Tips for Selecting A Perfect Pet
Pets… Who doesn’t love them? When we think of Pet, we think of Dogs, Cats, Birds, etc. But many pet parents regret not knowing the tips to welcome a new member in their lives. Here we have tips for Selecting A Perfect Pet for yourself which is the best for you and your family and will also keep you and your pet happy.
Selecting a pet is not an easy task. Especially when you are having children with yourself and if you are already having pets and want to add one more pet into your life. So if you are looking for the tips to find a perfect pet then look no where else.
Worry not, we got you covered in your guide to selecting a perfect pet and here we are sharing the tips for selecting a perfect pet for yourself :
Ask yourself these questions first :
1. Do not buy pets on whims :
Never, ever buy a pet on whims! They are living beings not toys or objects. They will need to be committed to, spend time with, properly taken care of. So don’t bring home a pet if you can’t take care of them.
2. Whether you are allowed to keep pets or not?
One of the things bachelors or tenants can relate to is the question whether they can keep pets or not? So if you are not allowed to keep pet, then it is best to not look for the one at the moment and If you a bachelor then you may want to keep a pet which doesn’t cause any inconvenience to you, your neighbors or the property owner.
3. What type of pet your are looking for?
As an animal lover, the list is never ending when it comes to pets which you want to keep with yourself. But if you are to keep an animal then you should ask yourself whether you would like to have a large animal like dog or a small animal like a gerbil or hamster with you. find tips to selecting for the best and perfect pet for yourself. Be specific and keep researching.
4. Are you ready to make commitments or not?
Being a pet parent is not easy, because you have to be committed to you pet, their needs and their requirements. Suppose you have brought a dog then you have to take him out for walk at least two times a day and if not then he will have behavioral issues which may cause problem not to you but others as well.
5. Is your family ready for the new addition to their family?
One of the common issues which arises is whether you family is ready to accept the pet you are going to have in your family or not? Because if they have issues regarding this the pet may not feel connected to you properly and may feel like a burden to other members.
6. Do your own research
Before buying or adopting any pet, do a thorough research of the pet you want to have. This is one of the best ways to know yourself whether you can keep a particular pet or not. You will know a lot about the animal and will be prepared to welcome them and take care of them in the best way.
7. Ask an expert such as veterinarians
There’s no one who knows the animals the best way as a Veterinary. Go to your nearby Veterinary Clinic and ask them whether you should keep a particular pet or not. They will give you a complete list of their advantages and disadvantages, requirements, and other things which you may not know. This tip is very helpful in selecting the best pet for yourself.
8. Ask your friends, people you know
You may want to know about the pets your friends, relatives or neighbors are having as they will give you the information you need to know before keeping any pet with yourself. This will help you in remembering important points you may miss or not know before selecting any pet. They will give you the best tips for selecting the perfect pet.
9. Be ready for expenses which are uncalled for
You will need to keep a list of expenses for your new family member who will need their own bedding, toys and utensils for food and water. You will also have to keep treats for them, for vet visits and health insurance, registration, accessories, and so on. Its better to ask yourself whether you are ready or not to spend on your little furbabies, whether your budget allows or not.
10. Giving your pet lots of attention and time
You have to spend lots of time which your pets, as doing so will deepen you bonds with them. Pets such as Dogs, Birds, Hamster, needs lots of time and attention otherwise they will develop behavioural problems such as aggression, nipping their wings, and they may die from depression as well.
11. Maintenance and Hygiene
Keeping the bedding, cages, litter boxes and their home is one of the main things which ensured that they are free from diseases and live healthy. So if you choose a pet like Dog you will need to take extra care of them so that they live healthy and happily.
12. Do you or anyone have allergies?
It’s better to keep in mind of the allergies you or someone in your family have or may have as this will reduce the risk of getting ill and to start medication for it. You should also talk to your doctor to find the best medicine or solutions to take care of yourself and other, in case you or others have allergies.
13. Other important details and things
Things like Breeds of dogs and cats play an important role in determining the right pet for yourself. Their gender, age and any health problems which they have for a long time or since the time they are born also are one of the key factors for selecting a pet for yourself. Also if you are a vegan or vegetarian then you will need to provide your pet with a diet which may include eggs and meat, so you should keep this remembered too.
Here are the Tips For Selecting a Pet for yourself :
1. Tips for selecting a Dog as a Perfect pet :
Let’s say you want a dog then you should keep the size and breed in mind of your favorite dog you want. We have small, medium and big sizes dog and whether you want to keep them for guarding your property and security or a companion for yourself and your family.
You will need to take them out for walks, vet visits, medicines, regular checkups, treats and toys. Shedding is also a issue but many dogs have coats which have little hair. But if you want to have a dog which have beautiful and long fur then you will need to take them for grooming and cutting their hair so that shedding remains in control.
Many pet parents either keep their dog pets at day care for dogs, or someone stays with them at home. So if you cannot be with them all the time either have someone who stays with them or you look after them.
2. Tips for selecting a Cat as a Perfect cat :
Cats are not affectionate and cuddle lovers like Dogs, and they tend to sleep most of the time at day so leaving them may not be an issue for you, but remember that just like humans each and every animal has their own personalities and how much close they remain with their pet parent. I’ve seen many cats who are as equally affectionate as a dog. So remember if you are a cat lover, you have to keep in mind their nature, how much active they are, whether they love to play or not.
Many cats enjoy learning tricks and they need some games to keep themselves engaged so prepare yourself accordingly. Litter boxes are a must as they are conscious about their space and it will help them to be neat and tidy.
3. Tips For Selecting a small mammal like a Mouse or Hamster as a Perfect pet :
Fancy rats are getting quite popular and loved for being smart, small and cute. And its easy to take care of them. Unlike cats and dogs they are omnivorous meaning that they eat both plants and meat. You can give them a complete plant based diet and they groom themselves. They like to be tidy and clean and you will be surprised to know that they are as sweet and affectionate as a dog and cat.
Just like dogs and cats you should avoid giving them treats which are sweet and nuts which may cause them to be overweight.
4. Tips for Selecting a Rabbit as a Perfect Pet :
Rabbits no doubt are cute but they are just as social as dogs and cats, so you need to keep in mind that you have to spend time with them and give them attention as well. They are hard to take care of and they are bigger as well when compared to small mammals. So you need to take care of them a lot.
5. Tips For Selecting a Fish as a Perfect pet :
Fishes are also one of the popular choices when it comes to having a pets. But they also need certain things like a perfect size of tank, water temperature, food, and also many fishes can survive alone while some may be kept with other fishes.
Some fishes like the Betta Fishes (also known as Fighting Fishes) can live alone while many fishes like guppy can live with many fishes. But guppies can be kept by beginner or who are new to keeping a fish as a pet. Bettas are hard to take care of. So ask the pet store near you and do some research as well to find the right fish pet for yourself.
6. Tips For Selecting a bird as a Perfect pet :
There are variety of pet birds which you can choose from. And they are not easy to take for. They are very social, intelligent and need a lot of attention from their pet parent. so if you are thinking about getting one you need to keep in in a few things.
They need lots of attention so you have to spend time with them so that they don’t feel bored. They would need to be around someone or you should keep them in a pair of two as they will get bore, and depressed. They chirp a lot and Budgies are known to make so loud chirping sounds so if you can tolerate then you should go for it.
You should keep a big cage for them so that they can spread their wings easily and fly from one corner to another. If possible then you should keep them outside of their cage for some time. A special diet for them should be provide for them so that they don’t get health problems. And toys to keep them engaged and active. They can make lots of mess so be ready to clean it up.
7. Tips for selecting Exotic Pets as perfect pets :
Lizards, insects and other exotic animals including Sugar Gliders are very hard to take care of. You will have to provide them with variety of food which includes live insects which are hard to find. They also need living conditions which is not easily created. So it’s important if you keep these things in mind before getting one for yourself.
8. Tips for selecting a Horse as a perfect pet :
Horses are really hard to take care of. They need lots of open space and grooming. They would also need a stable to live in and are expensive to take care of. They need lots of exercise and are also to be taken care a lot. You need to train them properly.
If you are thinking about getting one then you should try getting familiar with people who know how to take care of them. What do they need and other things.
9.Tips for selecting a Ferret As perfect pet :
Ferrets belong to the weasel family which includes otters as well. But they are not easy to take care of. They are social and active nature. They are curious as well and when trained well can prove to be one of the best pets.
You will need to spend time with them, avoid keeping them for long hours in their cages as they need to be kept outside as well to play, should be trained as they can get out of control sometimes because of their curious nature. They need a particular diet and hence are not a low-maintenance pet.
10. Tips for selecting a Pig as A perfect pet :
Now a days pigs are also getting a lot of popularity as a pet. They are sensitive, caring and intelligent creatures who need to be taken care by someone who knows what they need and how to take their care properly.
So before getting one its important you should ask from the shelter or adoption center whether they are a good choice for you or not.
Here’s a quiz for you to help you decide which pet is best for you:
These may give you the tips for selecting the perfect pet so read them as well.
That’s it for now. I hope all these tips will help you in selecting a perfect pet for you and your family. Keep following us for more information.
Tips For Taking Care For A Pet Dog
In our last blog we talked about the tips for selecting a perfect pet. And if you have chosen a dog as you perfect pet then you are at the right place because today we are going to discuss about the TIPS FOR TAKING CARE FOR A PET DOG.
From which breed is perfect to how to train you pet dog we will discuss everything here. But for now we will discuss about the tips for taking care for a pet dog.
Here are the tips for taking care of your pet dog :
1. Research for the breed and other details related to them
It is important to know everything about the pet dog which you are welcoming into your life. So a thorough research of the breed of the dog you want is needed.
This will also let you know about their specific needs, requirements and also which diseases they are prone to. You can prepare everything before brining a puppy and will know few tips as well as a beginner.
2. Prepare you house for welcoming a new pet
It is important to keep your house ready for a new pet in advance so that they will not take time to adjust to their new surroundings. Things like bedding, toys, and the food they like or were provided before at the shelter or the breeder were providing, etc.
3. Take your pet to the vet for regular visits to vet
It is important that you take your pet dog to the vet for regular checkups, this will help you to know if they are unwell or in case of life threatening diseases they will get proper treatment easily and as soon as possible, without any delay.
4. Train them well :
Training your pet is very important and you should start to train them at a very early age, this way they will know when to do something and when they shouldn’t do something. This way you can even make them learn tricks as well as to not do anything which may cause you problem later on.
5. Socialize your pet dog with other pet dogs :
You should take your dog to a nearby dog park. If you can’t take them there or take them out to meet other pet dogs, this will help them to socialize easily with other dogs and be not aggressive towards other dogs and their pet parents.
6. Teach your dog to be around babies :
Dogs may not like to be around new born babies or in families who have babies, so you may try introducing your baby to the dog because not doing so will scare both the baby and dog and the dog may get aggressive or attack the baby.
To avoid this see whether the dog is ready or not and slowly start interactions between the baby and dogs. Teach your dog to be patient and to not get too much excited. Don’t take your baby to the dog or the dog to the baby for the first time, it’s very dangerous.
7. Let them know about the family :
For the pet parents who have a family, you should introduce your family to the dog properly so that they will know they have others as well other than their pet parent. This will strengthen the bonds between the dog and the family members and they will soon remember who their family is.
8. Ask the adoption center/shelter and breeder about the pet :
You should ask the adoption center, the shelter and the breeder about the diseases or any problem your pet may have which you were not told about before, it will become easy to take care of them and treat them according to the disorder they may have.
9. Prepare your house or room for the pet :
Prepare your house or room for the times when there is too much noise like when firecrackers are used or at times of thunder and lightning. It will cause your pet to panic, and get scared which may even become a very serious problem if not taken care of. You may use soundproof curtains or make your house soundproof to tackle this problem.
10. Don’t give them treats without knowing their side effects :
Treatos… You must have listened this word a lot. But have you ever wondered what does it mean? It means Dog treats but to make it sound cute it has an ‘O’, and those who are familiar with memes are well aware of this word.
We know you love your pet a lot but you should not give them treats which includes Grapes, Raisins, Macadamia nuts, Avocado, Coffee, Tea, Garlic, Xylito, Nutmeg, Raw Yeast Dough, Lemons, Limes and Chocolate which are fatal for their health. These treats are good for us but are not good for them. Rest of the things can be given but in limits not in excess amounts.
Also avoid giving them food which we eat, it will cause them to have an upset stomach and other health problems. Also avoid giving them too much treats because this may result in gaining your pet weight which is not good for their health.
11. Never Leave Them Alone In The Car :
Don’t ever leave your pet in car locked from outside, especially in summers. If you have to go somewhere then make sure that the windows of the car is opened or someone is there with them.
Temperature in the closed car rises dramatically and if you can’t be with them then make sure that you keep the AC on so that they don’t get heatstroke or fever because of high temperature and heat.
12. Grooming your pet dog :
Grooming your pet will keep them free from pests, and you can easily keep pests and hair related problem in check. If your dog sheds a lot, it will keep shedding of hair in control as well. Cutting of nails and brushing their teeth are necessary as well, especially for their health.
13. Consider Spaying or Neutering your pet :
Spaying or Neutering a dog helps in reducing the risk of various health disorders and population as well. It will help your little companion to live a more healthy and happier life.
Spaying a female dogs decreases the chances of uterus infections and breast tumors. While, Neutering a male dogs protects them from testicular cancer and prostrate concerns.
Many animals won’t end up in animal shelters as well with the help of this practice.
14. Be responsible for them :
Whenever you take them outside for walking make sure you clean the place where they have made any kind of mess, and keep your surroundings clean. It will not cause any problem to anyone. Cleaning up after your dog is very important.
15. Keep your furbaby warm in winters :
You must buy sweaters for your furbabies in winters and other accessories so that they don’t get ill and stay warm. There are a variety of sweaters, socks, shoes and cute accessories you can shop for your pet from Amazon, Flipkart, and your nearby pet stores and shops. And if you know how to knit then you can make one for your sweet child one as well.
Aww, they look so cute! By the way if you are wondering from where to buy the sweaters then worry not as I have selected few sweaters which I liked from Amazon. Here is the link for them :
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Dog-Sweaters/zgbs/pet-supplies/3024176011 (For countries like U.S. and others)
https://www.amazon.in/Dog-Sweater/s?k=Dog+Sweater (For India)
What is XYLITOL?
Xylitol is known as sugar alcohol. It occurs when the characteristics of sugar molecules combines with alcohol molecules to form sugar alcohol. It is not an artificial sweetener. They easily stimulates the taste receptors for sweetness on our tongues. It is commonly found in sugar-free gums, candies, mints, diabete-friendly foods, and oral-care products.
In fact our own bodies produce small amounts of xylitol through normal metabolism and it is found in many of the foods we eat for example, in fruits and vegetables and is known as a natural occuring substance.
If you suspect that your pet dog has ingested xylitol then the symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting and it may cause your dog to collapse. The dog can also be seen to get seriously ill in about 15 minutes. This is one of the most important tips for taking care of a pet dog as many people are not aware about these things.
You should not wait for these symptoms to resolve this on its own because Xylitol is a very toxic susbstance for the dogs and it may lead to the death of your pet dog. So it is advisable to rush to your nearest vet as soon as possible! Treatment should be given as soon as possible to prevent any further complications and further deterioration of health.
That’s it for today. I hope you are ready to start an exciting life with your babies, and those who were looking for answers got them here.
If you want to read how to choose the perfect pet for yourself the check this out :
https://www.wildnyou.com/tips-for-selecting-a-perfect-pet
See you next time!
Tips For Taking Care Of A Pet Cat
In our last article, we talked about the Tips For Taking Care of A Pet Dog. In this article, we will discuss about the Tips For Taking Care Of A Pet Cat. Cats are different than dogs, meaning that they are not as cuddly as dogs.
They are very conscious about their space and they are not the ones who like to roll in a mud puddle, but that doesn’t mean that all the cats are same. They may be similar, but can be as affectionate as a dog.
So, let’s get started without any further ado. Here we go!
1. Selecting a breed of cat :
Choosing the breed of cat which is suitable for you and your family (if you live in a family) is very important. Because some breeds are easy to take care of, while many are hard to look after.
For example, the Siamese, need to be groomed a lot because they have long hair, while the Bengal, requires to play a lot and need to be simulated as they are quite active.
2. Do your research before bringing any pet cat to your house :
Never ever, bring a pet cat either from a shelter, a breeder or a stray cat and from anywhere else into your house without doing a complete research about the cat you have/want.
Each and every cat is unique and just like us, humans are an individual. So find out about the cat before finalizing that you want to keep a specific cat.
3. Prepare your house according to their needs :
Just like a dog, you will require to have a bedding, a scratching post, food and water bowls, toys and treats (we can’t forget them). A litter box is a must! Don’t forget it because cats are different from dogs when it comes to their popo business.
4. Tips for Cat Proofing Your Home :
Cats have a curious nature, and this means they are very curious. So to help save your home and your cat from any mishaps which includes health and safety issues, you should “catify” you home. In short, you should cat-proof your home according to the needs of your pet cat.
One of the most useful tips is you have to keep the bedding or anywhere your cat likes to sit or stay warm. Because they like warmth, but remove anything danerous from their surroundings such as matchsticks, or any material which contains chemicals.
Toys made from chemical and toxic free material. Windows and doors are latched and secreened. You should provide spaces like a cat tower or steps made of woods to let them move and explore new places in your home to satiate their curiosity.
Cats may crawl under the mattress and couches so make sure that you keep an eye on them.
Electric cords or wires are opened and dangling which may cause them to be electrocuted.
Heavy items and things which may pose threat like medicines, creams are always kept out of their reach. Because they mey ingest them and break things especially made up of glass. This includes plants as well.
Toxic fluids such as cleaners, chemicals used for cleaning and inflammable liquids should be kept away and in a closed container away from the reach and in non-breakable, plastic containers, as when they get toppled down they may break and the cat can ingest that.
5. Keeping the right litter boxes :
You may be wondering why I am writing this, that is because cats are quite sensitive to smells and they don’t like it when the place they do their popo business is not clean. It is their instinct to hide it that it why you must have noticed that whenever they do popo they try to hide it.
Choosing the appropriate size of litter box and it will be good if you keep one extra box in another room. Like if you have a cat, then you will need two litter boxes in two different rooms. Keep it clean and put it in a quiet room where they feel safe and nice.
6. Schedule regular veterinary visits :
Regular visits to the vet helps to control diseases which can be detected early and treated while ensuring that your pet stays healthy and happy.
Once a year or monthly wouldbe sufficient but it should be on a fixed time and date. This way you can keep in track of the vaccines which are given or not to the pet, health issues which can be treated early.
If you notice any behavioral change for example, changes in sleeping cycles, low energy levels, lethargy, or no appetite, etc. then you must consult the doctor to treat whatever health issue your pet is facing.
7. Consider spaying or neutering your cat :
Diseases may happen to you furbaby in reproductive organs, so to avoid it from happening you should consult your vet for neutering or spaying.
It reduces the risk of developing tumors in females cats known as mammary tumors. While it significantly reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostrate problems in male cats.
Neutering male cats reduces their urges to roam and this helps to reduce the risk of getting lost or injured some place far away from home.
This also helps in reducing the number of homeless cats which ends up in shelter.
This also helps your pet live a healthier, happier life but the vet will help you decide what is the best for your fur companion.
8. Maintain a healthy diet and weight :
Cats also need to maintain a weight which is suitable according to their age and size and other details like their breed. If not maintained it can develop health issues such as Obesity or being Overweight.
This can be avoid by providing a healthy diet and exercising. You can talk to your vet about the food and whats things to avoid for example, Bengal cats need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation but American Shorthair and Ragdolls do not need too much exercise, a little exercise is enough for them.
Your vet may consider to give dry food to your cat such as kibbles, which comes in many varieties, from multiple sellers, different quality and ofcourse made from many different ingredients. So to avoid giving too much food, you can consider getting an automatic pet feeder which will help you to keep in check how much food is given to the cat and routine can be set as well.
And for exercising, a plethora of cat toys are available to choose from. You can buy from the pet store, or online from Amazon or pet stores which offer online shopping.
9. Provide water all the time :
Hydration is necessary for a good health. Provide safe drinking water aa the time so that they are not thirsty and avoid being dehydrated. Also when you give them dry cat food make sure that you provide water with the food.
10. Don’t Feed Your Cat Too Much Dry Food
Cats are pure carnivores so that means meat will be the staple food in their diets. Their main meal should be meat with dry food and supllements, if directed by the vet.
But consumption of too much dry food is not advisable. As this causes a threat to develop some serious health issues. It is seen that the cats who consume a lot of dry food are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity than those who are not consuming too much dry food.
It is also not adviced to give dog food to cats. They both are different in the ingredients and compositions. But you may provide wet cat food, occasionally, or with dry food.
11. Train your cat to use a scratching post
Scratching is an instinctual behavior of cats which proves to be disastrous for the pet parents. But for the cats it is considered as healthy and important behaviour.
Scratching is important to remove the old layers from the cat’s claws and keep it healthy. To do so you can choose thinbs like carpets, sisal and cardboards. They will use this for scratching which in return will keep their claws in good condition and no damage to your furniture will be done.
It will take time to introduce your cat to the scratching post but believe me they are going to love it and you will too.
12. Weird cat behaviors explained –
A very bothersome behavior you may come across is at that moment when your kitty pees everywhere else except the litter box.
But they not do this everywhere. They may do this in a specific place like your bed or couch. But why is it happening? You may wonder this and get worried by this sudden weird change and behavior of your cat.
Well, there can be many reasons behind this, and the best way to take care of this is to take your cat to the vet. They may explain this change in your kitty.
Most of the time it may happen becaue of urinary tract infection. But this is not necessarily be the case always. It may be caused due to other illnesses which after being examined by the vet will be treated.
After knowing the health issues your kitty may be facing, you can make sure that the kitty’s preferences for the placement of litter boxes, litter boxes and other things are checked. You can also try changing the sizes, types and spaces where the litter boxes are kept. Keep the boxes clean and keep them somewhere where the kitty can easily get the access of the boxes.
13. Other behavior which may confuse you –
You definitely have wondered why your cat brings something like a stick, a leaf or sometimes a mouse, a live mouse or some uncoventional gift such as a not so pleasing cockroach (live or dead).
Then worry not you are not the only pet parent who is confused by this behavior. This usually happens when your cat wants to show you soem love or gratitude. This is their way of showing how much they love us.
They may even make a sound which is called Purring, and head bunting as well. Head Bunting occurs when a cat touches their cheeks and forehead on an object. A way of marking the territory to keep away rival cats.
They may even head bunt you to mark you and show their affection to you and bond with you in a better way.
They may even do some kneading as if they are kneading a dough (it looks super cute!), so worry not as thye are just showing their love for you in a very different and unique way.
14. Is Declawing good or bad?
You must have heard about declawing your cat, and may even do this but is this actually good or bad for you furbaby?
Declawing involves not just taking out the nails of a cat but also removing the last bone of each toe and may cause trouble for them. You may not know but declawing is also banned in many countries, in fact in many states of the U.S. the rule is followed.
This not only makes them lose their nails but cats need to scratch but declawing takes away this ability as well. You shouldn’t do this no matter what, because this is harmful for the cats.
Instead of this practice you may provide them with scratching toys and posts. Train them to stay away from the danger zone and from destroying your furniture and stuff and trim their nails regularly.
15. Introducing your cats to babies :
Just like a pet dog, a pet cat will also take some time to adjust to the new addition of a family member. So it is advisable to give time to accept and adapt to new changes and to recognize new member and learn how to be around them.
Keep them away from the newborn babies as they may cause them difficulty in breathing, may cause a scratch accidentally and scare them away.
16. Are diseases spread from cats?
Well it is rarely happen that the diseases are spread to people through cats, but prevention can be done. From bites especially as they may develop infection and if not treated may become a very serious disease.
So you should look after the cuts, scratches, bite marks and wash them with soap and water and do not neglect if their is swelling, redness, itching or any liquid oozing from the spot.
Handing of litter boxes should be done properly. Washing hands after cleaning the litter boxes and throwing away the waste which can’t be flushed in the dustbin or sealed away in the bags.
17. Magicballs or Hairballs?!
Cats may produce hairballs which you may have found magically and have your toss and turn in your bed thinking about how possibly how these balls have come.
Unlike dogs, cats have rough tongue with little projections swhich captures the hair while they are grooming themselves and ingest in between the process.
You may have noticed as well while your cat licks your hand or anywhere that it hurts. This is beacause of these projections.
But most of these hair are passed down and does not stauy inside thei bodies but the rest of these hair comes back in the form of hairballs. Note that it is completely normal to see one or two hairballs a day or few balls in a week but if they are too much big in the size and are causing blockages in your cat’s body parts such as throat(esophagus), stomach or intestines, then you should without any delay take your kitty to the vet.
The best way is to keep your cat groomed by brushing them and remembering when they have shedding periods and brushing them before they groom themselves.
18. What to feed, and some things to keep in mind :
Itbis always recommended that you buy high-quality, branded and food which is from a trustworthy seller. The vet will tell you what food will be the best for your kitty after a careful examination. Never give your kitty old or expired food. Always provide fresh and good food to your fur companion. These tips to take care of a pet cat will be beneficial not just for you but everyone.
Notes :
Treats shouldn’t be given in access and should cmake up no more than 10% of their diet. Meaning no matter how much they make cute faces and meow at you no treats for them more than the recommended amount.
Balanced food which have all the essential minerals and vitamins required by your cat should be provided with fresh and clean water, all the time no matter what.
Foods containing garlic, onion or any ingredients which are from the leeks and onions family should be avoided. Keep in mind that human food should not be given, especially the things which have garlic, white onions, spring onions, leeks, scallions, shallots, chives.
Immediately take your pet to the vet if signs of anoxeria, diarrhea, vomiting, weight lose, no appetite, or lethargy is noticed in the cat and it persists for more than two days.
That’s it for today! I hope you got all your answers in this blog and we are going to discuss about other pets as well in our next blog. I’ve included all the tips to take care of your pet cat in the best way.
If you missed our last post about taking care of pet dogs you can read by clicking below :
Stay tuned, for more information. Take care and give treatos to all the lovely babies out there!
Tips For Taking Care Of A Pet Bird
In our last blog we talked about the tips for taking care of a pet cat. I hope many of you have birds as pets, so today we are going to talk about the tips for taking care of a pet bird.
Birds as pets are gaining quite popularity nowadays. There are so many species of birds to choose from, like Parakeets, Cocaktiels, Pigeons, Love Birds, Dove, Finches, Parrotlets, Lorikeets and many more. They have been kept as pets for a very long time, estimated to be around for thousands of years.
The Avians Veterinarian is the one known to look after for birds so you should make sure that the vet avavilable in your region is the rght one or that they treat birds.
Without further ado, Let’s get started :
1. What type of housing you need :
The ideal space for living for a pet bird is considered to be a cage or bird house and it is to be in kept in a corner.
As we cannot keep them in openly in our house and they get to be around us. The cage is usually kept in a corner as to enable he bird feel secured and protected. If you keep them in an open plcae or on the top of table or any furniture, they may feel like they will get attacked and will feel restless. This will also stress them out and make them aggressive.
These pictures are just an example of a cage which you should get when brining a home pet bird. Remember the more birds you have, the bigger cage should be. They like to climb and move around so a big cage should be used.
You may consider getting a separate cages for sleeping or a cage with casters so that if you are waking up late at night they will not be disturbed. Places and objects for them to perch on and be above you will have them to feel more safer.
2. Which type of cage is suitable?
Generally if you are thinking about getting a bird cage then you should get aa big cage. Small cages not only restrict the bird’s movements but also stun their growth. A cage with enough space for the bird to fly around and stretch their wings fully is the best one.
There should also be enough place to move around, climb the cage, fly from one end to another and flap their wings.
The width and height should not be too small and the cage should not touch the head of the bird. Metal and material used for the cage should also be looked after. The type of door in the cage is also important to keep in mind because the doors which open to the side is the safest.
Check everything is ok and there is no space between the bars, doors or any openings, so that the birds do not escape or get caught and injure themselves.
The cages shown above do look beautiful but these are not the suitable cages for your pet birds. They do not proivde the space to move around, no perches can be kept and even toys such as swings and ladders cannot be kept inside them.
Also make sure that there is a pull out tray and a wired grated bottom for easy cleaning of the cage and better safety of the birds. Do not use materials like wood chips and corn cobs they are hard to look after and the birds may ingest them. They also causes risk for infections and health problems.
2. Objects for Perching :
Place a lot of different types of perches as they like to sit on places especially on twings and wooden stems. You can place a lot of natural wood which you can find easily in a park.
Trees such as fruit trees and stems from a regular trees can become best natural wood perches. Glass, concrete or perches made from abrassive material such as sandpaper should be kept away and never used for the perches.
You can place perches in different places in the cage, in different positions, and in different sizes, shapes, and textures. If you want then you can use ropes so that they may perch on it as well. Do not use harsh and rough surfaces for the perches as they will damage the feet of the birds. Their nails are no cause of worry but should be clipped or trimmed as if left without care they will hurt them.
Change ropes and perches if they are decaying, soiled or frayed. Also make sure that they do not eat the pieces or tiny bits of woods and ropes as they can make their stomach upset.
3. Tips To Make Bird-Friendly Environment :
The place for a pet bird should not be to cold or hot. The best temperature range is considered to be 65 Degrees Fahrenheit to 85 Degrees Fahrenheit that means around 18.33 Degrees Celsius to 29.44 Degrees Celsius.
Anywhere cooler or hotter than these temperatures is not suitable for your pet birds. Also consider having a pair of birds, never keep a single bird as pet.
Keep away the cage from placing directly in front of air conditioners and heaters, and heating vents. access of sunlight for Vitamin D which helps in calcium production and to keep bones healthy however, keep them away from UV Rays. If you have an aviary outside of your home then keep it protected and make sure that there is no access given to the predators.
Look out for insects, and pets and that your bird can stay away from direct sunlight. Remember to take your pet out daily for some time and give them lots of attention and love from your side. These tips for taking care of a pet bird will help you a lot for making a bird-friendly environment at home and for outside aviary.
The images above shows an outdoor aviary with an indoor aviary. This is usually how an aviary is like and it can have many birds but requires a lot of care and maintenance, but if you want one then I’m sure nothing matters and sometimes it’s worth it as well. Many people either get a customized one or buy a ready-made aviary but it depends which type of the avairy you want.
In the image below we can see an indoor aviary and the banana you see outside the aviary is just for scale, just in case you are wondering why it is there.
Play with them and have lots of interactions with them as they are social and leaving them withput attention and interaction will make them aggressive and they will develop behavioral issues. Mkae sure that they have perching area out outside so that they can sit on them and do not chew your furniture and ruin it.
Provide them a block of calcium to keep calcium deficiency away and promote better bone development, and it will also kee their beaks in shape by persistent rubbing of the beaks on the blocks. Because if their beaks are left to grow they will get injured by that and will not be able to eat.
Toys for chewing are also avaliable and there are plenty of toys to choose from but remember they should be made from toxic material and should not injure or cause any problems to the birds.
Keep the fans off, if they are outside because there are many cases in which the birds got injured and killed by colliding with the fan’s blades. Let them fly and keep an eye for them. If they are kept in their cages all day long, they will likely become depressed and overweight.
Also provide a little greenery to them as they love nature. They may not live outside but can be near trees and plants. You can keep edible plants and woods, plants which are safe, non-toxic and can be kept near the birds.
The list of all the plants which are considered safe is as follows :
- Spider Plant
- Rose
- Zebra Plant
- Bamboo
- Areca Palm
- African violets
- Sword fern
- Dogwood
- Spider Plant
- Begonia
- Bird’s-nest fern
- Bottlebrush
- Honeysuckle
- Dandelion
- Eucalyptus
- Orchid
- Sensitive Plant
- Petunia
- Radiator plants
- Chickweed
- Virginia creeper
- Toyon
- Beautyberry
- Aloe vera
- Corn Plant
- Easter Cactus
- Eucalyptus
- Wandering Dude or Purple Hear
- Burro’s Tail
- Baby’s Tears
- Peperomia
- Pittosporum
- Purple Passion
- Button Fern
- Maidenhair Fern
- Nerve Plant
- Hen and Chicks
- Spinach
- Dogwood
- Kale
- Basil
- Mint
- Rubber tree
- Parlor Palm
- Danish Ivy
- Coleus
- Monkey plant
- Paradise palm
- Lady palm
- European fan palm
- Canary Island palm
- Pony Tail Palm
- Bamboo palm
- Fig tree
- Umbrella tree
- Dragon tree
- Spearmint
- Peppermint
- Lemon balm Basil
- Chamomile
- Chicory,
- Cilantro (also known as coriander or Chinese parsley),
- Dandelion
- Dill
- Ginger root
- Fennel
- Lemon balm
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Nasturtiums
- Begonias
- Christmas orchid
- Brazilian orchid
- Cocktail orchid
- Moth orchid
- Mother fern
- Ming fern
- Bottle bush fern
- Bird’s nest fern
- Lace fern
- Squirrel’s Foot fern
- Sword fern
- Boston fern
Remember that if you notice your pet bird seems sick after eating any of the mention plants or any plant which you do not know about then it’s best to take your pet immediately to the vet. A point to be noted is that the plants mentioned should be kept other than theese plants may be toxic.
The vet will help you know which plants are safe and which ones are not. This will also let you know about what you should keep in mind while the pet bird is free and roaming around outside and exploring things. You may ask your vet to let you know which plants and things are safe to consume and which aren’t.
Make sure that the birds get proper ampunt of sunlight at day and sleeping hours at night. You can cover their cage with clothes so that they do not get disturbed with lights on. Recommended hours are 10-12 hours of darkness at night.
4. Nutrition and What Should Be Given As Food :
A well-balanced diet for an adult pareeot should consist of High Quality Bird Pellets with Fruits and Vegetables. Remember that the amount of the pellets should be around 75% while 25% should be made up of Vegetables and Fruits.
You can offer Nuts and Seeds but only in limited quantity. This is one of the most important tips for taking care of a pet bird. Seeds mix which includes seeds, nuts and vegetables are one of the best choices as they give all the nutrition your pet needs.
If seeds and nuts are given in excess then it can lead to various heart and liver diseases like cholesterol and fatty liver disease. Also obesity can occur if seeds are given in excess because they have high proteins and protein should be given in less amounts.
Avoid giving avocados, and food which we, humans consume especially sweet and sugary foods and salty food as well. You can give fruits instead but remember to take out their seeds and pits out before giving them to the birds.
Many fruits and vegetables can be given to the pet birds but you should reserach before giving them anything which you don’t know about and you should ask the food you can give to your pet from a vet.
Remember everything you give is good and can promote good health and development but anything in excesses and in higher amounts will give your pet a hard time and upset their stomachs and make them sick. So make sure you know that the food you are giving to your pet is safe and in good quantity.
5. Changing from Seeds to Pellets :
You will notice that the birds who are used to eating bird seeds will face a hard time adjusting to Pellets. It is because they are used to eating seeds but it is necessary to change their diet and provide them a balanced-diet so that they are healthy and free from any diseases.
All these tips for taking care of a pet bird will help to maintain good health and live a long life for pet birds.
It takes time, patience and persistent efforts and they will adjust well to their diet. The time period for the change of food may take place over months to a year or more. But worry not as birds live around for decades so you can be assured even though it feels like a long time.
DO NOT IGNORE YOUR BIRD WHEN THEY ARE NOT EATING FOOD. ALSO DO NOT FORCE FEED YOUR BIRD. If they are not eating something you have given them, then you shouldn’t ignore these signs.
Try mixing pellets with seeds, or give them pellets with something else like fruits and vegetables. Slowly change their food as they will not adjust quickly with the changing food and their eating habits.
First step towards the transition to a new diet is calculating the quantity of seeds the bird eats in a day then after measuring it you can change the seeds to pellets. You can slowly change the seeds with pellets by switching them. You can keep a scale or weighing machine which can help you in determing the right amount of pellets and weight of your pet.
After this you can schedule the transition. You can start by giving few pellets in the first week. Gradually you can increase the amount of pellets you give in week two. In the following weeks you can focus on reducing the amount of seeds by replacing them with pellets and in this way the birds will eat more pellets and lesser seeds.
It is difficult, time-consuming and sometimes discouraging but worth it because your pet will have long and healthy life by maintaining a balanced diet.
6. Essentials like Food and Water Bowls :
Just like Pet Dogs and Cats, Pet Birds should also be given a food and water bowls. Keep the bowls/dishes placed at a high place to reduce the risk of getting food and water contaminated by their droppings.
Keep the bowls and dishes full at all times and clean them regularly as well. Provide clean and safe drinking water as hydration is necessary and keep the water bowls filled properly.
Variety of bowls and dishes are available, you can buy them either from a pet store or online. But make sure that the birds are comfortable using them and do not have any difficulty using them. Check whether the bird has not dropped seeds or other materials into the water bowls.
7. Grooming and How To Provide Bath :
Birds should be given baths to keep them clean and help them maintain their feather and skin health. This is part of their grooming and it should be done regularly to avoid any problems. They love to play in water so you can prepare a small tub or pool filled with half water and watch them have fun.
You can provide a tub, or dish filled with water or you can spray water on them and leave your bird under a faucet so that they can take a bath. Clipping of nails regularly should be done to promote good health of nails and ease in climbing, perching and eating as they are seen to grab things by their feet while eating for support.
If nails are left untreated then they can become curved and get inside the skin of their toes which will hurt them. Fungal infection can also occur with skin infection and problems in nails. So we have to make sure we clip their nails and remove any thing which can hurt their feet.
8. Tips For Playing and Exercising :
Exercise enables birds to stay fit and maintain good health. You can play with them as it will not help you bond with them but also help them exercise around with you.
You can play with them in many ways. There are toys also available to help them play around. Swings, Ladders and Ropes. You can play with them many games as well. They love to play and are just like dogs and cats but with wings and a miniature versions of them.
You can play Chase, Climbing, Fetch or Playing Ball, Step-Ups, Foraging and Dancing. Many birds love to dance as well. Simply discourage agressive behavior by stopping the game or trying to talk to them and addressing why they get angry while playing with you.
Many birds also like puzzles and to learn tricks so you can teach them tricks like how to fly to you when you play a whistle or call their names, play football or basketball, or anything else.
9. Tips for socialising with the pet birds :
Birds are very social in nature so you have to make sure you interact with them and bond with them just like the way you do with a pet dog or cat. They love attention and are as affectinate as a dog and cat. They have their own ways to let you know they are happy. One of the tips for taking care of a pet bird is to be around them and let them knoe that they are not alone.
As you may know they are known to talk with their owners and their favorite person so you should talk with them. Many birds such as the Grey African Parrots are known to talk like Humans do and cockatiels are known to whistle when they are happy. Cockatoos love to dance.
As we discusssed before they love love learn new things it may be a trick or solving a a puzzle, so you may give them toys or puzzles made especially for birds to solve.
They love when they are around you, they feel secured and safe. When they get comfortable and familiar with you then they also will come to you, sit beside you and you can pat them. They also are known to preen other birds, you can do the same.
Give them treats and they just like cats and dogs will learn tricks this way. You can share things like nuts, fruits and vegetables while you are eating around them. This will be helpful for better bonding.
Having a bird as a pet is a big responsibility, but very rewarding too. Birds can make great companions and, if you look after yours, you can really bond and flourish together! Just make sure you know exactly what your breed needs and give it all the love it deserves.
That’s all for today, here are all the tips for taking care of a pet bird and I hope that you get to have good time with your pet birds. They definitely make adorable and loving pets but with this they also come with commitments and responsiblities. I hope these all tips for taking care of a pet bird will help you or someone you know who have birds as their pets.
If you didn’t read the last post about cats and how to take care of them you may read them here :
I have looked at several pellets which i think are suitable for pet birds and parrots and you amy shop for them online here :
For Indian Residents :
Toys and food and water bowls :
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