Being a pet parent is not a walk in the park—literally.
Related: Here Are Small Steps to Building Better Habits
Hold onto your leashes because, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in 2023, a whopping 64% of Filipino households have pets at home! Whether they have wings, scales, or paws, it’s time that we talk about ~responsible~ pet ownership.
Being a pet parent is not a walk in the park—literally. It goes beyond strolls around the neighborhood, routine feeding, and daily poo-picking. Now, let’s sniff out the telltale signs that prove you’re the MVP of pet parenthood. And if you find any red flag, consider this a gentle reminder that they deserve nothing but VIP treatment. After all, we call them our children for a reason.
Balanced Food Bowls
Ensuring your pet’s overall health begins with a diet tailored to their needs. Responsible pet parents prioritize proper nutrition, steering clear of overfeeding or offering harmful foods. So, why not enhance their meals by incorporating vet-recommended options and essential vitamins into their food bowls?
Chubby Pets Are (Not Always) Cute
As much as chubby pets are considered cute, they need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Responsible pet parents make time for daily walks, playtime, or other forms of physical activity to help their pets maintain a healthy weight and stimulate their minds.
Collars and Contact Information
In the unfortunate circumstance of a pet accidentally going out and getting lost, the presence of proper identification significantly amplifies the likelihood of a successful reunion. Responsible pet parents, recognizing this importance, diligently ensure that their pets wear collars with their contact information. These tags bear essential details—name, number, and address—akin to a directory leading back to their four-legged friend’s home.
Emotional Care and Connection
Love and companionship are the heartbeat of a pet’s thriving existence. Responsible pet parents cultivate an environment filled with emotional connection, showering their companions with love, attention, and affection to safeguard their well-being and happiness. And let’s not forget, much like children, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for expressing the TLC pets truly deserve.
Go for Grooming
Grooming isn’t all about making our pets look photo-ready—it’s about keeping them feeling fantastic too. Responsible pet parents know that regular grooming is a non-negotiable, from brushing out those tangles to giving those nails a trim, and even ensuring their pearly whites stay sparkling. After all, who doesn’t love seeing their pet walk around with a fresh face and a wagging tail?
Rules and Regulations
Responsible pet parents are always one step ahead with the local rulebook. From licensing requirements to leash laws, and keeping their pets up-to-date with vaccinations, they dodge any potential legal kerfuffles. And here’s a tip: stay in the loop with government-sponsored vaccinations, grooming sessions, and other paw-some events—it’s giving your fur babies the treatments they deserve without breaking the bank!
Proper Planning
Proper planning is the cornerstone of successful pet parenthood. Similar to family planning, it entails taking time to reflect on the myriad of choices and responsibilities that accompany the decision to welcome a new companion into your life. It’s crucial not to bite off more than you can chew—figuratively speaking. With that in mind, choose a pet that aligns with your available time, financial capacity, and daily routines.
Providing a Safe Space
Responsible pet parents turn their homes into pet-proof spaces, fortifying fences and banishing any toxic substances which could cramp their fur-family members’ lifestyle. And if you’ve got children in the mix, it’s a paw-some idea to ensure they’re not too rough when handling their fur-siblings—no matter how excited they are.
Say Yes to Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering, the surgical procedures that remove your furry friend’s reproductive organs, offer a myriad of benefits that extend beyond population control. While they may not seem ideal for some, these procedures significantly reduce the risk of certain reproductive-related cancers and infections, promoting a longer and healthier life for your furry companions. They also mitigate behavioral issues, such as the desire to roam or engage in territorial marking, leading to a more content and well-behaved four-legged pet.
Vote for Vet Check-Ups
Though it might not top the list of your pet’s favorite activities, responsible pet parents make it a habit to schedule regular check-ups with their veterinarian. These appointments play a crucial role in monitoring your furry friend’s health and addressing any concerns promptly. The comprehensive check-ups ensure that your pet receives essential vaccinations, screenings, and treatments, contributing to the maintenance of its overall well-being.
Continue Reading: If You Want to Start Saving, Here Are a Few Things That You Should Stop Buying
