How To Take Care Of Your Pet

Pets can look cute when you buy them but they need a lot of looking after for many years!

UK Animal Welfare Centres take in many unwanted pets on a weekly basis.

In the UK, during December and the beginning of January, of each year, the RSPCA and other related animal welfare sanctuaries take in on average 600 dogs and cats plus many smaller animals, especially rabbits.

The majority of the abandoned cats and dogs are older animals, although there are several puppies too. The main problem being is that people do not think carefully enough before they get a pet.

A puppy can be very appealing but they grow up and need house training, regular walks, grooming and care, and attention. Cats are not so dependent but still need care and companionship. Smaller animals need to be fed each day, have daily human contact and their hutches cleaned out regularly.

Why Owning A Pet Is A Long Term Commitment

Pets are a commitment, they need your care and attention every day of their lives. That can mean looking after them for many years – some cats will live for up to 20 years, as well as some of the smaller breed dogs.

As the old slogan goes ‘a dog is for life not just for Christmas‘, so when you do get a pet, remember that you have a commitment to look after it.

Tips For Looking After Your Pet

Here are 11 tips to set you on the path of being a responsible pet owner :

Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about what it needs – i.e. what it eats, where it should live, etc.

1. Make sure your pet is sociable and well trained.
2. Make sure you provide a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
3. Take your pet to the Vet regularly as this will make ensure it stays in top health.
4. Provide suitable housing and comfortable bedding.
5. Clean up after your pet and de-worm it regularly – kills bugs that live in its intestines.
6. Protect against diseases – your vet can give you advice.
7. Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate – your vet can give you advice.
8. Groom your pet regularly – make sure it’s fur/coat is nice, clean, and shiny.
9. Control your pet and make sure it has an identity tag in case it gets lost.
10. Get pet insurance to cover against unexpected vet fees and third-party liability.
11. Pets need to be housed with other animals of their own species (e.g. guinea pigs), others need to be housed alone and away from other animals such as Syrian Hamsters.
12. Buy quality researched pet products or services covering your specific pet’s needs.

Allow Your Pet To Exercise

Like us, animals will get obese if they don’t have the chance to go enough exercise, therefore, it is important that you assign time every day for your pet to get some exercise.

Different animals exercise in different ways such as dogs that require a daily walk, whilst hamsters can get exercise from an exercise ball.

As with any pet, do your research before you committing yourself to what can be a very expensive process and long term commitment!

As we said earlier, be sure to use branded, and proven pet products and services – and to help, take a look at our growing Pet Section to help you in taking care of your pet!