There are various unofficial holidays dedicated to indulging our pet companions. There is Love Your Pet Day on February 20th, National Hug Your Dog Day on April 10th, and Pet Appreciation Week in June, just to mention a few. Of course, pets deserve to feel loved and safe on a daily basis. It doesn’t take much to elicit purrs or tail wags either. Continue reading for advice from a local Gunnison County veterinarian on how to show your pet affection and form a particular bond with it.
Spoiling Your Dog
Our canine companions are well-known for having strong opinions and being overly enthusiastic about the activities they most like. If Fido could write down his wish list, what would it be?
Here are our suggestions:
Toys
Toys not only keep Fido busy and entertained, but they also help prevent boredom and restlessness, which can lead to mischief and bad behavior. They can also reduce anxiety, provide cerebral stimulation, and overall get that tail wagging.
Remember that every one of our canine companions has their own distinct preferences. Some enjoy tennis balls, while others believe a plushie is the best thing ever. When selecting toys, always consider your pet’s age, size, personality, and energy level. A puppy may require a large number of chew toys, whereas an older dog may prefer something softer and easier on his mouth.
Consider where the toy was manufactured. Products manufactured overseas may include hazardous substances, such as BPAs.
Treats
You can’t celebrate a pet holiday without giving your animal friend something delicious. Fido isn’t finicky about goodies, so he’ll probably be delighted with whatever you offer. He’d also be willing to try anything you have. stick to healthy selections. If you’re going to buy a treat, look for something with meat, fish, or poultry on the label first. Avoid anything with a complicated ingredient list.
You can also let your pup sample some delicious store-bought goodies. If you enjoy cooking, try your hand at making Fido’s treats. Another alternative would be to get Fido some canine ice cream from a nearby pet store. Just stick to safe solutions and avoid going overboard.
Upgrade Your Yard
Does Fido have a yard to run, play, and chase squirrels in? Make outdoor activities more enjoyable for him by incorporating some dog-friendly elements.
- Pool: There are few things cuter than a dog peacefully chilling in his own kiddie pool on a hot day. Just don’t leave any water in it; it could become a mosquito breeding ground and germ refuge.
- Fun Features: Ramps and jumps may appeal to your active dog. There are several excellent DIY choices for this!
- Sandbox: Does your canine companion enjoy digging? Get him a sandbox and hide toys and snacks in it.
- Ball Launcher: Is chasing tennis balls Fido’s favorite thing ever? Get him an automatic ball launcher!
- Doghouse: A doghouse would be the ideal solution here. Getting the correct size is critical. If it’s too little, it won’t be very comfortable and will heat up rapidly in the summer. If it’s too big, Fido may not get the comfortable den feel he likes, and he won’t be very warm in the winter. Furthermore, while dogs will not soil the regions where they sleep, if the doghouse is too spacious, Fido may soil it.
- Doggy gadgets: Man’s Best Friend has some devoted friends in the tech industry. There is almost no limit to the high-tech gear you may acquire for your canine companion. While your pet may not require an automatic treat dispenser, he may benefit from a smart toy or one that can be operated remotely.
GPS tags are another excellent choice. If you’re feeling daring, you can even get paw pads. These are programmable pads that activate when Fido treads on them.
Gear
As the weather warms up, our canine friends will suffer from the heat. Consider getting your dog a cooling vest or mat. A portable doggy water bottle is another wonderful alternative. Senior dogs may also benefit from pet ramps or stairs.
Take Your Canine Companion On Adventures
At the end of the day, your canine companion simply wants to spend time with you. Please accommodate the request! Set aside some quiet quality time with your canine partner! If your pet enjoys exploring, consider trying out a new park or route. If you and Fido want to stay at home, simply spend some quiet time relaxing. Make sure there are plenty of belly rubs and ear scritches!
Spoiling Your Cat
Fluffy can be pretty perplexing at times. We may never fully understand why she enjoys shredding toilet paper or why she is fascinated by boxes. However, our feline friends have simple tastes. Indeed, kittens are walking, meowing illustrations of how vital it is to appreciate the small things in life.
Without further ado, these are Fluffy’s favorite things:
Catnip
No surprises here. Giving your cat her favorite plant may end up being as much pleasure for you as it is for her. Of course, not all cats respond to catnip. If your animal friend is unimpressed, try offering her some honeysuckle cat toys. Cats that are unaffected by catnip appear to enjoy honeysuckle.
Toys
Fluffy enjoys playing, and it is also beneficial to her mental and physical health. Get your feline companion some new toys to pounce on. Kitties all have different preferences when it comes to toys, so give your pet a range and see what she likes best.
Treats are a great way to increase purrs. You can give Fluffy some basic, cooked fish or chicken with the skin, bones, and fat removed. Plain canned tuna or chicken cooked in water is also acceptable. Of course, your cat may like certain store-bought treats.
Boxes
Who said cats were difficult to please? Simply give your feline friend a new box to conquer, and you’ll have a very happy cat on your hands. Fluffy’s box fetish will never cease to be charming. Bring home an empty box for your cat. Or, better yet, make her a box castle!
Beds
There are never enough beds for our feline friends. Give your tired pet a variety of comfortable napping areas to select from. A fresh store-bought bed would be ideal, but you may also use a soft blanket in a wicker basket or on an ottoman. Cats are not choosy about where they sleep.
Window Seats
Kitties are natural hunters. They’re also pretty lazy. When you combine these factors, it’s no surprise that many people believe that reclining in a sunbeam and spying on birds and squirrels is the nicest thing ever.
Purrniture
Kitties aren’t bashful about making themselves at home on our furniture, but they do love having some items designed specifically for them. If Fluffy doesn’t already have a cat tower, this is an excellent opportunity to buy or build one.
Pet care relies on love and affection. Pay attention to Fluffy and spend time with her daily. Kitty purrs are always precious!
Make An Appointment At Our Gunnison County Animal Hospital
Have you got any questions or concerns concerning your pet’s health or care? Feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Gunnison County pet clinic, we are here for you!