Show Your Pets You Love Them - Keep Them Healthy And Comfortable

Dogs and cats have been an important part of our history for thousands of years, dogs and cats have made us both happier and healthier, first as dogs who supplied help in hunting and other tasks, and cats as hunters of another sort - they have always been most effective at removing mice and other such creatures.

But the biggest reason we care for cats and dogs is now the relationship that exists between a pet owner and our pets. Dogs and cats are part of the family, and they often very important to our children, who grow up with an adored dog or cat.

It is up to us, then to make sure our four legged companions are both happy and healthy.

Thankfully, that is easier in this day and age than ever before. Treat your animal for fleas and ticks regularly and choose their food carefully. Dogs and cats can have problems with health, but a proper diet and a good exercise regime helps to keep our pets healthy. The selection of pet foods is more vast these days and the focus is shifting to more natural and less processed foods for our pets just like it is for us.

Another area that has changed a lot over the years is the vaccination requirements. In the past an annual vaccination was often recommended however chat with your vet about other options like the Titres blood test for dogs to see if your dog has the necessary antibodies in its system and whether another vaccination is really required.

To make your dog most beneficial to the family's enjoyment of the family dog is some basic dog training. Many cities have puppy classes that allow you and your puppy to socialize with other owners and puppies in a safe environment and learn some basic commands and some handy tips about toilet training. Make sure to keep socializing your puppy after these puppy classes to make sure that your dog is exposed to as many different situations and noises as possible so they develop into a well adjusted, confident and relaxed member of the family.

Having a cat can be less demanding, however if you have an indoor cat you need to think about fun games to stimulate your cats life and a quick browse of the web can offer an array of interactive toys. An outdoor cat is likely to have a more naturally stimulating environment however these days there is a lot more focus on protecting wildlife, like birds from domestic cats so a bell on your cats collar is a good way to protect the wildlife in your area.

Developing a schedule is key for exercising your animal, and it is also a great excuse for the family to spend time together. An excursion to a local park or football oval is a great way to give your dog some quality off leash exercise, especially if you have a local dog park where your dog also has the opportunity to socialize with other dogs.

If your animal is an indoor/outdoor animal, as dogs and cats often are in more rural areas, make sure there is not just water, but an ample amount of shade from a tree or other sources. A doghouse which is in direct sunlight can get very hot - in the shade that is not as much a concern, so make sure your animals have a way to get out of the sun, whether it is natural or artificial.

It's also a good idea to make sure your dog your cat has their own place to take some time out, rest and get a good nights sleep. There are a lot of different styles of dog beds online, so you are sure to find one that matches your home decor perfectly.

Find a spot that's out of the way but still allows your dog to be part of the household. As most people discover your dog tends to follow you around the house so its often a good idea to have a dog bed in a couple of strategic positions in the house like the bedroom and the lounge room to save you constantly moving the pet beds.

Treat your pets to the best they deserve, and you and your family will be rewarded many times over with the love of your favorite family pet.