Responsible Pet Owners Month – A Lifelong Bond
February is National Responsible Pet Owners Month! You already know that the rewards involved in pet ownership far outweigh the costs, but what does it really mean to be a truly responsible pet owner? There are so many answers to that question, but we can help you identify the basics.
- VETERINARY CARE – Just like the relationship we share with our general practitioners, the bond we form with our dog’s veterinarian can last for years. Your vet can help guide you toward making sure you are making the best decisions for your pet through every interval of their lives, from puppy to adolescent to adult and through their senior stages. They’ll guide you through recommendations for preventative care to make sure your pup stays protected from communicable disease and parasites. As your dog ages, they’ll help you ensure your best friend is with you for as long as possible with regular check-ups and recommendations for senior care.
- NUTRITION – Great nutrition sets the foundation for a long, happy and healthy life for your pet, but the options for pet foods can be overwhelming. Generally speaking, your dog’s diet should provide the right balance of water, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and that balance will change throughout their lifetime based on age, breed, and any health factors like diabetes or other illnesses. Your vet will always advise the type of diet that’s appropriate for your pup and our local pet partners like Pet Supplies Plus or Pet People can help you find the right brand and flavors that will keep your pup coming back for more!
- EXERCISE – Along with great vet care and an appropriate diet, the right amount of exercise will keep both body and mind as healthy as possible! We all know that walks and runs can help tire your pooch and keep them fit, (we recommend O’Neill Woods and Deep Lock Quarry) but sometimes a stroll through the Metropark isn’t enough, especially for younger dogs that were bred to work, and don’t get us started on NEO winters! Mental stimulation like puzzles and physical exertion on treadmills or with parachutes can really keep your doggo working until it’s time to rest. And never forget that the best way to provide stimulation for body and mind is…
- TRAINING – Obviously, we can’t stress this point enough! With proper training that is balanced and rewarding, your dog is going to be set up for success and able to be the best member of their family. Training should specific to each family and each dog, can begin as early as 8 weeks of age, and training opportunities will present themselves with any new experiences so always make sure your trainer pays attention to your specific expectations and is willing to help you apply training to your lifestyle. Every dog deserves to live life to the fullest!
- IDENTIFICATION – Once you’re prepared to give your pet the best for body, mind, and health, make sure that they always stay where they belong and are best equipped to get back should they stray. Microchips provide the best means of permanent ID, provided that you keep up with the registration if your phone number or address changes. Physical ID like licenses, tags, and collars with up-to-date contact information can help finders get your pup home before having to make a trip to the vet or shelter for scanning. Should your dog stray, we have some tips to help bring him home, but up to date identification is always critical to reduce the time your friend is missing.
Our pets give so much to us, we owe it to them to make sure we do our best to keep them happy and healthy. Every dog is different, every family is different, and each will maintain their own routines and set up individual plans for care, but taking the time to meet the needs above will set your pup and your family up for success!