As a pet parent you want to do everything you can to care for your pet; this involves regular, everyday activities to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Practice these ten responsible pet care tips year after year for a lifetime of happy and healthy cats and dogs.

1. Veterinarian Visits




Responsible pet ownership starts with regular visits to the veterinarian. Given their shorter-than-human lifespan, your dog or cat should be getting a checkup at least once or twice a year. Depending on your pet's vaccination schedule, they may go more frequently when they're young, but establishing and maintaining good pet health means keeping up with vet visits as they age.
Trips to the vet can be, shall we say, challenging. Cats, in particular, may be averse to leaving the comfy confines of their home, but there are ways to reduce stress for both of you. Acclimating your cat to her carrier when she is a kitten is good practice (and avoids the running-away-and-hiding-under-the-bed scenario). Dogs tend to like going for car rides. Take your pup on joyrides, so he won't associate getting into the car with going to the vet. And many pets don't mind a trip to the veterinarian's office, especially if you choose a vet that's a good fit for your little friend.

2. Vaccinations



Vaccinating your pets is a vital component of responsible pet care. Soon after welcoming your new pet into your home, schedule an immunization appointment. During your first visit, the vet will set up an immunization schedule for your little pup or kitten to protect them from illness and disease. Vaccinations for puppies should happen early in your puppies first few weeks after you bring him home. Talk to your vet at your first appointment, on when a good time to schedule that visit. They help prevent diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, and distemper. Cats benefit from vaccines that prevent feline herpes virus, feline leukemia, and rabies. If you've adopted an adult or senior animal, make sure they are immunized, too. Vaccinations do need renewal and aren't just for young pets.

3. Proper Identification


If the unthinkable happens and your little guy or gal gets lost — youngsters in particular are prone to dashing out the door — having proper identification is the key to a happy ending. Start with the basics: a safe collar, and a tag that contains all of your contact information. In addition to an ID tag, microchipping your pet is advisable, because there's always the chance a collar will fall off. The microchip, an electronic device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet's skin and can be read by a scanner that pulls up your identification information. A combination of these forms of identification will go a long way to reuniting you and your beloved pet, but only if you keep your contact information up-to-date. Be sure to change your information on file with the microchip if you have a change in address or phone number.


4. Healthy Food




wo connected elements of responsible pet ownership include providing animals with fresh, cool water and healthy food at all times. The right pet food will enrich your best buddy's life, providing them with the energy and nutrients they need. With so many meal options to choose from, it can be daunting, but you can become adept in no time by familiarizing yourself with important ingredients and how they help your pup or kitty. When choosing the best cat food, look for a good balance of protein, carbs and fats. These are important ingredients for dog food, too, as is plenty of fiber for the digestive system. In addition to healthy ingredients, select a pet food formula that is appropriate for your pet's age, health conditions and activity level, and speak to your vet before switching your pet to a specialized food.

5. Training and Socializing




One of the most important aspects of responsible pet care is ensuring your dog or cat is well-trained, and proper socializing is a part of that. Starting when they're young is best and most effective, but it's never too late to learn new tricks. Toilet training is the number one priority for any animal with whom you share your home, as is working on obedience training. Learning socialization skills will help your puppy or kitten bond with you and with other pets. Ask your vet or local animal shelter for recommendations for good trainers in your area or at-home training guides to read. A well-trained pet is a happy pet, and that translates to a happy pet parent.

6.   Easier Bath Time



 For a calmer and easier bath time, make a dog washing station in your shower. Cover the drain with a hair catcher to prevent fur from clogging it. Cut a hole in a bath mat so it fits over the drain and lay it in the shower to prevent your dog from slipping around. Using a handheld sprayer gives you more control and lets you avoid spraying water into your pet’s ears. Everyone involved will find bath day a whole lot more pleasant.
7.   Low-Fat Dog Treats

 Is your dog getting a little chubby? Try replacing his high-calorie treats with plain rice cakes. Even if you think they’re tasteless, dogs go nuts over them and vets often suggest them as a lower fat (and less expensive) substitute for regular dog treats.
8.   Dental Care



Dental disease is a common and widespread problem amongst our canine friends. In fact studies have shown that 80% of dogs will have some form of gum disease by the time they are 2-3 years old. Genetics and other factors such as diet can influence the development of dental disease but just like humans, in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums dogs teeth need to be brushed on a daily basis.
9.   Look Looking After Your Dog On Hot Days




Now that summer is finally here, dog owners need to take care not to let their pets overheat. Heatstroke can occur seemingly without warning, so it is important to prevent this potentially deadly condition. Just in case your dog is affected, it is a good idea to jot down the contact info for your local Healthy Pet Club practice so that you can call them in an emergency.
10.   Cleaning Your Dog Ears

Did you know that it’s recommended to check your dog’s ears at least once a week as part oftheirhealthcare routine?
By doing this you’ll easily identify if there are any problems for example; infection or ear mites that may require ear cleaning. For the majority of dogs, having their ears cleaned is only done occasionally. However, for dogs who have floppy ears, dogs who like to swim or dogs with on-going skin allergies this may become a frequent task.
If you’ve been advised by your vet to clean your dog’s ears, would you know what to do? Ideally, your dog should be used to having their ears cleaned from being a puppy, however this isn’t always the case so to help give you some tips, here’s a quick guide on how to clean your dogs’ ears:
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