Taking care of animals should always be a very beautiful experience, a way of being in contact with those furry ones that you like so much, loving them and letting yourself be loved. They have the ability to give a lot of love for practically nothing: a plate of food, water, and a safe place to be. They do not want luxuries because they feel like kings if they are with those people they love the most.
For this reason, It is very important to keep in mind that they are not disposable objects, but they have feelings and we must respect them for what they are: one of the best friends one could wish for.
The essentials to get off to a good start
Animals need the following:
Lunch time
It's the basics. But we can not give you just any type of food, but one that respects your bodyIf it is a carnivorous animal, like a catIt makes no sense to give him grains; even the highest quality feed wouldn't be perfect for him. Ideally, he should be given natural meat, that is, meat bought from the butcher. Boil it, let it cool, and serve it cut into small pieces.
The problem is that, due to our lifestyle, it's more cost-effective for us (not for him) to feed him kibble. If we have no other choice, we can give him a I feed a good quality animal, such as Acana, Orijen, Applaws, Taste of the Wild, or others.
Furthermore, Adjust rations according to species, age, activity, and body condition. to prevent obesity and deficiencies. Dry food is practical and wet food can improve hydration (very useful for cats). If you choose a homemade diet, make sure it is cooked, complete and formulated by a professionalAvoid offering raw meat because risk of parasites and imbalances.
Avoid table scraps and excessive rewards. Consult with your vet if there are metabolic diseases or other conditions that require specific diets.
Water
As important or more than food is water. Sometimes there are people who think that animals need to drink only once a day, and do not bother to keep the drinker clean. This is a very serious mistake, especially if those animals are cats, since dehydration can cause serious urine infections.
Therefore, We not only have to make sure that they always have water available, but that that water is clean and freshIn cats, a source This can encourage drinking. Wash the water bowl daily to prevent biofilm and Change the water frequentlyespecially in the heat.
Exercise (games)
Every animal needs to exerciseJust as we go for walks or runs to clear our heads, our animals should be able to do the same, whether by accompanying us on our walks if they are dogs, or playing with us inside the house if they are felines.
It is highly advisable to purchase some toys and use them daily to entertain our furry friends. A ball, a stuffed animal or a simple rope will be more than enough to help them burn energy and, incidentally, have a great time.
Plan your activity according to size, breed and energyavoiding hours of extreme temperaturesFor dogs, it includes walks, sniffing, and fetch games; a gentle warm-up before strenuous activity. For cats, the program... several short gaming sessions daily with reeds or tunnels and offers scrapers and heights to climb.
Veterinary care
Animals get sick too. As their caregivers, we have to make sure that they receive veterinary care whenever they need it, that is, whenever they have a fever, have lost their appetite and / or weight, or show any other symptoms that make us suspect that they are not found. well.
In addition, it follows a vaccination plan and periodic deworming (internal and external) adjusted to species, age, and environmental risk. Visit at least one annual review or more frequently in puppies and senior dogs. In the waiting room, keep your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier. covered pet carrier to give you security.
Useful checks at home: observe bright Eyes without secretions, wet truffle and without cracks, clean ears without bad odor, pink gums and non-foul breath, smooth skin and an adequate body condition.
Love
For a good coexistence and so that they do not feel sad or depressed, it is essential to give them love from the first day they arrive home. Let them sleep with you -unless you have allergy-, and that they accompany you for as long as possible. You will see how much they enjoy it .
Affection is complemented by predictable routineskind handling and respect for their personal spaceIf a change in your pet's behavior occurs, first rule out any health problems with your veterinarian.
Comprehensive hygiene at home
Bath and skinFor dogs, bathe them when needed with specific shampoo depending on their skin and breed. In cats, the following is usually sufficient: brushedHowever, it is advisable to get them used to handling in case they ever require a therapeutic bath.
NailsTrim them when necessary, cutting only the inert tipOn dark nails, go little by little. Cats need scrapers for its maintenance.
Ears and teethClean the ears with suitable veterinary products and perform dental hygiene with a toothbrush and specific toothpaste. Toys and diets designed for oral health help reduce tartar and bad breath.
Education and socialization
In dogs, the early socialization and learning basic rules with positive reinforcement They promote a balanced coexistence. Ignore inappropriate behavior, redirect it, and reward what you want to reinforce. Consider obedience training courses with professionals.
In cats, respect their independenceObserve their body language and avoid sudden changes in routines. Offer hiding places and elevated areas to manage stress.
Sexual cycle and sterilization
Dogs and cats go through heat cycles with behavioral changes. sterilization It prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of reproductive pathologiesThere are pharmacological alternatives under veterinary indication, although surgery is the preferred method because behavioral and health benefitsFind out about regulations in force on reproduction control and identification.
Walk, play and physical exercise
Plan your exercise according to your fitness level and avoid extreme heat. Walks are a great time to... explore and sniffAvoid tug-of-war games that encourage unwanted behaviors and warm up before intense activities to prevent injuries.
In cats, it enhances the environmental enrichment indoors with scratching posts, shelves, hunting toys and daily interaction With you. Uncontrolled loitering outside the home increases risks; prioritize safety.
Professional caregivers: when and how to choose
If you don't have enough time, consider dog sitters, walkers, cat sitters that visit your home or day care centers With professional supervision. Ask for references, verify. experience and aligns expectations with a prior interview. Prices typically range between 7 and 30 euros per hour Depending on the service, experience, and city, there are daily rates for daycare and other options. Specialty in animals on medication.
Identification and responsible coexistence
Put microchip and board Use an identification tag to help find your pet if it gets lost. Educate with respect. go to the vet Deworm regularly, don't abandon, and value the adoption as a solidarity option.
Seasonal risks and prevention
They increase during periods of heat and flowering. allergies, parasites and outdoor hazards. Avoid areas with processionary caterpillar, check out spikes on skin, ears, and between the toes, and protects against fleas and ticks. Controls toxic plants and bites; if symptoms appear, go to the vet.
With high temperatures, prioritize continuous hydrationshade, walks to first and last hoursNever leave the animal in the car and watch out for hot surfaces (asphalt, sand) that can burn padsDo not shave breeds whose coat acts as insulation; better frequent brushing.
In this way, both their lives and yours will be more complete. Take care with constancy, prevention y much affection It lays the foundation for a happy life together, reduces health problems, and strengthens a bond that lasts a lifetime.
