There are few things in life that bring more joy than owning a pet. They have an inexhaustible store of selfless love, and playing with them can make any day better.
What happens, though, when you don’t have the time to give them the love that they deserve? Perhaps you were able to in the beginning, but life changed in the way that it tends to do. Many people go along with life’s changes without checking if their pets are also on board and comfortable.
We understand that life can be complicated; not everyone can be there for their pets to give them the attention that they need. This failure to spend time with pets is often not their choice, so there is no reason to judge. Work and family claim first priority in a person’s life, even if they do still love their cat or dog.
There are ways to avoid neglecting your pet, making sure that he’s as happy as you are. Here are six reasons why some people fail to take care of their pets, situations that you should avoid.
1. Sedentary Lifestyle
Owning a dog means going outside with him and giving him the exercise that he deserves. Some people are already accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle and can’t be bothered to take their pet out for a walk. This hurts the dog, who will eventually struggle with weight issues, and might adopt destructive habits because of energy that hasn’t been burned.
2. Small House
Every dog needs a certain amount of space in proportion to his size in order to be happy. A Mastiff won’t be happy in a tiny apartment building where he doesn’t have room to move. Chihuahuas might be more suited to such a living space, though even they need the freedom to run around. Houses are expensive, we know, but pets should be adopted with this necessity in mind.
3. Low Income
When you adopt a cat or a dog, you’re making an investment–not only in food and toys but also in important things like vet visits. If you don’t think that you will be able to take your pet to the veterinarian regularly, you should think twice before you bring him home. As living creatures, they also have the right to have their health taken care of.
4. Too Many Moves
If you travel a lot, your pet will feel the strain from constantly changing houses and being torn away from the habitat he’s used to. Pets feel stress, as well, and if you can’t stay in a house for more than a few months, they might wind up with terrible anxiety. When considering a pet, ask yourself if you’ll be able to provide him with a stable home.
5. Children
Pets and children don’t always mix well. If you plan to bring kids into the house, you have to be aware of what’s going on between them. Your dog might not know what to make of the new baby asleep on the carpet. When you own a dog and your family starts to grow, be sure to take the steps necessary to slowly introduce the two; that way your pet will not feel threatened by the child. Prevent tragedy by taking the time to make them into lifelong friends.
6. Vacations
If you go on a lot of vacations, it’s not a good option to leave your dog alone at home. He will suffer if left behind with barely any interaction. Even if you’ve asked the neighbor to come feed your pet while you’re gone, he needs more than food; he needs noise, he needs to play. Consider a good kennel where he will be looked after by professionals who will make him feel comfortable until you return, such as Gold Coast Based.
Conclusion
It’s easy to fail as a pet owner if you aren’t fully committed to their care. Make sure you aren’t making any of these mistakes so that everyone will be happy, including your furry friend. And, learn more here about caring for your pets.
