Animals have a way of bringing laughter and fun into our lives, and it doesn’t take long for us to begin thinking of them as family members. While it is not possible to ask them what they are feeling or even what will make them happy, there are some things that pet parents can do to increase their furry companions’ happiness.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
Like humans, animals are happiest when they feel their best, which begins with a healthy diet. Finding the most nutritious food is a big part of taking care of your pet.
Diet can be vital for older pets, who often develop hip and joint problems. Products like Pet Parents Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements can provide the nutrition dogs need to overcome hip and joint pain.
A vet can offer sound advice about the best diet for your cat or dog. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (acvn.org) also has a website that provides basic pet food guidelines. Always check with your vet before making any diet changes.
Schedule Annual Vet Visits
A trip to the vet may not be your pet’s idea of a good time, but it ensures their overall well-being. Just like children, cats and dogs enjoy life most when they are strong and healthy. Providing treats during visits can make the experience more pleasant. Some vets allow clients to bring their animals for a visit to get comfortable with the office before they need a checkup.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Playing and exercise enrich animals’ lives and keep them from being bored. Allowing dogs to run freely in pet parks or walking them on a leash provides a change of environment and healthy exercise. Some cats take to a leash, but playing with stimulating toys and climbing cat trees will improve their quality of life even if they don’t.
Experts at Get Your Pet also recommend mental challenges. Teach cats or dogs tricks or buy interesting new toy puzzles that prevent boredom. Your animals will be happier, and the furniture is less likely to be chewed up.
Learn to Communicate with Your Animals
It may not be possible to speak to cats and dogs using spoken language, but we can read their body language. Understanding what they feel and are trying to communicate makes it easier to give them what they need and ensure they are happy.
According to MetLife professionals, pets are happiest when they feel supported, and learning their body language makes it easier to provide guidance and support. Bookstores carry a range of books to help pet parents decipher their furry compansions’ language.
Provide a Ready Supply of Treats
Giving pets treats is a great way to show affection and can be an excellent training aid. Make sure to choose healthy, veterinarian-approved brands that animals love. For example, Pet Parents® SoftSupps® Premium Dog Supplements taste like treats but are loaded with nutritious ingredients.
Spend Time with Pets
It’s essential to spend time walking, playing with, or just cuddling cats and dogs. Pets love having their parents’ undivided attention. Spending time with their humans makes all pets happy and is the ideal way to build a trusting relationship with them.
Many animals suffer from separation anxiety when their “people” are away. The problem is common with dogs, but cats can also get lonely. Leaving them a blanket with your smell on it can be reassuring when you can’t be around. A supplement such as Pet Parents Calming SoftSupps can also help reduce anxiety.
Keeping pets healthy, playing with them, and providing lots of exercise are ways that owners can demonstrate affection and keep pets happy. Pets are also most satisfied when humans understand their body language, spend quality time with them, and provide a supply of treats.