Pet care takes a lot of work, but it’s well-worth the effort when you see your furbaby’s happy face. There are a lot of everyday activities you can do with your pet to keep it healthy, happy, and safe. Below are five important tips for being a responsible pet owner in Delray.
Add Exercise to the Routine
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the United States are obese. Part of the problem is these animals are not getting nearly enough exercise. Find ways to get your pet active, whether through more walks or interactive toys. If you don’t have time to exercise your pet during the day, hire a dog walker or pet sitter to spend time with your animal and get it moving.
Invest in Rubber Booties
Sidewalks and sand can get scorching hot, especially if you live in the south. Invest in a pair of rubber booties to protect your dog’s paws while you’re out for the day. Rubber booties can be particularly beneficial on the beach as a lot of pet owners don’t think about the temperature of the sand. Just remember, if you can’t walk on it with your bare feet, your pup probably shouldn’t either.
Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is another commonly forgotten protection for your pet. Naked animals and those with very thin fur can easily get sunburned when outside for extended periods of time. Sunburns don’t feel good for anyone, so make sure to pack a pet-safe sunscreen for beach days and summer festivals.
Get Proper Identification
Every year, thousands of pets are lost and don’t make it back to their owners because they don’t have proper identification. Your pet needs to have a collar and tags for the day it dashes out the door. If the clinking of the tags bothers you, there are plenty of rubber tag options available that reduce the noise. You can also find plenty of comfortable collar options if that’s something that concerns you. Whatever your previous objection, it’s your responsibility to make sure your dog or cat has some form of identification.
Schedule Regular Hygiene Check-Ins
Pet grooming is not optional, it’s a requirement. At least once a month, you should give your dog, cat, or other animal a thorough hygiene check to ensure everything is good. Check nails, ears, eyes, teeth, fur, paws, and anything else that could be causing issues. A lot of people don’t notice their dog’s claws are getting too long until they start to curl. Cats are prone to eye infections, which could worsen if not caught right away. Really pay attention to your pet and look for any warning signs of infection or other hygiene needs. Your pets can’t tell you what they need, but, more often than not, you can easily spot any problems. Pet care isn’t just an occasional job. Loving and attending to your pet should be part of your everyday life. As a pet parent, your animals rely on you for love and care. Incorporate the above five tips into your pet care routine and you and your pet will be happier for it.