Pets are remarkable companions: they provide us with comfort, friendship, endless snuggles, live entertainment, and most importantly, unconditional love. They also have a way of transforming our houses into homes. The special bond we share with our animal companions isincredibly strong and powerful. However, that love and trust must be cultivated, which takes time. While it may not be too difficult to make Fido wag his tail or Fluffy purr, if you want your pet to genuinely feel loved, read on! In this article, a Nacogdoches, TX veterinarian offers some tips on making sure your beloved pet feels cherished.
Provide Your Pet With Small Comforts
The little things in life sometimes aren’t very little. It may be easier than you think to spoil your pet a bit. For example, cats are pretty much universally obsessed with boxes. Just giving your kitty that empty Amazon box to look adorable in may very well score you some purrs.
It is imperative to have a good bed for your pet. Orthopedic beds are ideal for many dogs, particularly seniors and large dogs. Cats will sleep anywhere, but they appreciate having soft, comfy spots to choose from. You can create comfy napping spots for your feline buddy just by placing soft folded blankets in boxes or baskets or placing them on ottomans. Other animals may appreciate things like tents or hammocks.
Keep Up With Your Pet’s Grooming Needs
Animals often groom one another to show love and affection. Just brushing your pet can make them feel safe and loved. The same applies to baths, too. Fido may not be especially fond of baths, but he will feel much more comfortable with clean fur. A smaller animal may need a dust bath, while kitties will likely appreciate being brushed.
Take Time To Play
Playing is important for pets, both mentally and physically.
Keep in mind that every pet is unique. Try different toys and games and see which one your cat enjoys most. One cat may enjoy smacking ice cubes around the kitchen floor, while another might enjoy chasing that pesky red dot from a laser pointer.
Remember to periodically add new toys to your pet’s collection. It’s always super cute to watch pets’ excitement when they get a new toy!
If you’re on a budget, try DIY options. You can create many playthings, such as rope toys for Fido or catnip mice for Fluffy, by upcycling old clothes, such as shirts or jeans. Look online for ideas. Just stick with safe options!
Cuddle With Your Pet
Many people do not want Fido to sleep in their beds, which is understandable. However, cats definitely love snuggling up with their humans at night. Fluffy actually adjusts her napping schedule so that it fits yours! Our feline pals also make great sleep aids. (Your kitty may also wake you up by pouncing on your toes, and tends to take over the bed, but will make up for it with her cuddles and purrs.)
Chat With Your Pet
Just talking to your pet can help with bonding. It doesn’t matter if they don’t understand what you’re saying; it’s the tone of your voice that’s most important.
That said, don’t assume your pet doesn’t understand you. The average dog is able to learn about 165 words. However, some dogs can learn as many as 250. As for cats, well, that one is anybody’s guess.
Use a friendly tone of voice. Many of our furry friends enjoy baby talk, but that isn’t a must.
Pay attention to your pet’s reactions as you communicate with them. You may observe that your animal companion responds in some way. Fido may tilt his head in response to your inquiries, while Fluffy may express affection by purring, flicking her tail, blinking, nuzzling against you, or bumping her head into you. Some felines even meow back when spoken to, which is always endearing.
Show Affection
Small things can go a long way towards helping pets feel cherished and cared for. Just giving your furry buddy a belly rub and ear scritches as you walk by can provide comfort and affection, and help pets feel secure and loved.
As well as being good for you, snuggling with your furry companion releases a hormone called oxytocin, which promotes a sense of security and affection between you both. It is also released when mothers bond with their babies by cuddling, nursing, or simply by touching them.
It’s important not to force attention on pets. Doing so can have the opposite effect, causing them to feel uncomfortable or scared.
Provide Enrichment
Your pet should have a variety of enrichment and entertainment activities. Toys are, of course, the main one. A fun setting is also key. Although cats prefer to stay inside, they enjoy watching birds and squirrels. A good window seat will definitely please your feline overlord!
Whenever possible, give your pet the opportunity to explore things. Fido will benefit from regular walks and playtime, as well as occasional visits to parks and trails. For smaller pets like birds and bunnies, this may mean daily time out of their cages. For Fluffy, you can provide her with items to climb and explore.
Be Respectful Of Your Pet’s Needs
Our animal companions all have slightly different care needs. Sugar gliders, for instance, need things to climb, while other small animals need lots of chew toys. Do some research, and find out what your pet’s needs are.
It’s also good to find out about their pet peeves. Cats, for instance, do not like to use dirty litter boxes, and who can blame them?
Regularly Visit Your Nacogdoches, TX Veterinarian
While Fido and Fluffy may prefer to stay home rather than go to the doctor, they still require proper healthcare – just like humans do. Along with keeping up with regular appointments, it’s crucial to monitor your pet’s health at home. If you observe any signs of illness or discomfort, contact us right away. Early detection and diagnosis are key, as many medical problems can be best treated when caught early on. Ask your Nacogdoches, TX veterinarian for more information, including signs of sickness to watch for.
Learn How To Read Your Pet’s Body Language
Fluffy and Fido are unable to communicate their emotions to us verbally. In order to gauge their mood and well-being, we must observe their nonverbal signals. Although many people are familiar with the basics, there are some subtle cues that can easily be missed. For instance, a cat may hunch its body when feeling uneasy. Similarly, while tail wagging is commonly associated with a happy dog, it’s important to note that there are nuances involved. For example, a slow wag of the tail could indicate uncertainty or a sense of threat.
Also, be aware of the signs of discomfort and pain. Some are obvious, but others can be quite subtle. If you notice anything wrong, contact your Nacogdoches, TX veterinary clinic right away.
Conclusion: We can forge incredibly powerful bonds with our animal companions. If you take the time to make pets feel loved and improve their quality of life, small gestures can make a big difference.
Contact us, your local Nacogdoches, TX veterinary clinic, if you have questions about your pet’s care. We’re here to help!
