PET LOVERS
Ten Things you can do to Show your Pets you Love them
By Best Friends staff
Who loves you more than your pet? This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to show your pets the same love they show you every day. But how? You already know chocolate is a no-no, and since your pets can’t read e-cards and don’t appreciate jewelry or flowers ― well, that takes all the go-to Valentine’s gifts off the table.
​
Here’s the good news. There are better ways to show your pets how much you love them, and while you can make Valentine’s Day extra special for them, here are 10 simple things you can do that will make your pet feel loved every day.
1. Feed your pets healthy food.
Just like humans, pets thrive when they have a healthy diet. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there regarding pet food. In fact, many of the studies on canine nutrition are funded by pet food companies ― a situation that poses a conflict of interest. It seems that everyone has a different opinion on optimal nutrition for our furry friends. One reliable source of information, though, is a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition. Visit the website of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (acvn.org) for some basic guidelines about what to feed your pet, and always check with your vet before changing your pet’s diet.
2. Exercise your pet.
Exercise is a vital part of enriching your pets’ lives. Walking, running, playing fetch or tug, and learning agility or flyball are all great ways to keep your dog physically fit. For cats, try interactive play with wand toys (we like Da Bird) or balls. Some cats can be taught to enjoy walks outdoors wearing a harness and leash. Many of these activities have the added benefit of exercising humans, too. Always check with your vet before starting your pet on a new exercise regimen.
3. Learn a new language.
Become bilingual by learning your pet’s language. Our pets are constantly communicating with us through their body language, but sometimes we don’t understand what they’re saying. To learn more, we recommend the books On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas and Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide by Brenda Aloff for dogs, and anything by Pam Johnson-Bennett for cats.
4. Pay attention to what he wants to do.
Once you speak dog or cat, start observing whether or not your pets enjoy the activities you’re asking them to participate in. Does your pup indicate through his body language that he really doesn’t enjoy wrestling with other dogs? If so, cut it from your repertoire. On the flip side, try to find things that he loves doing and work those activities into your schedule. For example, if your dog loves to dig, make him a sand pit out of a kiddie pool. If your cat loves going outside, build a cattery so she can enjoy the outdoors safely.
5. Invest in a relationship-based training class.
Reward-based training classes help you to build a relationship with your pet, provide her with mental (and sometimes physical) enrichment, and let you just have fun with her. Try a class in basic manners, a Canine Life and Social Skills (CLASS) course or classes to teach your dog nose work, agility, treibball or flyball. Need help finding a good trainer? Check out the resource “Find a Dog Trainer.”
6. Visit the vet for a checkup.
Let’s face it. Few of us like going to the doctor, and our pets are no different. But you can teach your pets to tolerate going to the vet by doling out delicious treats that make the experience more enjoyable. Many clinics will allow you to simply come and visit, so that later on when an appointment is necessary, your pet will have a more positive association with medical care. Don’t forget to schedule your pet’s annual checkup while you’re there.
7. Play more games.
Playing games is an effective stress reliever for you and provides your pets with both mental and physical benefits. To keep your pet from getting bored, find a few activities (such as fetch, hide-and-seek and scent games) that you enjoy playing with each other. Your pet isn’t sure how to play games? Ask someone who does reward-based training how you can teach him.
8. Help him conquer his fears.
In animals, fear manifests itself in several ways, ranging from shutting down to retreating to appearing aggressive. We don’t often work on our pets’ fears (or even notice them) unless it becomes a problem for us. Enhance your pet’s quality of life by vowing to change that this year. If you don’t know where to start, consider hiring a behavior consultant who is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
9. Use appropriate walking tools.
Collars and harnesses are tools that can help your dog walk on a loose leash and also remain comfortable. If the tool you’re using isn’t meeting your needs and those of your pet, do some research and find something better. For example, front-clip harnesses are ill-advised for running, but they work great for dogs who pull. Back-clip harnesses aren’t recommended for pullers, but work well for dogs who have neck issues. Keep in mind that some walking tools have adverse side effects. Choke chains, for instance, can cause trachea damage even if they’re used correctly. And prong collars often increase aggressive behavior.
10. Enjoy and pamper your pets.
Most important of all, show them just how much they are loved. Take a few extra minutes to cuddle. Let your dog play with his buddies just a bit longer. Give your cat an extra treat now and then just for being cute. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive and cherish every moment you have with your pets this Valentine’s Day.
6 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living
Written by Lianne McLeod, DVM
Many exotic pets are compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space. Some are just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs or cats. The best pets for apartment living do not disrupt nearby neighbors or damage your home. Take a look at 12 exotic pets and why they are suitable for apartments, condominiums, and other smaller living spaces.
1. Rabbit
There are nearly 50 breeds of rabbits that people like to keep as a pet. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. Rabbits are a suitable option for apartment living since they can be litter-box trained, groom themselves, and are relatively quiet. Many people allow their rabbits to roam free in their homes, which is a good way for them to get exercise. One drawback to keeping rabbits is that they like to chew and dig. You will need to bunny-proof your home by making sure there are no exposed cords and only allowing the rabbit to roam in carpet or rug-free rooms.
2. Ferrets
Ferrets love to play with humans and each other. To accommodate their playful nature, give them a cage that is at least 2 feet long and wide and about 4 feet tall. They make excellent apartment dwellers because they sleep most of the day while the owner is away for the day. They are quiet creatures but also like to hide and get into mischief. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven).
3. Rats
Rats are friendly, quiet, intelligent animals. Their small size and relatively easy care make them perfect for smaller homes. Their cage needs are not too demanding—about 2 cubic feet. They tend to be easily tamed and often like to hang out on people's shoulders or laps. Rats will likely sleep most of the day if you leave the house during the day. They are most active at night but will wake for interaction during the day.
4. Hamsters
No-pet apartment leases usually allow hamsters, and they are an ideal apartment pet since they do not require a lot of space. They are quiet, clean, low maintenance, and don't shed. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house.1 Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. All a hamster needs is a 2-cubic-feet cage equipped with an exercise wheel, items to chew, absorbent bedding, a hiding spot, food, and water.
5. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs do not need a vast cage; a good size for an enclosure is at least 2 feet by 3 feet. Primarily nocturnal, they will not mind if you are away during the day. Hedgehogs are quiet and produce very little dander, making them the right pet for people with allergies. They're typically gentle and generally solitary. A drawback is that there are some parts of the U.S. where they are illegal or require permits; check your state laws on exotic pets before you adopt one.
6. Reptiles
Reptiles like smaller lizards and snakes are not as social as mammals, but they can be good for small spaces. They make no noise and are relatively easy to care for. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Snake species that do not require large enclosures include corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons.
ADVERTISEMENTS