General Pet Care Tips & Tricks
Understanding the biology, physiology, and nature of your pet is crucial in developing a strong and meaningful human-animal bond. Your veterinarian in North Charleston at Sweetgrass Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing resources and information to better enhance the relationship between you and your pets.
Like humans, every animal is different. However, most animals share common traits and behavior habits that have been passed down in their genealogy. Our expert veterinary team in Summerville, SC have compiled this list of helpful insights to help you find the right tricks and tips to help you provide optimal pet care.
Tricks & Tips For Young Pets:
- The earliest stages of life in young pets is one of the most important timeframes to condition your pet and develop a bond. The more you engage with your young pet, the more comfortable and safer they will feel around you. Offering a sense of protection and safety goes a long way in the mind of your pet. They are still infantile, and the world can be a terrifying place. Helping instill a sense of confidence that you are there for your pet will enable a strong and lasting bond with your pet.
- Try not to lose your temper or grow irritated by your pet’s naivety. They are still young and are learning many new things that take time to comprehend. Most animals continue to develop cognitive abilities throughout their first year of life, so keep in mind it may be a gradual process before your pet starts to really pick up on your signals and commands.
- 3Your pet may be too young to have impactful training. As growing animals, your pets can only retain so much information at a time. Forcing new or high volumes of information can prove detrimental and ineffective and can often confuse your pet. It is recommended that you let your pet come to a certain age before seriously considering professional or intensive training. Consult with your veterinarian in North Charleston at 9730 Dorchester Road to determine when is the best time for effective training.
- Consider how the introduction of your young pet into your life has changed certain facets of your environment. How does your day to day routine change by having a pet around? Think about how your living situation needs to be oriented to facilitate having a young animal around. Moving any sentimental or harmful objects that you don’t want your pet to find is a great way to avoid future headache.
- Allocate the proper finances for your young animal. Many young animals need vaccinations and boosters to keep them up to date on all of their medical needs. Keeping in mind that your pet may need more veterinary attention in their earlier years is a great way to stay head of any unexpected health concerns that may arise and bring about financial obligations.
Tricks & Tips For Adult Pets:
- Pay attention to your pet’s health and signs of behavior. With keen observation, pet owners can learn a lot about their pet’s health any well-being by recognizing certain things like discomfort, changes in behavior, dietary changes, and etc. Having a prior knowledge and understanding of your adult pet can serve as a reference for your pet’s condition. It is recommended that if you notice any abnormal or sudden changes in your pet’s behavior or health that you contact a veterinarian in North Charleston at Sweetgrass Animal Hospital to assess the situation further.
- When your pet is fully grown and has confidence in themselves, you may want to consider letting them socialize more with other humans and animals. Taking your dog to the park or your cat to a kitty club can yield more positive behavioral habits when your pet interacts with others. Getting them used to humans they aren’t as familiar with is also a good way to develop certain social ques that help establish how your pet should behave when in contact with others.
- Keep your pet lean and active. Allowing your pet to get enough exercise plays a major role in your pet’s overall health and status. Overweight or obese pets live drastically shorter lives and are more prone to developing costly health issues. A strict but nutritious diet paired with the appropriate amount of exercise can help your adult pet stay at their peak healthiness.
- Do not let your pet roam unsupervised or unattended. Your pet has their own brain and thinks very differently. If you pet is well behaved or is independent, you might think you’re doing your pet a favor by letting them roam about, but you are introducing them to numerous dangers. If left unrestricted, your pets can cause damage to property, run away and get lost, be attacked by a predator, be subject to automobile accidents, exposure to diseases and poisons, and much more. We recommend if you are going to be away from your pet that they are confined to a closed setting. For more than a couple of hours of separation, we suggest seeking boarding services.
- Balance in life is key. Do not let your pet become spoiled or too complacent in their lives. They need to know who their owner is, and that you are looking out for them. Make your pets earn everything you give them, whether it be attention, food, affection, toys, or etc. You should want your pets to obey and understand who you are. You want your pets working for you, not the other way around. Don’t condone bad behaviors and make sure you reward your pets for being good.
Tricks & Tips For Senior Pets:
- Your pet has gotten older and has had their share of experiences in life. It is important to remember any health or life events that would draw concern. Previous medical records can be very informative and can help determine the best procedures moving forward with your senior pet’s health. Notifying your veterinarian in North Charleston at 9730 Dorchester Road of any previous surgeries, health issues or concerns will greatly benefit the diagnosis of your senior pet.
- As they age, your pet’s body will change. Keep on the lookout for signs of arthritis or dermatological issues. Senior pets tend to develop these issues in their later years, and it is important to observe. If your pet has issues climbing stairs, has a decreased activity, or problems with sitting or standing it may be indicative of arthritis. Helping your pet stay clean and itch-free is another great way to optimize your pet’s comfort in their later years.
- Your pet’s digestive habits are also subject to change with age. Changes in eating habits can be a result of dental or digestive issues, so keep an eye on your pet while they eat. Switching up diets can also be beneficial in staving off health concerns. Feeding senior pets with the right nutritional values and amounts can help prolong life greatly.
- Schedule regular health visits with your veterinarian in North Charleston at Sweetgrass Animal Hospital. Seeing a veterinarian with frequency can help make sure your pet enjoys their remaining years. Our talented and attentive veterinary team can spot indications of health issues and can help converse with you about what’s best for your geriatric pet.
- Consider what you may need to do to accommodate your senior pet’s livelihood. Avoid making them use steps and over-exerting themselves. Most senior pets have limited energy, so make their lives easier by being patient and thinking about life in their eyes. There are veterinary products designed specifically for pets in their later years, like orthopedic beds, pet massagers, and comfortable clothing to keep them warm.