Getting a pet is something that can often transform your life in a positive way. However, it’s understandable if you might have some concerns about getting a pet. So in this post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the biggest considerations to keep in mind so that you can be fully prepared for what it means to have one in your home.
Owning a pet is something that will span anywhere from a few years to a lifetime. Dogs and cats can be pets that last anywhere up to 15 or more years, and even smaller pets can spend years of their life with you. There are many families that treat pets like objects which they own for just a couple of years because it’s a seasonal thing, and this is what leads many dogs, cats, and other pets to be abandoned.
Luckily, many of these pets are eventually adopted and will end up in loving homes with new families. However, many of these pets still go through the trauma of being abandoned and some of them will forever be changed. So try not to see a pet as just something that only lasts for a few years. Sometimes, they can be with you for an entire lifetime, and it’s best to prepare for future responsibilities.
Treating your pet to a good lifestyle
Many people believe that they can’t treat their pets to a good lifestyle because it’s either too expensive or too time-consuming. Sadly, this is true for the most part and having a pet means you should be doing everything you can to provide them with a comfortable life. Whether that means looking for luxury dog beds for sale, giving them healthy and nutritious food, or even just playing with them on a regular basis, it’s important to think about how you can better provide for your pet.
If you think that this is too much commitment then you may want to reconsider owning a pet. While it can be a lot of fun and will offer companionship, you need to think about the practicality of owning a pet and if you’re able to offer them a good lifestyle. Thankfully, this is usually true for larger pets such as cats and dogs, so there’s always the option of going for something that is less stressful to maintain such as fish.
Owning a pet can be expensive
If you’re thinking about owning a dog, a cat, or any other pet that requires quite a bit of maintenance and care, then you need to consider the expenses. Whether it’s buying food, veterinary fees, or even just paying for grooming, there are lots of different costs that you need to keep in mind and many of them aren’t exactly cheap.
If you currently aren’t in a good situation to pay for these expenses, then you may want to wait until you have more financial stability to get a pet. There are also less expensive pets to consider such as fish or even hamsters which don’t require as much investment.
It is expected that almost two out of every three Americans will open their hearts and their homes to a companion animal. Even more so during a pandemic, when life can be frightening and unpredictable, the comfort and stability provided by a pet are essential.
In this post, we will look at some of the ways that, when the time comes for your beloved pet to cross the rainbow bridge, you can deal with the grief and learn to live without their physical presence in your life.
Pet owners may find this to be the most difficult decision they have ever had to make. When making a decision, remember to consider what is best for your pet, no matter how difficult the decision may seem to be.
Because no two cases are alike, consulting with your veterinarian will be beneficial. Because they are less emotionally invested, it may be simpler for them to think about what is best for your pet and to guide you through the various options accessible to you. You can ask them as many questions as you want – no inquiry is too silly – because they are there to provide advice.
Do not forget to reach out to your family and friends for emotional assistance as well.
Getting ready to say goodbye
Unfortunately, we frequently feel as if we have little control over our pet’s fate at this period, which can be distressing for some pet owners.
Concentrate on the aspects of the situation that you can influence. For example, you can request that your veterinarian come to your home in order to make your pet more comfortable.
You can also consider where your pet will be buried or cremated after they have passed away.
How to move on after the death of a pet
– Reach out to others who understand
The pain of loss is hard to bear, especially when the one you have lost is a pet who has been with you for many years. If this has happened to you, or someone that you know, then it’s time to reach out to others who understand.
The most important thing at this moment is that you’re not alone in your experience. A pet owner’s grief is often more intense than the grief of a person who has lost a human family member or friend because they have been with them for so much longer and shared so many memories together.
If there are local resources available for grieving pet owners, contact them and ask what they can do to help because sometimes just knowing that someone else understands how tough it can be can really bring some relief.
– Be kind to yourself
Take good care of yourself. While you are going through the grieving process, make an effort to engage in some self-care activities. This might be accomplished by making some more time for your regular self-care activities or by attempting something new that you believe will be therapeutic for you.
If you feel the need, take some time off from work.
Among the self-care activities, you might try at home are the following:
Hot bubble baths
Yoga or meditation
Journaling
Walking
– Find ways to memorialize your animal
Creating a memorial for your pet is a wonderful way to express your affection for them. If you enjoy creating things, consider writing, building a photo collage, or setting up a rest area for them either inside or outside of your home to keep them close to you. You can also look at some beautiful urns for pets to have them in your home with you at all times. Some people like to have ashes made into things like rings or necklaces to wear as well.
– Put their things away at your own speed
Some people may wish to give or pack away their pet’s belongings as soon as possible after a loss so that they do not need to see them while others may need to do it over a longer period of time. It may be difficult to let go of your pet’s belongings at first, but allow yourself to move at a speed that is comfortable for you.
It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to do things. If you do not want to keep the things for yourself, why not consider donating them to an animal shelter to help give another animal a bit of joy and happiness and carry on their legacy?
– Understand that the way that you feel is normal and valid
Being absolutely heartbroken after the death of a pet is nothing to be worried or embarrassed about – they are completely valid feelings and emotions. Remember, they are a part of your family as well.
– Recognize that the way that you grieve may be different from the way someone else grieves
According to the Kübler-Ross model, mourning is divided into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance or adaptation.
Your path through these phases, even from one day to the next, will be unique to you and your circumstances. Each person goes through these stages at their own pace and in their own way, and they can go back and forth between them. There is no consistent way to approach grieving, denial, rage, bargaining, or any of those phases – it is not a linear process.
We must acknowledge that people are experiencing these emotions, and we must encourage and lead them through each of these diverse emotional reactions.
– Hold a remembrance ceremony
People who have lost a beloved pet often find great consolation in gathering with friends and family to commemorate them. It is a time for them to say their goodbyes while also commemorating the pet’s existence. The ceremonies can be heartbreaking, but they can also be extremely cathartic.
– Make sure your whole family is supported – children and other animals
The loss of a fluffy pal has an impact on everyone in the household. You may need to comfort your other pets as well, as they are likely to be grieving as well. If you have multiple pets in the house, they will mourn the loss of their companion.
Children may also require further help because the death of a pet may be their first personal experience with death. This may be their first real opportunity to lose someone. We have to make certain that we are able to assist them in times of sadness, death, and dying. It is a whole new experience for them, and it can be really frightening for them.
Above all, remember that it will take time to come to terms with the loss of a pet. If you do not obtain another pet straight soon, and even if you do welcome another pet into your household, there will be a period of adjustment before everything is back to normal. At the end of the day, you realize that your pet just wants you to be happy. You never really “move on” — you just keep moving forward, and the attachment you have with each pet is unique. They can’t be replaced for a like-for-like companion.
If you get a new pet before you have had enough time to work through your grief, and this may result in issues with the pet as well as with yourself. So, when is the best time to make a decision? Due to the fact that everyone grieves in their unique way, there is no uniform solution to that issue.
Some people find that the loneliness of an empty house makes grieving more difficult, and a new pet can be a comfort during this time. Others, on the other hand, may harbor resentment against a pet that was acquired too soon. This is the best moment to get yourself a new pet since you will have worked over your grief sufficiently to feel secure in the knowledge that you will be able to look forward to new relationships rather than backward at your loss. Depending on the individual, this could take a matter of days or weeks; for others, it could take months or years.
When a pet passes away, grieving is a perfectly normal and natural reaction. Never allow anyone to tell you that you are insane or ridiculous for grieving over “just an animal.” Never allow anyone to convince you otherwise. The end of a relationship is painful; thus, do whatever you need to do to get through the painful period. Cry, punch a pillow, chat to a friend or support group, and plan a memorial service that will allow you to pay honor to your pet while also saying farewell to him or her. Then, when the time is perfect for you, you will be able to share your affections with a new, carefully selected animal companion.
Dogs and wolves diverged from a common, now extinct, wolf ancestor around 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. Since then, domesticated dogs have been forming relationships with humans and behave very differently from their wild counterparts.
We all know instinctively that dogs show and feel love. But it can be hard to get on their wavelength sometimes. After all, we’re human, and they’re not.
The good news is that science is riding to the rescue. Researchers are discovering all sorts of new ways for us to show our dogs that we care. Here’s what to do if you feel that your pup is in need of some love and attention.
Massaging Their Ears
The ears are among your dog’s most sensitive areas. What’s more, because the tissue is thin here, it can be hard for it to clear out waste products.
Massage may help with this process. Research shows that it stimulates the production of feel-good hormones in dogs, similar to what happens to humans after a run. Dogs will also often fall asleep after an ear rub.
Raw dog food for beginners might seem like a bit of a minefield. But remember, dogs descended from wolves, and their wild forbears only ate raw meat. There was no one around to cook it for them.
For dogs, raw meat in today’s world is a bit of a delicacy. Relatively few owners ever serve it up. However, it can be a real treat and might even offer health benefits since it is closer to what pups would naturally have eaten in the wild anyway.
Given that pets can’t really understand human language, telling your dog that you love them sounds a little strange. But, according to science, it can be very effective. Monitoring of dogs’ brains show that their reward centers light up when humans express loving sentiment. So, in a sense, they can tell that you care, even if they don’t know precisely what each of the individual words means.
Getting On Their Wavelength
Dogs, of course, have a language of their own. And understanding this makes it easier to communicate with them and tell them how much you care.
Remember, most dogs don’t like being hugged. It makes them feel trapped and under threat. Also, pay attention to their body language. Once you understand canine cues, it becomes much easier to give your dog what it wants.
Rewarding Them
We’ve known for hundreds of years that dogs love rewards. They’ll do practically anything for them. Food is their biggest motivator, it seems.
When your dog does something for you (such as grab the mail), do something for them in return. Give them a treat to say thank you for all their hard work. Dogs appreciate this form of communication because it provides them with something real – something that they can sink their teeth into, literally.
Are you doing any of these scientifically-proven things that your dog will love? If not, why not?
Every pet owner wants to provide the best care for their furry friend, but it can be challenging to know where to start. You must take into account all of the factors to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy.
If you are unsure of how to take care of your pet, here are some factors and tips on caring for a pet.
Nutrition
When it comes to pet care, nutrition is essential. There are a few things to remember when it comes to pet nutrition. First, you should always consult a veterinarian before switching food or adding something new to your pet’s diet.
Second, choose foods made from quality ingredients and don’t have too much salt or sugar content, as those can lead to health problems down the road for your furry friend.
Playtime
Pets need a lot of attention. Not only do they need care and love, but also playtime. This will keep your furry friend active and happy. Many different toys are available for dogs.
You can find toys that will squeak, roll around, or even dispense food. These types of toys keep your pet entertained and excited to play with you all day long.
Grooming
Grooming is essential to keeping your pet healthy and happy. It can often reduce their anxiety, improve circulation, help them maintain reasonable body weight, cut down on shedding (which reduces allergies), protect against sun damage and more.
Grooming also allows you to check for any injuries or sores that may need attention. It also gives you a chance to identify whether your pet has any dental issues. If so, you might want to learn tips on looking after your cats teeth.
Neutering and Reproduction
Neutering is an essential part of pet care. The two main reasons for neutering are preventing overpopulation and reducing the risk of medical conditions such as cancer in dogs and cats, especially early spaying, which can help avoid uterine infections called pyometra.
Still, this type of surgery does increase risks like urinary incontinence and obesity later on. The longer you wait to neuter, the higher risk for medical problems. Pregnancy doesn’t have any serious risks for dogs and cats, but taking care of a pregnant pet is different from other pets. Even if you plan on spaying your pups or kittens after they’ve had their litters, caring for a pregnant pet is still different from caring for your other pets.
Bedding
There are many different types of bedding that you can use for your pet. The most common type is wood shavings or pellets, but there are other options, such as paper-based materials and sawdust.
There are also recycled newspapers available which may be a good choice depending on what you want to do with the soiled bedding. Your choice of bedding will depend on the animal you have, your budget and how often you want to clean out their cage or habitat.
Bedding is essential for many different reasons, but it mainly helps with odour control and provides a place where they can dig, which some animals like to do. Choosing the correct bedding type can also help keep them safe from ingesting shavings or being caught in the sawdust.
Caring for a pet is rewarding, but there are many responsibilities you need to be aware of before getting one. Pets rely on people for their well-being and can be very sensitive if things aren’t quite right.
Owning any dog is, naturally, going to come with its own set of responsibilities. Every breed is somewhat different in terms of their needs, as well. However, if there are any types of dogs that you should take more care to ensure that you’re ready for, it’s the big ones. Big dogs can overpower humans, and they can also take up a lot of room and resources that many owners aren’t prepared for. As such, here are a few tips on how to ensure that you’re ready to take care of an oversized pooch.
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Get ready for everything to cost more
With a big dog, you’re going to need bigger resources to help them meet all of their needs. This includes bigger beds, bigger crates (if you’re using them), bigger and hardier toys to deal with the fact that they bite with much more force. Then you have to consider larger doses of vaccines, pet medications, and more. Do your research into how much it costs to own a dog and expect to be on the higher end of the spectrum of those costs if you own a big dog.
They eat a lot more
Everyone wants their dog to be happy and healthy. However, in order to achieve that, you have to be ready to meet a lot of demands. With big dogs, people are often surprised how much they end up spending on food alongside all the other costs. A raw meat diet is often recommended for big dogs, but there are some trustworthy big dog foods. Don’t try to make it into any kind of guesswork, however. Talk to your vet about what foods they recommend and specific portion sizes that you should leave out for them.
They need more exercise and space
If you’re looking for an apartment dog, then you should not be looking at the bigger breeds out there. There are some people who can manage to live in a small space with a big dog but it’s not ideal. They need a lot of space to run around, to play, and to find spots to rest, even when they’re at home. Big dogs require a lot of exercise and you can get dog toys specifically for larger and more active breeds that can help you meet those needs. Of course, walking is where they’re going to get the bulk of their physical activity.
Walking is a challenge if you’re not ready
One lesson that most people are going to learn as their big dog grows is that the dog is stronger than them. As such, if you lose control of them when walking, it can be legitimately dangerous. Even if your dog isn’t aggressive, they can head out into the road or come into contact with dogs or people that are hostile. As such, a dog harness allows you to better control them without as much force and doesn’t have as much potential for harm as collars or chokers. Teaching them to heel on command is also essential, however, to make sure you’re not fighting them the entire way through your walk.
They all shed, they all need grooming
All big dogs shed. This is a truth that you’re going to find is nigh universal. As such, you had better ensure there isn’t anyone who is allergic to pet dander in the home. Furthermore, you’re going to want a dog hair vacuum to make it easy to scoop up that dander or you will find it sticking to everything you own. Frequent grooming is also a must to keep things from getting too messy to keep up with.
Training is essential
This isn’t to say that there is any dog that doesn’t need some training, in terms of listening to commands and socialising. However, big dogs are, as mentioned, stronger than most people, and have a lot of potential to cause harm or destruction even when they mean well. As such, it may be worth investing in professional dog training to make them more obedient and easier to control.
There’s nothing to say that owning a big dog is any less exciting, fun, or fulfilling than living with a smaller dog. You should simply be prepared for the additional effort and thinking that it can take. Similarly, very small dogs take a little extra prep and care to own as well. The lesson here is: know what kind of dog you’re getting and what you need to do to be a better owner to them.
Getting a pet can feel like taking the next big step in life, especially if you and your partner are giving yourself a trial run before having kids. Everyone wants to bring in a cat or happy or healthy dog into their house, and they are certain to give it all the love and attention it needs. However not all homes are built with pets in mind, so you may need to adjust your house to make it as pet friendly as possible. If you’re a first-time pet owner, you might not know where to start, so here’s some advice.
Make It Comfortable
Even non-pet owners know how much animals love to lounge and sprawl around the home, so one of the first things you’ll need to do is make the home as comfortable as possible. This starts with blankets, sofas, beds, and anything else you can think of. If you’re trying to keep your pets off the furniture, for the time being, look at which are the easiest fabrics to clean when owning a pet so you won’t have too many problems cleaning them should they find their way onto the sofa while your back is turned, even for half of half a second.
Remove Hazards
Pets are curious creatures, especially when they are young. They want to learn everything they can about the world around them, but this usually manifests as trying to eat it. The problem with this is that there are many poisonous plants or small items that could harm your pet. As you won’t be able to keep an eye on them forever, you should try to eliminate as many hazards as possible so you are confident of their safety even if you aren’t at home.
Think About Your Surfaces
Hardwood floors are always nice to look at, and they definitely make it easier to clean up any accidents your pet might have while you are still house training them, but there are also issues. Pet claws can scratch and ruin the wood, and as there is not a sufficient grip for them, they could skid and injure themselves when they get too excited. Because of this, think about putting down large rugs that will give them better stability if you don’t want to install brand new carpets.
Give Them a Place to Exercise
Being able to take your dogs for walks is one of the best parts of owning a pet, but they also need a place to exercise and burn off some energy during the rest of the day. You can look at the best advice for puppy and dog walking to get an idea of how much they need, while also considering how possible it is to give them someplace to play. A flat is not ideal for dogs, especially larger ones, but cats can usually get by fine if you install a cat tower to keep them engaged.
Pet Heaven
Sooner rather than later, your pet will become the liege of your home. There’s not much you can do the change this, but as long as it lives in the luxury you always wanted for it, do you really mind?
