Cute Ways to Celebrate Love Your Pet Day

February 20th is Love Your Pet Day! While we think that pets should feel loved every day, it’s always good to show them some extra TLC. Here, a Galena, MD vet lists some great ways to make your little (or not so little) buddy feel special.

Toys

Entertainment and stimulation are both much more important to pets than many people realize. Toys serve several purposes to pets. Playthings help keep our animal pals active, which is crucial for their physical well-being. Toys are also good for preventing boredom, which can in and of itself curb many bad behaviors. And, for many of our patients, toys are also important to their dental health.

Treats

This one probably isn’t a huge surprise. If there’s one thing all our patients unanimously agree upon, it’s a love of treats! Just stick to safe options. These will vary from pet to pet. A raisin may be fine for a hamster, but would be toxic to dogs. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

New Digs

If you have a smaller pet, consider upgrading their home. Many of the tanks and cages you’ll find in pet stores are actually too small. If you have a cat, you can get Fluffy a piece of kitty furniture, like a cat tower. As for Fido, he may enjoy a doghouse, a new crate, or even a new bed!

Photos

There’s no such thing as too many pet pictures! Snap some cute photos of your furred, feathered, or scaled friend!

Training

Did you know that many dogs really strive to please their owners? Fido does look adorably proud of himself when he knows he’s being a good boy. Cats, on the other hand, could probably care less, though they can still learn a few things. As for birds, well, you may be able to teach Polly to say or sing something. Of course, training doesn’t have to be limited to your pet. You can also teach yourself something new. Do some research, and read or watch about your animal companion. There’s always more to learn!

Helping Unloved Pets

Unfortunately, not all pets are fortunate enough to have people who love and care for them. Consider making a donation to a local shelter or rescue.

As your Galena, MD veterinary clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!