Many people adore their pets (really, how could you NOT adore them?) and some even treat them “like children.” As a self-described Cat Lady myself, I see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I live for my cats, or even that I live for their happiness – and yet, I wouldn’t dream of having them in my life if I couldn’t do things that brought them joy. They may not grin wide enough to eat a banana sideways, but they have a pretty good life. Here are some ways you can make your pet happy.
Feed Them a High Quality Food
Good food is the cornerstone of great health, and a healthy pet is a happy pet. Like us, our pets are energetic and in high spirits when they’re healthy. “We are what we eat” may be a cliché, but it’s the truth. Junk food is just that! Premium quality pet food like CANIDAE and FELIDAE, on the other hand, provides your four-legged friend with all of the nutrients they need for optimum health.
Spend Quality Time with Your Pet
Take time to play, each and every day. Pets don't understand “I’m too busy to play with you,” or “I had a grueling day at work and I’m beat.” They’ve been lying around the house all day with nothing to do, and YOU are the bright spot in their otherwise uneventful day. Even if all you can spare is five or ten minutes, it’s time well spent because those precious minutes will make your pet happy.
Groom Your Pet Often
Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets love. Regular brushing doesn't just make Fido or Fluffy look pretty and feel good, though. Routine grooming also helps prevent skin and coat problems, enables you to detect problems in their early stages, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. (See Basic Dog Grooming for more information).
Give Healthy Treats Once in Awhile
If your pets are anything like mine, it’s easy to see how ecstatic they get when the treats come out. Wildly wagging tails, excited barks, loud meows and nonstop purring communicate the message quite clearly. I’m still waiting for FELIDAE to make cat treats, but CANIDAE offers two natural and nutritious treats for dogs: the bite-sized Snap-Bits™ and their larger cousin, Snap Biscuit® treats.
Take Your Pet to the Vet
Now, I know what you’re thinking – how can vet visits make my pet happy? It’s true that many cats and dogs don't relish a trip to the vet. My cats wail so loud in the car (and more embarrassingly, in the vet’s waiting room) that it sounds like some sort of medieval kitty torture is taking place. Nevertheless, keeping their bodies healthy is an important part of responsible pet ownership, and like I said earlier, healthy pets are happy pets.
Tell Fleas & Ticks to Take a Hike
These pesky critters can cause intense itching that makes your dog or cat miserable. Some pets are so sensitive that a single flea bite can create a condition called “flea allergy dermatitis” which causes them to scratch and bite at their skin nonstop. Staying vigilant in the fight against fleas and ticks can help keep your pet happily itch free.
Stimulate Their Minds
Everyone knows how important regular exercise is for their pet, but did you know that mental stimulation is just as essential? Teach your pet tricks (yes, even cats can learn tricks!), participate in dog agility or feline agility competitions, or introduce your dog to fun sports like dock diving, flyball and lure coursing. If pets are left alone all day, buy them a couple of those “pet sitter” videos that play continuously on the TV.
Talk to Your Pet
You don’t have to believe that your pet actually understands your words to see the value in talking to your pet. Our words have the power to calm, to motivate and to help our pets feel loved. I watched a very touching Youtube video titled “A Dog’s Wish” that said it best: speak to me often, for your voice is the sweetest music.
Do What They Love
This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to make your pet happy. Every animal is a unique being with individual likes and dislikes. It’s up to you to get to know them well, so that you understand what it is they love most – be it belly rubs, ear scratches, petting, being hugged, or sitting quietly on your lap. Do what makes them happy, and they’ll give you unconditional love in return. The “Dog’s Wish” video had another quote I love: treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart on earth is more grateful for kindness than ours.
Read more articles by Julia Williams
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