February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month. It is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the care we give our furry companions. If you are a responsible pet owner already, it’s a chance to re-evaluate your pet’s needs to make sure you continue to meet them as your pet grows and ages.
Because pets rely on us 100% for their health and wellness, being a responsible pet owner is critical. So, this February, take a moment to look at your pet’s needs and determine if they have changed over time. If so, come up with ways to ensure you are helping them live the fullest life possible.
What Is Responsible Pet Ownership?
Pets are individual living beings with their own unique personalities and needs. Each pet may have different requirements and, as their owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that those necessities are met or exceeded.
Responsible pet ownership is about more than just physical well-being, since emotional wellness and overall quality of life are just as important. Being a responsible pet owner means giving your pet an engaging and fulfilling life where they are safe, comfortable, happy, and healthy. It is a holistic approach to your pet’s needs.
How to Take Better Care of Your Pet
Whether you are adopting a new animal or are a long-time pet owner, evaluating your pet’s needs to provide the best care should be a regular occurrence. Responsible pet ownership includes physical well-being, mental well-being, and emotional well-being. Each aspect of your pet’s life should be taken into consideration.
Physical Well-Being for Pets
Your pet’s physical health is important for them to lead a long and comfortable life. As a responsible pet owner, you need to ensure that your pet gets their annual wellness exam, and utilize that time to review their health needs with their vet. Young puppies or kittens and senior dogs or cats may require more than one wellness visit a year, so ask your vet if you should increase the number of visits to make sure your pet is healthy. Also, if your pet has a chronic disease or other health issues, consider more frequent visits to monitor their overall health and the disease’s potential progression.
Keep your pet up to date on their vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and heartworm prevention treatments. These preventative wellness measures will not only avoid a serious illness, but also make your pet more comfortable by protecting their hair and skin from unwanted pests.
While visiting your vet for a wellness checkup, ask about getting your pet spayed or neutered if they aren’t already. Spaying or neutering your pet helps them lead longer, healthier lives. Pets who haven’t been spayed or neutered may roam away from home looking for a mate, which opens them up to many potential injuries or even getting lost. These procedures can also help avoid certain injuries and illnesses that may develop later in a pet’s life, allowing them to stay healthier longer.
If you are concerned about the added costs of keeping your pet physically healthy, consider getting pet insurance. Pet insurance can provide assistance if your pet ever get sick or injured, and AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company) offers optional Wellness add-ons, in addition to their robust coverage, to help with preventative measures. Get a quote through AKC Pet Insurance and start your pet’s wellness journey today.
Mental Well-Being for Pets
Stress, anxiety, and boredom can all wreak havoc on your pet’s overall health. As a responsible pet owner, you can work to mitigate these issues for your pet so they can lead a happier life. Consider your pet’s daily life and how they show signs of stress, anxiety, and boredom and work to fill those times with activities that will comfort and engage your pet’s mind. When looking at their daily routine, make sure you are keeping to a predictable schedule. Pets appreciate a routine, and it can help lessen stress overall.
Emotional Well-Being for Pets
Studies prove that pets have emotions just like humans do, so emotional wellness is an important part of their holistic well-being. Keep your pet happy by engaging in their favorite activities, giving them their favorite treats, and spending time together. We know for a fact that snuggling your pet releases oxytocin, stirring feelings of happiness in both you and your pet, so grab a cozy space and cuddle your furry friend to make you both happier.
You love your pets, and they love you, and that is an important starting point for responsible pet ownership. This February, take some time to ensure you are giving your pet the best care possible by being a responsible pet owner who maintains their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
