Our animal friends offer comfort, friendship, endless snuggles, live entertainment, and, perhaps most importantly, unconditional love. We can form very powerful bonds with our furry friends, but that relationship has to be based on mutual love and trust. Just like people, pets need to feel loved to be happy! A local Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian offers some insight into this article below.
Play With Your Pet Regularly
Playing with your pet can go a long way towards bonding and making them feel loved and safe. This benefits your pet in many ways. It’s great for bonding, and also helps keep your pet fit and strong, which is of course very important for their health. The stimulation and entertainment are also very important for their health and well-being.
Keep in mind that pets are all unique, and they all have preferences for how they like to play. One cat may be obsessed with catching the red dot from a laser pointer: another may show no interest in that at all, but love smacking ice cubes around the kitchen floor. Try different toys and games and see what your pet likes best. Just be sure to check in with your vet regularly to ensure that you’re choosing games that are safe and suitable for your pet.
Show Your Pet Affection
No surprises here: belly rubs, ear scritches, and forehead pets can all help soothe animals and make them feel loved. You never want to force things: that can backfire, and make you animal friend feel uneasy or even scared. However, many of our animal companions really crave that contact.
Cuddling is good for you both. When you cuddle with pets, a special hormone, called oxytocin, is released in you both. This is the same hormone that is released in mothers and babies as they cuddle. It reinforces feeling safe and loved.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable
Our furry (and feathered) friends have a way of reminding us to appreciate the little things in life. Kitties, for instance, are universally obsessed with boxes. Give Fluffy that empty Amazon box!
A good bed or a clean stall or cage can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life. As for cats, well, Fluffy will sleep on pretty much anything. You can make lots of cozy kitty napping spots just by putting soft folded blankets into boxes or baskets. Orthopedic beds are ideal for many dogs, particularly seniors and large dogs.
Provide Your Pet With Enrichment
Toys are very important, but they really shouldn’t be the only form of enrichment your pet has. Kitties are safer staying in, but they also love looking out windows and watching birds and squirrels. As for dogs, well, Fido will benefit from regular walks and playtime. Many dogs also enjoy learning new things. Keep up with your pup’s petucation!
Even small acts, like leaving a light and TV on for your pet when you leave them home alone can improve their quality of life. For smaller animals, this may involve toys and free time. Ask your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian for more information.
Always Treat Animals With Respect
This one is simple, but it actually encompasses many different things, which may range from keeping your cat’s litterbox clean to giving Fido pet ramps when he gets old. We believe that all animals should be treated with kindness and compassion. It’s also best to stick with positive reinforcement when training.
Visit Your Mt. Airy, MD Veterinary Clinic Regularly
We know, Fido and Fluffy usually prefer to stay home than visit their doctors. However, just like people, they need proper health care to stay happy and healthy. In addition to keeping up with their regular appointments, it’s also important to watch for signs of sickness. If you notice any signs of sickness or discomfort, address the issue immediately.
Teach Your Pet Tricks
This may be mostly for dogs, but we can’t count our feline friends out entirely. Some kitties do learn tricks! For instance, quite a few kitties teach themselves to play Fetch with their humans. Even birds, bunnies, and Guinea pigs can learn simple tricks. Ask your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian for tips on this.
Keep Up WithYour Pet’s Grooming Needs
Many animals show each other affection by grooming each other. While some of our animal buddies need more grooming than others, simply taking time to brush your furry pal can help make them feel loved and safe. Don’t forget about nail care and dental health!
Offer Your Pet Fun Toys
It doesn’t matter how many toys your pet already has: they’ll always be excited to play with something different. pick up new playthings regularly. If you’re working on a tight budget, as many are these days, make your own! You can easily upcycle things like old shirts and clothing into cute toys. Whether you have a bird, bunny, dog, cat, or all of the above, you’ll find lots of ideas online.
Talk To Your Pet
Research indicates that dogs can understand more than 100 words and phrases. The average pooch can learn about 165 words, but some super smart canines can learn up to 250.
It doesn’t really matter if your pet doesn’t know what you’re saying: the sound of your voice is what matters. your furry friend will know that you are communicating with them, which is important in and of itself.
When talking to your furry buddy, always use a gentle, friendly tone. Many of our furry friends enjoy that ‘baby talk’ tone, though it isn’t a must.
Also, pay attention to how your pet reacts. You may find that the more you talk to and interact with your pet, the more interactive they become! A dog may tilt his head when you ask him a question, while a kitty may start purring or rubbing her head against you. (Cats may also just completely ignore you, but that’s beside the point.)
Snooze With Your Pet
Most people prefer not to let dogs, birds, bunnies, or other animals sleep in their beds. That’s completely understandable! Cats, however, love to snuggle up with their humans at night. In fact, Fluffy will adjust her napping schedule to suit yours. (Bonus: purring cats make great sleep aids.)
Learn To Read Your Pet’s Nonverbal Cues
Our animal buddies can’t tell us how they are feeling, so we have to rely on nonverbal cues. While most people know the basics, such as happy cats purr and happy dogs wag their tails, there are many nuances that are easily missed. For instance, a cat that is feeling uneasy may sit in a hunched position, while a dog that is uncertain may wag his tail slowly. Do some research, and learn about what your pet’s stance, expression, and behavior says.
It’s also crucial for you to learn the signs of discomfort and pain. Some can be quite subtle. This is very important, because so many medical issues can be treated most effectively if they are caught and diagnosed early.
In conclusion: Pets can become extremely attached to their humans. That relationship and bond won’t form on their own, though. Small touches can make a huge difference as far as making your pet feel loved, and just improving their quality of life.
Is your pet due for an appointment? Contact us, your local Mt. Airy, MD veterinary clinic, anytime!
