April 02, 2021
Celebrate by giving your furry friend the best care
We’re letting the cat out of the bag—National Pet Day is right around the corner and it’s time to celebrate your furry friend. This year, we challenge you to spend time educating yourself on the best ways to care for your pet. If you ask us, that’s one of the greatest presents of all. Here are some of our best tips for making April 11th extra special for your furry friend.
Grooming
Just like you visit the dentist for a tooth cleaning and the hair salon for a trim, your pet will need the same treatment. Generally, cats and dogs should be bathed at least once every three months. That said, you may need to clean them more frequently if they have any skin conditions or regularly roll around outdoors. As for that beautiful fur, it needs to be brushed—but the frequency will depend on the type and length of hair they have. For example, if your pooch has a short coat, you may only need to brush once a week. That said, those with a long coat may need daily attention. When their hair gets too long, feel free to trim it as necessary, but be sure to never shave it as there’s a higher likelihood of injury. Don’t forget about those nails, either. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends clipping them every 10 days to three weeks to prevent them from catching their paws on soft surfaces.
Annual Exams
Annual exams for pets work just like they do for their owners. The veterinarian will examine your friend to help make sure they’re healthy from the inside out. Remember, this is your time to raise concerns about your pet’s health. So, be sure to look out for changes in appetite, energy or attitude. If your pet is older or has known medical conditions, you may need to make more frequent trips to the vet.
Toys
If there was ever a time to buy your furry friend a new toy, it’s National Pet Day. While there are no specific rules around which ones to buy, we recommend looking for longer-lasting options—like rope toys for dogs and activity centers for cats. Rope toys can withstand even the toughest bites, unlike their plush, squeaky toy counterparts. Activity centers can provide hours of entertainment without any need for human intervention (like holding a dangling toy for them to paw at).
Treats
Show your furry friend some extra love with treats—but take caution in the frequency and types of foods you offer. While you might love sneaking a couple of extra pieces of chicken to your pups during dinner, be mindful of just how many pieces you’ve given them. A few pieces throughout the course of dinner can add up calorie-wise. And, if these habits are frequent, it can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Be sure to steer clear of toxic foods as well—like chocolate, avocados and onions. Instead, opt for store-bought treats that have the Association of American Feed Control Officials statement on the label. If you’re worried about your furry friend sneaking into your secret stash while you’re gone, help protect them with home monitoring, and check in on them via HD cameras using your mobile device.
Exercise
Healthy pets are naturally active, but just how much supplemental exercise should your furry friend get each day? It all depends on the breed. For example, a Beagle needs at least two 20–30-minute walks a day, but a Golden Retriever may require an additional walk. While exercise can benefit their overall health, it can also help you keep your sanity by tiring them out so they’re not racing around your home. As for cats, indoor breeds will need at least 30 minutes of playtime or exercise a day, but outdoor cats may require less since they’re moving more often.
From exams and exercise to toys and treats, the best present you can give your furry friend is making sure you’re providing them with the best care possible.
