Pet parents love their furry babies to the fullest and want them to always be happy and healthy. From vaccinating them to ensuring their hygiene, we must leave no stone unturned for our little pet companions who bring a lot of joy to our lives. However, being a pet parent comes with its own set of responsibilities and not knowing your pet’s specific requirements can affect their health. Remembering some basic ins and outs for their well-being can go a long way in helping. (Also Read: Pet Care: Are You Making These Common Mistakes With Your Pet?)
“When it comes to grooming and feeding, every cat or dog is unique and will have specific requirements. Learning the rules for having a pet is one thing; knowing how to be a responsible owner is another. Some animals express their feelings about things and the food you put in their bowls; however, it can take some time for you to figure out what they like and don’t like,” says Dr. Sagar Bhongle. BVSc and AH specializations. Veterinary surgeon. Animal Medical Service, Pune.
Dr Bhongle also shares the dos and don’ts for maintaining your pet’s health.
What to do:
• For dogs and cats, be sure to provide two plates, one for food and one for water, and they must be well separated from each other.
• It is preferable to feed pets with food specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs rather than human food.
• Pets should always be fed from clean bowls. To ensure this, one should use steel or ceramic bowls as they can be cleaned easily.
• Make sure your pet has access to fresh, filtered water at all times
• Be sure to offer a nutritionally complete meal that has been formulated to meet the unique nutritional demands of each race, age, activity level and sensitivity, as well as any medical conditions
• Make sure they engage in regular physical activity to maintain their body weight and ensure they live a happy, healthy and long life.
Is not:
• Avoid feeding your pets excessive treats as this may fill them up but will not provide the necessary nutrition to their body
• Never give your pet chocolate as it can be harmful to their health
• Keep your pet away from heat absorbing surfaces like metal or asphalt. Animals can burn their paws and the heat from their feet can also raise their core body temperature.
• Pets must not be overfed. They should be fed according to their body weight, age and activity level. The amount of food should not be reduced or increased as both can be harmful to the pet.
• To prevent any kind of infection, don’t forget to regularly wash your pet’s containers. Lack of cleanliness can lead to illness in pets.
“Pet nutrition should not be taken lightly and all necessary precautions should be taken to ensure your pet’s health. A well-balanced meal that meets these requirements will benefit the health and well-being of your pet. animal at all stages of life. It is essential to provide your pet with a well-balanced meal that includes all the necessary nutrients, as well as the proper number of calories”, concludes Dr. Bhongle.
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