It’s not always easy balancing a hectic work day, kids, families, and still finding time to give your pets the lovin’ they need. But as pet parents, you know how important the time is you spend with you pets. Whether it’s a morning kiss goodbye as you head to work or an all-out snugglefest at the end of the day, the list of reasons you’re an awesome pet parent could go on for days. Here are just five reasons you rock at being a pet parent:
You take your pet to the veterinarian for regular wellness checkups, annual vaccinations, dental cleanings, and whenever they might get hurt or sick.
Our pets can’t verbalize whether they hurt or where, so they rely on us. It’s not always an option geographically or monetarily to run to the veterinarian every time you are suspicious that something is “wrong” with your pet.
Find out how to determine if your pet needs a veterinarian’s attention immediately: When to Contact Your Veterinarian.
If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time to start scheduling a wellness checkup every six months.
With greater emphasis on preventive medicine, a biannual wellness checkup plays an important role in early diagnosis of preventable illness and diseases in your pets. And don’t hesitate to ask questions! It helps build the bond with your veterinarian.
You understand why it’s vital to groom and bathe your pet regularly, and also monitor food and water intake daily as significant changes can indicate a change in your pet’s health status.48255_008SQ
You groom your pets to prevent matting, remove burs, etc. The best way to build trust and make grooming a pleasurable bonding time for you and your pet is to brush your pet often, preferably daily.
You also include at-home dental care checks (brushing teeth, using dental chews, etc.) in your weekly routine, as well as regular dental exams and cleanings with your veterinarian.
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily helps prevent plaque buildup. If you’re short on time, a quick wipe with a Dental Client Pad will help remove plaque between brushings.
When you establish a bedtime routine at the puppy stage that includes vigorous play and a trip outside to go to the bathroom, your canine companion will sleep better.
Dogs are much happier when they know what to expect, so start the routine at the same time each day.
As an awesome pet parent who respects their dog’s need for sleep, you also probably invested in a dog bed that matches your pet’s lifestyle, age and temperament. Need to get one? Review a dog bed selection guide to find the perfect bed that reflects your pet’s personality.
You find the best toys for your pet to create the ideal balance of playtime, exercise, and mental stimulation to ensure overall health.
All pets need exercise, so you rotate toys to provide exercise and mental stimulation and prevent boredom for your pet.
Boredom is one of the leading causes of behavior problems in pets, including chewing and excessive barking. From rubber dog toys and rawhide chews and bones, a variety of toys is the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Dog exercise is the key to good behavior and health. The outdoors provides a fresh and interesting environment to keep your pet’s mind active, alert, and off of behavior, you’d rather not see.
And the No. 1 reason you’re an awesome pet parent? You shower your pets with all the love and snuggles they need and deserve.
Plus, all those kisses and snuggles are a win-win for you and your pets.
People with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who did not have pets, even when matched for weight, diet and smoking habits.
Dogs have been shown to reduce blood pressure in a number of populations, and people who own pets often have better physical health due to the need to exercise and care for their pets.