As Valentine's Day quickly approaches it's a great time to reflect on how to show your pet you care about them. From spending extra time with them to special treats, and even regular veterinary care, there are many ways to show your pet that you love them.
One of the best ways to show your pets you love them is to spend time with them! Dogs are incredibly social animals and need to play and have interaction with their favorite humans. Spending some extra time walking around the block, playing at the dog park or enjoying a long game of fetch will not only provide much-needed exercise for your dog, but allow you to spend quality time with your pet. Even just sitting down and petting your dog will show them how much you care and they will love it. Toys that stimulate a dog's brain are another great way to show your pet you care. While cats may be more independent than dogs, they still love and need attention. You can tell if a cat needs more attention if they interrupt your activities including sitting on your computer or jumping into your lap. Pay attention to this body language and take some time to give your cat as much attention as they need. Invest in a laser pointer or teaser toy to add some extra fun into playtime for your cat.
You can show your pet you love and appreciate them in a lot of different ways. For most pets, getting a special treat lets them know that you care about them. The way through a pet's heart is through their tummies. Healthy options can include your favorite brand of treats like those designed to help clean teeth and gums. Or, you can go with homemade treats such as Peanut Butter Bacon treats. If you want something even more simple, you can get fresh fruits and veggies. While most "people food" is discouraged for pets (especially leftovers), there are some fresh fruits and vegetables that are appropriate including watermelon, blueberries, cooked sweet potatoes, bananas, green peas, apples, broccoli, and green beans. Be sure any foods you give your pet are not seasoned. Some seasonings, including garlic and onion, are toxic to dogs and cats. Cats may also enjoy a small bit of catnip sprayed on a toy, but be sure not to overindulge in catnip. If a cat ingests too much catnip, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
One of the best ways to show your pet you care is to get regular check-ups at the veterinarian. Annual exams help identify potential health issues, hopefully before they become a serious problem. Regular care ensures your pet is healthy and will be with you for a long time. Contact us to schedule your pet's annual check-up.