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What all (responsible) pet guardians need to knowThe 7 essentials of responsible pet careFriends for Life Animals trust you to provide care for the rest of their lives. This is a big responsibility but it is very rewarding. Here is what you must provide for your pet: Food All animals need to be fed the correct food. Cats cannot eat dog food, nor can guinea pigs eat rabbit pellets or birds live on seeds alone. Generally, if your pets are young and active they need high energy good quality food. When they get older and slow down they need food that has less fat. It is important not to let your pets get overweight. Just like us, this will effect their health and well being. Water Give your pet plenty of fresh water. While there are many different types of animals, one thing they have in common is that they all require fresh water. Change the water every day and wash the water container regularly. Shelter Shelters should keep your pet warm, dry and safe. Dogs prefer to be inside with their family because they are social animals but when they do stay outside they need a weatherproof dog house, rabbits and guinea pigs need a shelter box and cats like the safety of your whole house. Small animals such as mice need nesting boxes in their homes. Exercise Keep your pet fit. Plenty of exercise will keep your pet happy and healthy. Walk your dog twice a day. If you have a rabbit make a special exercise area or buy a harness and go for walks. Build a bigger habitat that encourages natural behaviours for your mouse, rat, guinea pig, gerbil or hamster. They will live longer and be happier in a large enclosure. Health Care All animals should be taken to a veterinarian for regular checkups. Your veterinarian will give you advice on a proper diet for your pet, help your pets if they are sick, and will give the proper vaccinations your pet may need to prevent diseases. The veterinarian will also spay or neuter your pets so they cannot have babies and can even provide an identification tattoo or microchip in case your pets get lost. Grooming Dogs and cats need regular brushing to keep their coats soft and tangle free. Grooming your pet is also a good time to look for health problems such as itchy skin, fleas or other bumps. Animals, such as dogs and birds, need to be bathed now and then, but other animals such as rodents and rabbits do not. Many animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, birds and cats need their nails clipped occasionally. This is a job for your veterinarian or a parent. Friendship All pets need a best friend -- someone who will spend time with them and take care of them for the rest of their lives. That’s YOU! British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – BCSPCA home page |
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