Pets, as family members, demand a lot of care and attention. Having a pet is a great responsibility. Learning a couple of things before you get one will certainly be of great help. Here is a short guideline:

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Think of the environment.

A healthy and enriched environment is definitely one of the keys to maintaining your pet’s well-being as well as your own. Pets need mental stimulation that will keep them active and happy at the same time. Daily walks, playtime and a whole bunch of different toys will keep your pets in shape and healthy.

Normally, pets have a habit of moving all around the house and snuggling with you. However, it is wise to make a special spot for your animal friend, especially because of the mess they can make. Pay special attention to your place’s hygiene, for your own good and the good of your pet. One of the downsides of having a pet is reduced air quality. Having furnace filters suitable for households with pets is a good idea.

Have regular vet visits.

Just as you take care of your health and pay for visits to the doctor, the same goes for your pet. Your pet can develop health difficulties such as heart problems, toothaches, arthritis and even cancer. The most effective way of preventing these problems is to see a veterinarian regularly. Annual examinations need to include weight and nutrition control, dental exams, parasite control and thorough health screenings. Only this way will you be entirely sure that your pet is doing well and is completely healthy. 

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Beware of parasites.

Dealing with parasites can considerably reduce the quality of your pet’s life. Typically, these are divided into two categories: external and internal. While fleas are the most common external parasites that can cause irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots and infections, they also introduce other types of pet parasites. Your pet just needs to swallow one flea and will end up having tapeworms. These are the most common internal pet parasites that usually affect cats and dogs. Annual checkups in veterinary clinics are the best prevention. Some medications made for dogs can be fatal to other species. Keeping your pet flea-free, worm-free and safe will ensure them the best quality of life. 

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Help your pet maintain a healthy weight. 

Your pet should stay active and have daily doses of mental stimulation through playtime. Some pet owners, in their compassion to ensure their pets have the best life, give them way too many treats and overfeed them. Unfortunately, this care usually ends up with your pet being overweight or obese.

Pet obesity carries almost the same risks as human obesity. Diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and cancer may strike your pet due to abnormal weight. Pets need fewer calories than we originally thought. It would be wise to discuss your pet’s diet with the vet. Dietary requirements may vary based on multiple factors such as lifestyle, age, weight and breed.

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Don’t forget about your pet’s dental care. 

Just like people, pets may have serious dental problems, causing them immense pain. Your pet can suffer from gum disease, tooth pain and eventually tooth loss. If you want to avoid these scenarios, the best thing you can do is to prevent them by having a good dental routine. Regular brushing and dental cleaning will spare you from this headache. 

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Keep your medications away. 

Your medications can kill your pet. Human medications are among the group of the top ten pet toxins. Painkillers such as naproxen or ibuprofen are among the most common pet poisons. Giving your pet human medications may result in a number of different problems, such as cardiac arrest, kidney damage and seizures.

Pets are known to have a positive effect on human health. Having a pet is both a blissful experience and a great responsibility. Once you learn how to take proper care of them, you will spend the best quality time hanging out with your best friend.