Dogs have been man’s best friend for at least 15,000 years, and our kitty companions have
been by our sides since the time of the pharaohs. We humans have an undeniable love affair with our animals, but we don’t always know how to show it in a way they understand. Fortunately, our pets are not that hard to please – especially with these tips from Onalaska Animal Hospital.
It all starts with a bond
The first step toward giving your pet the life they deserve is to establish a strong bond with them. Dogs like positive reinforcement, choices, and predictable meal times. Cats are a little less hands-on, and it’s usually best to give them their space and wait for them to come to you. Regardless of whether you initiate your relationship or wait for them to come around, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself out of the doghouse.
Be aware of work-related stress
Practicing self-care and managing personal stress are crucial steps in ensuring the well-being of
your pet, as pets often mirror the emotional state of their owners. Work-related stress in humans can lead to negative effects on pets, including increased anxiety and behavioral issues due to their acute sensitivity to their owner's mood and stress levels. To mitigate this, engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as regular exercise and spending quality time with your pet, can help create a calmer environment for both you and your animal companion.
Feed them well
In the wild, cats and dogs hunt for their food. They don’t have that luxury – or burden – in a
domestic environment. But that does not mean that you can just pour anything into their bowl and meet their nutritional needs. Feed your pet a diet that’s complete and balanced.
Dogs benefit from both meat and complex carbohydrates. Cats need a similar balance, and animal protein is an important part of their diets as well. Reader's Digest notes, however, that their needs vary by age, and your veterinarian can help you better understand their dining habits and needs from kitten-hood on.
Quality ingredients also apply when it comes to treats like jerky, biscuits, or anything freeze- dried. Products with limited ingredients may cost more, but they ensure your pet is getting the best treat for their overall health!
Give them a day break
When you only have one dog, something they can’t tell you is that if they’ve been socialized, they crave the companionship of other canines. If you don’t have time to take them to the local dog park, do plan to send them to day camp at least a few times each month. You can also treat them to some professional grooming with our Emily. Find more information and product review by going online and doing a little research or asking Dr. Nicole or Dr. Macon on your next visit.
Let them stay close — with boundaries
Cats typically don’t mind being left alone. Dogs are another story. Many pups present with separation anxiety that never fully goes away into adulthood. If you realize that you have a clingy canine, try to keep them close when you can. If you work from home, however, you may have to establish some boundaries for both your safety and your dog’s. Your pup may never want to leave your side, but a pet barrier in the door may be necessary to get some separation.
If you decide to let your dog into your work area, make sure you keep things safe and secure by
keeping electrical and telephone cords out of their reach. Also, remember that whatever stress you’re feeling can easily rub off on your pet!
Make your pet a social media star
Creating videos of your pet with an online editing tool is a fun and engaging way to show off your furry friend and share their adorable moments on social media. Using a free video creator online, you can take advantage of high-quality editing features that make it easy to trim, add effects, and enhance your videos without any cost. These tools allow you to produce professional-looking content that will capture the attention of your followers and showcase your pet's personality in the best light.
Take them on a getaway
Do you and your pet need a break from the daily grind? If so, look into the many different pet- oriented vacations you can take. GoPetFriendly.com suggests activities like camping (which you can easily turn into a glamping expedition) or a road trip. You can also plan a relaxing staycation by renting a pet-friendly vacation rental property. This way, you can take in the local sights with your pet while staying in a luxury home.
One way to make them feel at home while traveling is to bring along their bed or couch. The familiar object and scents will comfort them as you’re out and about. If you have yet to purchase a comfy bed for your pooch, be sure to read online reviews, and if your pup is still growing, you’ll want to buy one that they can grow into.
Our pets are deserving of the finest care we can provide, as they are an integral part of our family. Loving them means committing to their health and happiness over their lifetime. This responsibility enriches our lives, ensuring a fulfilling bond between us and our cherished companions. They rely on us, just as we cherish the joy they bring into our lives.
Onalaska Animal Hospital is a 5,000-square-foot facility that reflects Dr. Nicole's Fear Free approach. Designed to her specifications to maximize comfort and healing for pets and their owners, the hospital features distinct waiting rooms, exam rooms and hospital wards to separate dogs and cats, along with background music and scents/pheromones intended to calm pets. Visit our website to learn more!
Contributed by Mia Price, founder and head writer for Spirit Pup. Mia is a pup parent, animal lover, and post-grad student. She created the website to help pet parents provide their pups with physically healthy and mentally enriching lives. Via the site, she provides access to a wide variety of resources and information that visitors can immediately put to use to give their spirited pups a pawfect life!
Mia’s dog is named Autumn.
