February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month. Having a pet is a huge responsibility: when you adopt Fido or Fluffy, you’re not only promising to care for them for the rest of their life. That entails a lot more than filling your furry pal’s bowls every day! A Washington Heights, TX vet lists some key aspects of responsible pet ownership below.

Good Food

Good pet care starts with good nutrition. You don’t have to break the bank buying Fido and Fluffy’s food, but you should offer a high-quality food that is right for your dog or cat’s  age, size, breed, and health.

Veterinary Care

While your furry friend’s exact veterinary care needs will change over time, one thing that won’t change is the importance of keeping up with it. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule. In between appointments, watch for warning signs of illness. Contact us ASAP if you notice anything amiss.

Activity/Exercise

Many of our animal companions are, well, a bit lazy. Others are extremely active, and want to run and play all day. No matter where your dog or cat falls on that spectrum, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right type and amount of activity. Exercise not only keeps Fido and Fluffy happy, it also helps keep them fit, strong, and healthy.

Proper Training

Cat owners can skip this one: Fluffy usually trains her humans, rather than it being the other way around. Dogs, however, should at least know basic obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come.

Safety

There’s almost no end to the ways our furry buddies can get themselves into trouble. Doing some basic petproofing can go a long way towards preventing mishaps. This basically entails removing anything that could be harmful, such as small or sharp objects, items with strings or ropes, and toxic plants. If you have a yard, you’ll also need to make sure it’s both safe and secure. We also recommend keeping Fluffy indoors, and keeping Fido leashed when out and about.

Quality Time

Your four-legged pal’s mental and emotional health are also important. Stress, loneliness, and boredom are just as bad for pets as they are for us! Spend plenty of time with Fido and Fluffy, and make sure they feel loved and safe.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Washington Heights, TX local animal clinic, today!