Properly Taking Care of Your Pet Throughout Various Parts of the Year

     Pets are often considered to be children by a majority of the pet owning population. Treated to sweaters, quality food, and a variety of toys pets have never lived better than they do today.

New owners are often well intentioned, but they do not always know what is best for their pet. A pet often thinks that human food is a great treat, but this kind of food is not always very good for them.

For example, poultry bones are very dangerous to pets and should never be given to them. These bones tend to splinter.

The pieces of bones are then very sharp and can get stuck in the intestines and even puncture them. The bones could also get stuck in the throat which will cause the pet to choke.

Chocolate and salt are also very bad for the health of your pets and have a particularly bad impact on dogs. The enzymes that are found in the stomach of these pets are not the same as the enzymes found in the stomach of a human.

Pets simply cannot digest these foods the correct way. Pets are not humans and they need to have a different diet.

When you purchase a new pet make sure that you begin conditioning him to the family rules and expectations right away or it will be very difficult to train him to follow those rules later. For example, if you purchase a puppy and you do not want him in the house when he is fully grown, you will need to put him out in the yard so that he gets used to it.

He will need to get into the habit of developing a winter coat yearly or he will suffer greatly when you finally do decide to put him outside. A dog that has spent his life outside will easily survive the winter.

However, a dog that has been in the temperature controlled house his entire life will not be able to cope with suddenly cold conditions. If you are keeping a dog in the dog house make sure the dog house is comfortable and that water does not run into it and collect on the floor.

In addition, turn the opening to face away from strong winds and place dry bedding in the house. Even if a pet is adjusted to cold conditions, they will need to be brought indoors if the temperature drops below zero Fahrenheit.

Due to the cold conditions pets also need more energy throughout the winter. You may want to feed them a little more food throughout the cold months.

You should also check your pet's water dish several times a day to make sure that it is not frozen. Replace their water with warm, fresh water twice a day.

Another danger to pets in the winter is the antifreeze that leaks from vehicles. This substance tastes sweet to pets, but is actually very dangerous.

Make sure you clean up an antifreeze spills you come across right away. It is also important that you check the paws of your dog after you take him for a walk in the winter snow and ice.

The salt used to clear sidewalks and roads as well as ice balls can get stuck between the pads of a dog's feet and cause irritation and sores. The pad can also dry out and start cracking.

It is also a good habit to hit the top of your car hood before you start the engine because cats find the engine a warm and dry place to sleep during the winter. If they are still sleeping there when you start the engine, the engine belts can hurt or even kill them.

Sweaters and coats are great for helping protect a small pet from the elements during a walk. It is important to be as mindful of the effect the elements will have on your pets as you are as mindful of the effect of the elements on yourself.

The heat of summer and humidity can be just as dangerous as winter weather. Pets need a lot of water in order to be able to cool themselves down.

Likewise it is also vitally important that you never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle during the summer. A pet can die or be a victim of brain damage in only a few minutes of being locked in a hot car.

Keep the needs of your pet in mind throughout the year and you will be awarded with an invaluable friendship. Your dog could be one of your best friends.