Having a pet a long-term commitment. You are fully responsible for their well-being. If you work eight hours every day, consider hiring a pet sitter, taking them to day care, or train your pet to stay in a crate while you’re away. Giving pets a specific routine will help them remain confident and content. Pets have specific daily needs and fulfilling these requirements will make for a happier, more trusting pet, thus strengthening the bond between you and your animal.

Altering living conditions to accommodate weather changes

As the weather changes, your pet’s living space will require adjustments, especially for very cold winters or very warm summers. During the rainy season, adequate shelter should be provided for pets remaining outdoors, offering a dry place to sleep and eat. In very cold weather, pets with shorter hair may need blankets or some sort of sweater to keep warm. If a pet has very short hair, keeping them indoors is recommended. You will also want to check daily that an outdoor pet’s water dish hasn’t frozen over. In warm weather, pets with long hair should be closely monitored for overheating. To keep outdoor pets cool in warmer months, give them shade from the sun and consider shaving their hair or giving them a small wading pool to cool off in.

Exercise

Certain pet breeds are very active and require daily exercise. If your pet is of a breed needing exercise daily, consider: 

• Going for a jog. 
• Playing tug-of-war with a rope toy. 
• Stimulating your pet with play hunting toys. 
• Throwing a ball and playing fetch. 
• Walking to a local park.

How do I know when to feed my pet?

With pet feeding, it is important to implement a routine feeding time, and remain consistent throughout the course of owning your pet. Once a feeding schedule is introduced, pets will adapt accordingly and will expect their meals at your planned time. Young, growing pets generally need to be fed more frequently than their adult counterparts, but be sure to check with the breed or species standard.

How much do I feed my pet?

The amount of food you give your pet will depend on their breed or species specifications, as well as their size. A 10 pound dog will eat much less than a 50 pound dog, but two different breeds of similar height and size may have different feeding requirements based on activity level. Often pet food packaging will state a recommended amount for a pet’s height and weight, but always check to make sure this is acceptable for your breed. For example, a Whippet is similar in size to a Spinone, but they certainly do not eat the same amount of food. If you have difficulty finding what amount to feed your pet, you can always consult with your veterinarian.

Cleanliness

Some pets require daily grooming, whether it be brushing or deshedding. Pay careful attention to the needs of your pet; neglected pets can end up with horribly tangled hair, requiring a groomer to eventually shave it all off. Hair mats also provide the ideal climate for bacteria to breed. Also be sure to bathe your pet according to their breed needs.

All pets need a clean habitat. Cleaning out their home daily, removing waste, and replacing anything that is destroyed and potentially dangerous is important. Pet waste can also harbor bacteria and disease so removing it from a pet’s surroundings is a primary way to stop infection from starting or persisting.

Training

If you’re having difficulty getting your pet to perform the skills you want, consider how little or often you’ve trained them. Pets require repetitious conditioning, and most benefit from a training regimen with reward. In order for a pet to learn, an owner must dedicate a significant amount of time and patience to train their pet. Working with your pet daily will reiterate training “lessons” and will provide your pet a better opportunity for success.