Keeping Pets Healthy and Happy:
Most of us have pets for selfish reasons – we love the company of our pets, the attention they give us, and the satisfaction and entertainment we get out of interacting with them or simply watching them. While there is no harm in this, it is also important that we are good pet owners. What ever pet owner should aspire to, is to have a pet that is healthy and happy.
The question is what goes into making a pet healthy and happy. While the answer may vary from one pet to another, there are certain basics that one can apply universally.
At the most basic level, pets require food and shelter.
It is important to find out exactly what kind of food your pet needs, and how and when it must be fed. At the same time, do not make the mistake of constantly showing your affection by feeding your pet. This will make your pet less healthy, and consequently less happy. It is also important that you are aware of the kind of living conditions your pet requires. Different animals have different needs, and it is important that you provide living conditions that are comfortable and as close to the animal’s natural habitat, especially if your pet is not truly a domesticated one.
Another basic requirement for any pet is regular medical attention. This does not mean merely visiting the veterinarian when your pet is sick. Regular check ups are essential, and in addition, you should ensure that your pet has all the necessary vaccinations on a regular basis.
Companionship is another important factor in having a healthy and happy pet, especially for social animals like dogs and cats. You should also respect the fact that certain animals are not very social and like to be left alone, or are willing to be held and petted only occasionally. Others may not depend on human company, but need the companionship of their own species, and it is important to provide this.
Finally, it is also important to provide your pet with the skills to live in a human household and in human society. These skills do not come naturally, and animals do not automatically understand that certain behavior is unwanted. This is especially true for animals like dogs, who need to be trained. Ignoring this aspect is cruel, because it not only creates great confusion in the mind of the animal, but it often later leads to the animal being abandoned when the owner finds that a behavioral problem is too great to handle.
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