Tag: How To Keep Pets Stress Free

Keep Your Beloved Pet Stress Free!

Pets can be quite a stress buster after you come home from a long day of work, no questions asked. But did you realise that these fluffy darlings can be stressed out too? Of course, we’re not talking about the regular office stress or the tension of paying the EMIs on time. But pets, too, can have their share of stress! Wondering what could the reasons be? Well, here are a few points to help you take care of your pets better.

Also read: Things to remember while involving your kids and pets

Pets too need love and affection to maintain a healthy state of mind

Ensure you are well equipped to accommodate a pet

While having a pet can be a loving addition to your home, they may not necessarily be appropriate for your home. Ask yourself if you are capable of giving your pet the time, space and effort that they deserve. You need to understand that owning a pet is not all fun and games, and that you should be able to take up responsibility for them when the time comes.

Most pets would require attention during the day, so consider having someone at home while you’re away at work. If your lifestyle consists of a lot of moving around, we would suggest not getting a pet until you are well settled.

Choose your pet wisely

When choosing a pet, make sure to take your time and do thorough research on different breeds and animal types. Even dogs have many breeds and sub-breeds that have completely different needs. So take your time and keep an open mind to various options, as some may suit you better than others. The key point here is research. Do as much research as you can to understand what kind of a pet best suits your lifestyle. Each kind of pet has their own peculiar traits…

  • Dogs: Though dogs have so many different breeds, they all need lots of attention, space to roam and daily walks.
  • Hamsters, rabbits and small rodents: Easy on your pocket and needing lesser space than dogs, rodents are perfect pets for those dealing with tight spaces. They aren’t as cuddly though and they do tend to stink up the place.
  • Cats: Usually fine left on their own, they do need occasional TLC to keep them from taking revenge on the couch.
  • Fish: Fish need constant monitoring and just the right ambient conditions to survive. They aren’t too cuddly either, unless you don’t mind getting yourself wet.
  • Reptiles: Reptiles are usually low maintenance and easy to care of, though they seldom offer you a shoulder to cry on. However, when they do get sick it can be hard to diagnose.

Also read: 10 Tips To Make Your House Pet Friendly

Visit the vet

Don’t take your pet’s health for granted and plan regular visits to the vet.  Don’t forget to take them for their very first visit soon after adopting them, as many ailments can be detected and cured early on. Always remember to ask your vet to schedule vaccinations if required. Also don’t hesitate to ask him about symptoms your pet may show for common illnesses. Spay/neuter your pet if you do not wish to have more “baby-pets” in the future. It’s also a good idea to have your vet’s number on speed dial in case of emergencies.

Give them the right nutrition

Feeding pets ‘human food’ may not be the best idea. Think about it, our digestive system works differently from them. You are probably doing them more harm by offering them food from your plate than you’d think. Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs and can kill them if not treated quickly. Do your research or consult a vet to know the appropriate diet for your pet to keep them healthy and happy.

Also read: Foods that can poison your dog

Treat them with some TLC

Pets, like babies, need lots of tender love and care to maintain a healthy state of mind. Don’t adopt a pet if you can’t follow through and give it the time and care it deserves. If you’re the kind of person who is out at work all day, leaving your dog alone in the house can be very depressing and stressful for it. Make sure there is someone to care for your pets when you’re away, else consider not adopting pets in the first place.

Keep them clean and their enclosures clutter-free

Yes, pets can be messy and that’s where you come in, Papa Bear! You need to ensure you maintain good cleanliness standards for your pet. And in case you’re a spoilt brat who doesn’t wish to get your hands dirty, simply take your pet to one of the many pet grooming parlours opened around the city.  They may come at a premium, but they definitely do a great job. Many offer various packages including washing, shampooing, claw trimming and removing fleas! You can also purchase special vests to keep them warm during cold winters and raincoats to keep them dry in the monsoons.

Also read: Pick The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family And Lifestyle

So what are you waiting for, animal lovers? Get out there and adopt the pet of your dreams; they’re probably waiting for you to come and carry them home!

Monsoon Season Pet Care Dos And Don’ts

When the first shower of rains hit the earth, we earthlings rejoice as the scorching summer has finally ended. However, the happiness we feel when it rains isn’t shared by our animal friends. This season is a stressful time for your pets. Monsoon season pet care involves special care and attention from you.

Immunisation And Vaccination

Our furry friends are likely to be victims of rabies, aggravated flea infections, fungal infections, gastro enteritis, feline flu, etc during the monsoons. These, however, can be easily treated by the vet. Regular immunity shots and vaccines are essential to maintain good health.

There are no vaccinations for birds, the best thing you can do for them is ensure they are kept indoors at all times, not even the balcony will do. Keep them in a dry place and don’t forget to change their water regularly. Stagnant water breeds germs.

Also read: Care For Your Dog: 6 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Breathing Problems

As a result of the high moisture content in the air it is likely that your pet will suffer from respiratory diseases. They mostly suffer from respiratory tract infections which may also be related to an allergy. Cats are especially prone to this condition. To keep your pets comfortable, make sure their surroundings are dry and warm. Avoid air-conditioners and coolers.

High Humidity

The high levels of humidity in this season make their wet fur smell. Damp fur is a breeding ground for fleas and worms. Medicated talc and deodorants will help you tackle the smell and avoid fungal infections, while a constant check for worms and fleas is essential.

The high humidity has harmful effects on the health of your feathered friends as well. They can undergo skin infections and feather loss. Use topical anti-bacterial lotions to avoid this and keep them healthy.

Also read: Keep Your Beloved Pet Stress Free!

Bed And Bath

Don’t let your pets sleep on the floor during the rains. The cold floor may cause them to catch a cold. Prepare warm bedding for them, and make sure it is clean and dry at all times.

Bathing your pets may be required more often than usual, as going outdoors will result in them returning home covered in muck. Since a regular water bath isn’t advisable either, try investing in a dry shampoo for your pet.

As for birds, try and avoid baths for them as they are most likely to catch a cold because of it.

Diet

Give your pets ample food and fresh clean water, but don’t overdo it. Give them their prescribed dietary recommendation only, and don’t overfeed them. Vomiting and diarrhoea is common during the monsoon. Maintain a healthy diet for them, to keep their tummies functioning smoothly.

Exercise And Indoor Activities

Our pets, especially dogs, love the outdoors, but because of the downpour outside one must limit their outings. This may result in them becoming lazy and lethargic which isn’t very healthy for them. Get creative and come up with fun activities to do with your pets indoors. Your aim is to keep them busy, moving and active.

Also read: 5 Things That Cats Dislike Like Hell

Fashionable Monsoon Wear

When your pets do go out, cover them in some trendy pet wear. There are so many colourful options available in the market, that not only make your pets look adorable, but also serve as great protection against the downpour.

Things you should remember:

The sound of thunder is extremely unpleasing to your pets. Turn on the television to keep them distracted and mask the thunder’s noise.

Keep them dry at all times.

Don’t let them eat stale food and water. Give them a fresh meal in a clean dish.

Keep birds far from moisture and water.

Baby pets need extra attention and care.

At the slightest sign of an infection or itch, take them to a vet immediately; don’t medicate them yourself. Remember you aren’t a vet (unless you actually are one).

Lastly, keep in mind prevention is better than cure. Monsoon season pet care requires efforts from your side. Your pets are your responsibility; don’t be lazy in caring for them.