Taking care of a pet is responsible and a big job. Those pet-parents who might be caring for their very first pet, having some tips at hand can make the experience quite a bit easier. A plethora of a general mix of tips is available that apply to any little critter you bring into your home. As a pet parent, you want to do best for your pet. It involves everyday activities to ensure they stay happy, safe and healthy. Try these responsible pet care and pet safety tips for a lifetime of happy and healthy pets.
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· Veterinarian Visits
A regular visit to the veterinarian is a must. Given their shorter lifespan, your pet should be getting a checkup at least twice a year. As per your pet’s vaccination schedule, they may go more frequently when they’re young. To maintain good pet health, you must keep up with vet visits as they age. Cats, in particular, may be averse to leaving the comfy confines of their home but dogs tend to like going for car rides. Many pets don’t mind a trip to the veterinarian, especially if you choose a friendly vet that’s a fit for your little pet.

· Vaccinations
Vaccinating is a vital component of responsible pet care. After welcoming your new pet, schedule an immunization appointment. The vet will set up an immunization schedule for your pet to protect them from illness and disease. Vaccinations should happen early in the first few weeks after you bring your pet home. Talk to your vet on when a good time to schedule the visit. Vaccination helps prevent diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, and distemper. Vaccines that prevent feline herpes virus, feline leukemia, and rabies are beneficial for cats. If you’ve adopted an adult animal, make sure it is immunized. Vaccinations may need renewal. Many pets need vaccinations throughout their life.

· Proper Identification
If the unthinkable happens and your pet gets lost in particular are prone to dashing out the door then having proper identification is the key to a happy ending. A safe collar and a tag that contains contact information, an ID tag, and microchipping your pet are advisable. There are chances that a collar may fall off. The microchip, an electronic device implanted under your pet’s skin can be read by a scanner that pulls up your identification information. A combination of these forms of identification will go a long way to reuniting you and your beloved pet if you keep your contact information up-to-date.

· Spaying/Neutering
Sterilizing your pet prevents lots of health problems, including complicated pregnancies. Spaying your kitty (removing the uterus and ovaries) reduces the risk of cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. That minimizes the chance that she’ll stray in search of a partner, and any nearby male cats will be less aggressive. Neutering your pup helps alleviate aggression and roaming the neighborhood. It will reduce the risk of testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering is a surgery that requires general anesthesia. Your pet will likely stay overnight at the vet’s office for observation and recuperation.

· Healthy Food
Pet parents must provide animals with fresh, cool water and healthy food at all times. Nutritious pet food will enrich your pet’s life by providing them with energy and nutrients. With so many meal options to choose from, it can be confusing, but you can become adept in no time by familiarizing yourself with important and healthy ingredients. When choosing the best food, look for a good balance of protein, carbs and fats. Apart from healthy ingredients, opt for a pet food formula that is appropriate for your pet’s age, health conditions and activity level. Consult your vet before switching your pet to a specialized food.

· Home Care
Provide your pet with good hygiene habits at home as well as at the vet or groomer’s place. Brushing their teeth, combing their coats and providing them with healthy food keep them in tip-top shape. Schedule their hygiene and grooming appointments. Try combining tasks, such as a comforting comb followed by trimming nails.

· Comfy Quarters
As per the seasons, provide your pet with a safe, cozy habitat. Do check for potential hazards such as exposed cords or wires (young animals find these to be chew toys). Secure safety gates, repair loose windows or broken screens and remove any plants that are poisonous to your pet.

· Training And Socializing
One of the most important aspects of pet care is ensuring your pet is well-trained, and proper socializing is a part of that. Starting when they’re young is best and effective. It’s never too late to learn new tricks. Toilet training is the top priority for any pet. Learning socialization skills will help your pet bond with you and with other pets. Ask your vet or local animal shelter for good trainers in your area or at-home training guides to read.

· Follow Park Rules
Taking your pet to park is one heck of a good time. If you decide to take your pet to a pet park, abide by the posted rules. Proper pet park etiquette, such as bringing your toys and not bringing in food, keeps everyone safe, especially if a pet is aggressive or under-socialized. Vets also recommend that you wait until your pet is at least four months old before bringing him to the pet park to ensure he’s vaccinated before being exposed to other animals.

· Safe Playtime
Every pet loves to play, and it’s an effective relationship-building activity. Take stock of their toys. Be mindful of stuffed toys that pose choking hazards. Toys with hard and sharp edges may cause injury. Throw away or replace toys that are worn out. Making DIY pet toys is a great, inexpensive way to bring even more fun to pet parenting.

· Exercise
It’s not just humans that need hygiene and exercise. Nutrition helps to build a foundation for a healthy life and so does exercise. You want to set a daily exercise routine for your pet regardless of their species or breed. Exercise helps to keep them healthy. It also keeps your bond fun and strong.

· Don’t Stop Learning
Pets will go through many stages and there are always new developments and opinions on the latest and greatest in pet care. Reading blogs, doing research, and keeping up to date using the best pet resources ensures that you’re always doing what is best for your little pet. As we learn more and more about pets, we learn more about providing them with what they need, and what is considered top of the line. An adult pet will have different needs than a young pet. Continuing to learn is important for care throughout all of these life stages.
