PET CARE
Wednesday March 17 2010
FOR most people, their pet is like another member of the family and you want to do everything you can to keep them happy and healthy.
If you have decided to go ahead and buy a dog or cat, rabbit or hamster or any other family pet then you will have to adopt a care routine for him or her.
This will include set times for feeding, walks if you have a dog and a proper grooming and bathing routine.
The Drogheda area offers numerous grooming centres who can look after the grooming of your pet for you offering a professional and dedicated service to ensure your beloved pet always looks its best.
Animals adjust very quickly to a routine and once you have set that routine they find it very difficult to change.
If you have a dog, then he or she will require a once maybe twice daily walk.
This can mean getting up first thing in the morning to take your dog out and last thing at night. You will have to do this in all weathers, which includes cold, wet and windy weather.
If you have a dog then you can have a dog flap fitted which allows him or her to come and go when he pleases.
If you have a cat then he or she will have to be let out, though having a cat flap can help.
You must make sure your pet has the relevant vaccinations, treatments and innoculations and your local vet will be able to advise on what your individual pets' needs are.
After the initial veterinary visits, many people will find their pet will remain happy and healthy and trips to the vet will be rare, however, many find pet insurance an invaluable investment for the ' just in case' scenario, should your much loved family pet become sick and need unforeseen and expensive medical care.
A range of options and insurance policies are available from local insurance providers.
If you decide to get a dog or a cat, obedience training can be a very effective and helpful tool in helping your pet to settle in to their new home with the least amount of upset.
If you have a dog, especially a puppy, he or she will need to be trained so that they obey your commands as and when necessary.
As you are the dog's 'pack leader' they need to be subservient to you and do as you say.
Pet rules, and boundaries which are clear cut and nonnegotiable.
You will need to be consistent in this. Failure to do so can result in the dog 'taking over': or running wild and displaying aggressive or anti-social tendencies.
If you feel a specialised course provided by professionals would be beneficial in helping to train your dog or cat, a number of suitable courses are once again available throughout the Drogheda area.
Dogs and cats tend to be playful creatures and so thrive on stimulating and enjoyable forms of play.
If you have chosen a puppy or kitten this is even more important and you will need to spend some time in a day playing with your pet and local pet stores offer a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable toys to keep your pet happy and healthy.
