Most pet owners adopt a pet for
companionship. While it’s true that your furry pal is cute, cuddly and loyal,
you might be overlooking at the more important things besides the love and
comfort you are already providing. In some cases, first-time pet owners may
accidentally commit common pet care mistakes.
Sound body and good hygiene are the most
important things that should be maintained for pets. It is understandable that
all your efforts are good-natured intentions to bond well with your new-found friend,
but imparting care and affection are done differently with Fido or Fluffy. All it
takes is an expert advice to properly nurture your pet with right the food and
exercise.
The voice of the U.S. pet food industry, Pet
Food Institute (PFI), supports proper pet care with nutritionally-balanced and
wholesome pet foods that guarantee a fit and happy pet. Through its initiatives
in Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign with the Veterinary Practitioners
Association of the Philippines, PFI presents some of the most commonly
practiced pet care mistakes.
Neglecting
diet
The diversity in breed and size means that
there are unique nutritional requirements among dogs and cats. Without
consulting the vet and completely ignoring the value of a well-balanced diet for
your pet can result to long-term harm to their health.
Chubby pets, for instance, are widely misconceived
as a “cute..” In fact, obesity is prevalent among household dogs and cats due
to inadequate feeding practices. While it’s a thoughtful gesture to make
something for your loved ones, there is a big risk in giving home-made meals to
your pet. Table scraps, home-made pet foods are nutritionally dense and
possibly toxic. These foods can not only be negatively affect your pet’s
health, but also encourage them to be choosy on their preference of food.
Visiting
the vet only when the pet is sick
Vets play a crucial role in the welfare of
the pet. Timely health examination will greatly benefit pets as it grows older.
It is highly recommended to bring your pet to the clinic regularly because it
prevents unwanted conditions from getting worse. If the symptoms just started
to show, it is most likely your furry friend has been sick for quite some time.
Unlike people, most pets have a tendency to mask their uneasiness. If not
detected early, it will only prolong suffering and will gravely affect the
pet’s longevity.
Apart from evaluating your pet head-to-toe,
vets are also equipped with technology, such as X-rays, blood tests, and
urinalysis, to thoroughly examine and aid your pet’s health. To fully ensure
the safety of your furry companion, provide them with a recommended dose of preventative
medication. Vaccination, deworming and pest control are some of the
precautionary methods in boosting your pet’s immunity.
Skipping
the training
Having a well-trained pet can do great advantage among pet owners. It’s a mistake to be complacent on your pet’s behavioral development. Even though canines and felines have their own innate characteristics to survive and adapt their environment, leaving them untrained may lead to emotional, social and mental complications. Training keeps them sharp and alert because it stimulates their senses and puts them on the move. Especially for dogs, training is helpful in solidifying the pet-owner relationship – it can help fix unwanted behaviors and discourages them from aggravating other pets and people. House training, for example, will provide you convenience by the time your trained pet knows where to defecate in the proper areas.
For inexperienced pet owners who find it
difficult to train their furry pals, you can consider signing up in formal pet
training class. Classes are usually programmed based on age and skill level of
the pet. It can be a good head start to teach them basic obedience commands
and, possibly, some fun tricks your pets would be eager to learn.
Skipping
the exercise
In addition to a wholesome diet, your pet
needs appropriate exercise, which helps to optimize its physical and mental
harmony. It strengthens bones and muscles, reduces digestive problems, and
enhances brain function. Without activity, they can resort to destructive
behaviors like digging and scratching or develop attention-seeking behaviors
like excessive barking, for dogs.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a dull routine.
Besides, pets are great exercise buddies. You can tag them along for morning
walks or midday games of fetch or Frisbee. Athletic pet owners tend to be a bit
more adventurous and give their pets swimming lessons. Remember to ask an
expert about the best exercise for your pet. Vets will be able to give you
suggestions on how much activity your pet can handle based on its health condition.
Not reading pet food labels
Daily lives have demanding schedules and
there is an array of pet food options at the store. It may be overwhelming to
choose the best food for your dog and cat when you are in a rush, but it is
important to examine the label of pet food and select the best product for your
pet.
It can take some time to decipher the
nutritional information, so ask a specialist if you need help. As a basic rule,
look for certification labels for nutritional adequacy, such as the AAFCO (American
Association of Feed Control Officials) statement, which will help you determine
that the food is safe and has been tested to meet the recommended nutritional
profiles. Select a pet food that suits your pet’s age and size that is
formulated to achieve its nutritional requirements, and also follow the feeding
instructions. This will help you determine the amount food that should be
provided to your pets.
It’s not too late to avoid the pitfalls in committing
pet-parenting mistakes. Like a mother or father to a beloved child, pet owners
must be committed to providing what’s best for their pet. Responsible pet
ownership entails dedication in achieving their pet’s overall wellbeing. With
all the joy and comfort a furry friend shares, surely there is nothing better
to give in return than good health and happy life.
About the Pet Food Institute
PFI
is the voice of the U.S. pet food industry and represents the companies that
make 98% of U.S. pet food. PFI is the
industry's public education and media relations resource, representative before
the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and
educational programs, and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the
companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food. PFI is dedicated to
promoting the overall care and well-being of pets, and supporting initiatives to
advance the quality nutrition for dogs and cats. For more information on PFI
and proper pet nutrition, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org. Like this post? Subscribe to Manila Life by Email
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