Being a Responsible Owner (part 1)
February, in addition to being Black History Month and Heart Disease Awareness 
Month, is also Responsible Pet Owner Month. Here at Wag Brag, we take being a responsible pet owner very seriously. We know that your pets are not just pets – they are members of your family. Regardless of the type of pets you have, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are treating these beloved family members with the kind of care they need and deserve.
Month, is also Responsible Pet Owner Month. Here at Wag Brag, we take being a responsible pet owner very seriously. We know that your pets are not just pets – they are members of your family. Regardless of the type of pets you have, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are treating these beloved family members with the kind of care they need and deserve.Checkups and Vaccinations
Depending on the type of pet you have, it is entirely possible that you are legally responsible to vaccinate your pet; nevertheless, there are different types of vaccinations that may not be required by law but are important to helping maintain good pet health. While you’re at it, be sure to have your pet checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis; preventative health care is important for animals just as it is for humans. Moreover, catching a condition or disease early can result in a wider range of treatment options, a greater likelihood of healing or maintenance, and even less of a financial burden.
Daily Hygiene
With dental and skin care, it is recommended that you attend to these matters on a daily or regular basis. While shedding and bad breath may be irritating, preventing dental infection and mange is much more important. And cats and dogs are not the only pets who need this type of attention. Although you may be a unable to brush the teeth of a pet rodent, providing certain types of food or chew toys can help keep their teeth healthy and intact. If you notice that your pet is developing skin or fur problems, don’t ignore it. These conditions may be simple to fix (such as a change in diet or regular grooming), may be causing your beloved pet a lot of discomfort, and could possibly indicate a larger problem. Don’t ignore other body parts, either; trimming nails, cleaning beaks and shells, and more may be required to keep your pet in tiptop shape.
Proper Nutrition
As a responsible pet owner, is your job to make sure your pet is getting of the nourishment, nutrients, and hydration that they need. Different types of animals require different amounts and types of food, as well as water or other liquids. There’s a lot of information available about different types of brands of pet foods, and it is your job to make sure that the food you select is healthy for your pet. Even with an excellent and nutritious wet or dry food, you may still need to supplement their diet. Some birds and most pet rodents require fresh fruits and vegetables; dogs, cats, snakes, and other animals may benefit from other supplemental foods or fresh meat. But be absolutely certain that what you give your pet is safe for them as many items appropriate for human consumption may be dangerous or deadly to your pet.
Check out our upcoming blog that details more ways to ensure that you are being a loving and responsible pet owner!
Photo: Courtesy of Maxwell GS via Flickr (CC by 2.0)
