If you have a pet, chances are you love it to pieces. Our furry, feathered, and fishy companions deserve all the love we can give them. Since they don’t speak our language – even if it sometimes seems like they do – it can be tricky finding ways to make sure they realize how much we care about them. Sure, we feed them and keep them warm while showering, hugging, and treating them. But do they understand just how much they are loved? With people, it’s as simple as telling them you care or performing small acts of kindness. Animals need us to cross the language barrier, and here’s how to do it.
One: Learn Their Language
Even though animal lovers know how smart their pets can be, it is sometimes impossible to decipher exactly what they’re trying to tell us. Certain animals can learn to bridge the communication gap through training, such as clever dog breeds and the marvelous signing gorilla, Koko. This makes it much easier to talk to them because you have both decided upon a routine of communicating that is understandable to both owner and pet. If your pet is shy or simply hard to read, however, you should be the one to make the most effort. Please pay attention to the subtle body language of your pet to learn when it is most happy and the reasons behind its moods. Create attachments between cues and actions to teach your pet tricks and habits. Even the most stubborn animals occasionally accept this way of training. Soon you will be able to communicate by making the right noises or gestures, encouraging your pet to come to you for belly rubs or snacks. This builds a great rapport with them and will help you understand one another.
You will also be able to tell a lot more if they are suffering and need medical attention. If they are exhibiting these symptoms, it is essential that you get them to a vet as soon as possible because delaying can cause the issue to escalate. If you do not have a veterinarian already, then you will need to find one that is local to you. You want to find a caring veterinarian in Stone Mountain, GA, or elsewhere more relevant, because your pet needs to be able to trust them and not be in distress when going. So always do your research first.
Two: Accept Their Personality
Like people, animals can have a wide range of personalities and temperaments, despite how their brothers and sisters behaved. Wouldn’t you buy your grandma a present just because you think all older ladies would like it? Of course not. When showing people – and animals – that you care about them, it’s always the most effective when you acknowledge them as an individual. Not all cats love milk. Not all dogs want to chew bones. If you’ve spent plenty of time with your beloved pets, you will most likely have a clear idea of your companion’s personality and the ways they like to spend their time. Is your puppy very sociable? Treat him to group training classes where he can meet new friends and play. Does your hamster hate running wheels but love making tunnels? Please take out the wheel and replace it with more bedding to play in. Make sure to avoid confusing this with treating your pet like a human, however. Respect their individuality without expecting them to behave like people.
Three: Make Their Life Easier
Imagine being cared for by a large, gentle creature you couldn’t understand but loved anyway. Imagine the creature leaving you for hours without explanation and nothing to keep you busy. Pets are not always the center of our lives, but we are the center of theirs. Animals can panic and become distressed when left alone with nothing to occupy them. Like people, they need distractions to keep them from being too bored. Let your pet have toys, even if they break all the time. It’s unlikely your dog is too fussy about playing with the same crushed tennis ball every day, so there’s no need to spend too much money entertaining them. Try to involve your pet in your life as much as possible, especially if it is friendly or energetic. Too much interaction can make your pet nervous so provide them with a space where they can hide away from human hands and eyes, especially if they are rodents or fish. Find local places where your kind of pet is welcome. If you have fish or birds that cannot be taken outside, consider making their habitat more exciting for them to live in. After all, if you spent your entire life in one place, you would want it to be as fun as possible. On the other hand, give your pet the gift of peace now and then.
Four: Don’t Spoil Them
Some people can go too far in treating their pets like royalty. Rich food and unnecessarily plush bedding are not always beneficial. This is why when purchasing food for your pets, you must look at the reviews for each product. Finding good reviews like those on Badlands Ranch products usually means the product is worth trying. Giving your pet everything it asks for can lead to health problems. For example, many cats eat continuously without realizing they are full and eventually become obese. This is a form of neglect, as these irresponsible owners have made the cat’s life more difficult. Dogs are supposed to be able to run around and play; cats are meant to explore, and birds are intended to fly. If your pet is fit and healthy, you should not take that away by over-treating it or letting it become lazy. Not many of us enjoy eating healthily and going to the gym, but we know it’s for our good. It’s just the same for pets. What they want is not always what’s best for them.
Five: But Spoil Them a Little
Use your judgment to decide what concessions you can make when treating your pet. Do you let them sleep in on the same days you do? Will you let them lick the gravy off your finger occasionally? When your dog is sick, please don’t force them to swallow unappetizing pills. Find some special dog pill pockets to make taking their medicine a treat. If you don’t let these rare treats become unhealthy habits, spoil your pet.
Little ways of improving your pets’ lives will make so much difference. You will help them relax, keep them healthy, show them you care, and create a stronger bond between yourself and your animal buddy. Who wouldn’t want that?
