When it comes to your pet, you want to do everything in your power to make sure that they’re healthy and happy—especially since they’re part of the family. Unfortunately, there are many things that pet owners often forget about their pets, which can lead to some unpleasant surprises down the road. From making sure your pet gets enough exercise; to keeping them out of certain types of food, this guide will cover all the things you should never forget about your pet, so you don’t end up with any nasty surprises!
1) Making Sure Your Pet Gets Enough Exercise
Without being in your pet’s body, it’s impossible to know exactly how they feel about exercising. They might give you some indication – maybe your pup loves to lay down in the middle of a walk, or your hamster would prefer to sit on its wheel and eat snacks. If you’re unsure about what kind of exercise your furry friend needs, talk to your vet. They will be able to give you advice about what’s best for your pet based on its age and breed.
Another way to tell if your pet is getting enough exercise is by using their food bowl as a guide. If you notice your pet eating less, it might indicate they’re becoming less active. If your cat or dog doesn’t finish its entire meal, it might be time to increase their physical activity levels. You can also measure your pet’s waist to check if they’re burning off as many calories as they used to.
2) Keeping Your Pet Away from Dangerous Foods
The most important thing that most pet owners forget is to keep their pets away from certain foods. Many foods that are safe for human consumption are very harmful to animals, so it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t eat any of these. Make sure you don’t give chocolate or caffeine to your pets, as both are toxic in high doses. Even coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa powder can be harmful in high enough quantities.
Just because your pet thinks they want that chocolate bar on the counter doesn’t mean it’s safe for them. There are a variety of foods that most pets find very tempting but can be dangerous. This includes raisins, grapes, and sultanas, which can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. It’s essential to keep these out of reach of your pet at all times.
3) Buying Pet Insurance
According to a study from Banfield Pet Hospital, only 23% of pet owners have purchased insurance for their pets. In fact, more than 1 in 5 people mistakenly think that veterinarians are responsible for paying veterinary bills if their pet becomes ill or injured. You can find great valued pet insurance with companies such as Petsure for a small monthly fee to ensure your pet is properly protected.
While we understand that no one likes spending money on something that you expect to happen, not buying insurance is a sure-fire way to end up in debt after a sudden veterinary bill. The truth is, even if your pet is in good health, it doesn’t mean you should forgo purchasing insurance. It’s always better to prepare for an unexpected turn in your pet’s health than face it head-on with no safety net.