rewarding, but it can be hard work as well. If you are well prepared, do your research, and love your pet unconditionally, caring for a pet doesn’t have to be back-breaking. Read on to get some tips for supporting any animal addition to your family.

1. Regular Exams

Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems or catch them early is to see your veterinarian every year. Regular exams are the single most important way to keep pets healthy.

 2. Prevent Parasites.

Fleas are the most common external parasite that can plague pets, and they can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection. Fleas can also introduce other parasites into your cat or dog. All it takes is for your pet to swallow one flea, and it can to end up with tapeworms, the most common internal parasite affecting dogs and cats.

3. Maintain A Healthy Weight.

Just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Overfeeding is the leading cause of obesity, keeping our pets trim can add years to their lives. Talk to your vet, who can make feeding suggestions based on your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle.

4. Get Regular Vaccinations.

For optimal health, pets need regular vaccinations against common ills, such as rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, and canine hepatitis. How often your dog or cat needs to be immunized depends on their age, lifestyle, health, and risks, so talk to your vet about the vaccinations that make sense for your pet.

5. Prepare Your House For Your Pet.

Curious, food-driven, and unable to listen to your warnings, pets can get into trouble if you don’t create boundaries or safe spaces. Birds may dart out of open windows, lizards can scamper around the house, and dogs or cats may run into the street. Take note of openings your pet could accidentally escape through and make sure you can keep food out of their reach.

6. Give Your Pet Your Affection And Attention.

Though this is certainly true of dogs and cats, even fish and lizards require dedication and love to really thrive. Animals are social beings much like humans, and you need to set aside time to play with your pets so they get exercise and mental stimulation.

7. Give Them Food Suitable For Their Nutritional Needs.

The cheapest food you find may not always be the healthiest. Feeding animals table scraps – no matter how cute they are when they beg – is not a good idea since people food often has minerals and items in it that can be harmful to our animal friends. Only feed your pet appropriate foods and give them responsible portions.

8.Clean Your Pet And All Of Its Enclosures.

This will keep both you and your pet healthy and happy. Create a regular cleaning schedule, at least once every 2-3 weeks, and stick to it, cleaning your animal and it’s living spaces to prevent disease and odor. Keep up with regular grooming, such as brushing fur or scrubbing scales, every few days.

9. Buy Necessary Pet Supplies In Advance.

Talk to the pet store attendants or adoption agencies about things you’ll need ,housing, toys, grooming supplies, etc,and shop before you bring your new pet home. Teach your family members how to use everything so that everyone is on the same page.