February is Responsible Pet Owners (Pet Parents) Month. Last Thursday we began our list of 50 things you can do to be a responsible pet parent. Here’s the rest of the list:
26. Keep your dog clean and groomed.
27. Brush your dog’s teeth. Yes, you heard right! Brushing your pet’s teeth will help guard against dental disease and expensive veterinary procedures.
28. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed.
29. Keep your dog pest free. Flea bites on dogs not only itch like crazy, but can also spread to you and your family.
30. Don’t chain your dog outside 24/7. Dogs crave interaction with us.
31. Keep time outside short when it’s very cold.
32. If you find that your pet is “too much trouble” take steps to figure out how to deal with the problems.
33. Help fearful pets learn how to cope with things they fear.
34. Ease pets’ separation anxiety. Try music, Kong toys or arranging for a pet walker.
35. Give your dog something to do.
36. Keep your dog stimulated with toys, change of scenery, walks, play dates, etc. for good mental health.
37. Vow to keep pets safe from other animals, bigger dogs, bullies, etc
38. Teach your children to treat pets respectfully. No pushing, pulling, kicking or teasing.
39. Teach neighbor kids to ask before patting your dog. Even if your dog is friendly, the lesson may prove valuable in other instances.
40. Keep your pet restrained in the car. Cats should travel in a carrier. Dogs can be in a carrier, or with a harness and seat belt, or in a pet booster seat. Or use a gate to keep pets from getting into the front seat.
41. Never leave your pet in parked car in the summer. Temperatures can rise to deadly levels, even with the window cracked open. Don’t take the risk.
42. Keep litter boxes neat and tidy.
43. Keep cages of small pets clean and fresh.
44. Learn which exotic pets (such as snakes, monkeys, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, ferrets) are safe, dangerous and illegal.
45. Keep batteries, antifreeze, and other dangerous materials safely away from pets.
46. Learn pet first aid and CPR.
47. Keep the appropriate number of pets. Make sure you can adequately feed, house and tend to the number of pets in your care.
48. Report any signs of suspected animal hoarding or abuse you may see.
49. Make an emergency plan in case of your illness or a natural disaster.
50. Provide your pet plenty of love. You’ll get plenty back!
