Having a pet is similar to having a child, meaning as a pet owner, you are fully responsible for their well-being. If you work eight hours every day, consider hiring a pet sitter, or train your pet to stay in a crate while you’re away. Giving pets a specific routine will help them remain confident and content. Pets have specific daily needs and fulfilling these requirements will make for a happier, more trusting pet, thus strengthening the bond between you and your animal.Altering living conditions to accommodate weather changes
As the weather changes, your pet’s living space will require adjustments, especially for those pets and owners living in places with very cold winters or very warm summers. During the rainy season, adequate shelter should be provided for pets remaining outdoors, offering a dry place to sleep and eat. In very cold locales, pets with shorter hair will need blankets or some sort of sweater to keep warm. If a pet has very short hair, keeping them indoors is highly recommended. You will also want to check daily that an outdoor pet’s water dish hasn’t frozen over. In warm climates, pets with long hair should be closely monitored for overheating. To keep outdoor pets cool in warmer months, consider shaving their hair or giving them a small wading pool to cool off in.
Exercise
Certain pet breeds are very active and require daily exercise. If your pet is of a breed needing exercise daily, consider:
Going for a jog
Playing tug-of-war with a rope toy
Stimulating your pet with play hunting toys
Throwing a ball and playing fetch
Walking to a local park
How do I know when to feed my pet?
With pet feeding, it is important to implement a routine feeding time, and remain consistent throughout the course of owning your pet. Once a feeding schedule is introduced, pets will adapt accordingly and will expect their meals at your planned time. Young, growing pets generally need to be fed more frequently than their adult counterparts, but be sure to check with the breed or species standard.
How much do I feed my pet?
The amount of food you give your pet will depend on their breed or species specifications, as well as their size. A 10 pound dog will eat much less than a 50 pound dog, but two different breeds of similar height and size may have different feeding requirements based on activity level. Often pet food packaging will state a recommended amount for a pet’s height and weight, but always check to make sure this is acceptable for your breed. For example, a Whippet is similar in size to a Spinone, but they certainly do not eat the same amount of food. If you have difficulty finding what amount to feed your pet, you can always consult with your veterinarian.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital
4601 N Rancho Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89130
(702) 823-4000
www.caringhandsvetlv.com