How to Make Your Pet Feel Loved

Pets make wonderful companions, providing comfort, friendship, countless snuggles, live entertainment, and, most significantly, unconditional love. We can create strong ties with our animal companions, but they must be based on mutual love and trust. If you truly want to make your pet feel appreciated, read on! A local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian provides some insight into the topic below.

Talk To Your Pet

While we don’t know exactly how many words our animal friends understand, it could be more than you think. According to research, Fido understands more than 100 words and phrases. The average puppy can learn approximately 165 words, while some extremely intelligent puppies can learn up to 250.

Of course, even if your pet doesn’t understand what you’re saying, talking to them can still be quite beneficial. The sound of your voice will soothe your pet. They will also understand that you are speaking with them. 

Always communicate in a soft, welcoming tone. Many pets love the ‘baby talk’ tone, however it is not required. Pay attention to your pet’s reactions. You may discover that the more you talk to and connect with your furry companion, the more interactive they become. Fido may tilt his head when you ask him a question, whereas Fluffy may start purring and/or rub her head against you when you speak to her.

Play With Your Pet Regularly

Playing with your pet can also help them bond and feel loved and safe. This helps your pet in a variety of ways. It promotes bonding and helps your pet stay fit and robust. This is obviously crucial for their health. Stimulation and entertainment are also critical to their health and well-being.

Keep in mind that each pet is unique, and they all have different preferences for how they like to play. One cat may be obsessed with catching the red dot from a laser pointer, while another may have little interest and like slamming ice cubes around the kitchen floor. Try different toys and games to determine what your pet prefers. Simply check in with your veterinarian on a regular basis to verify that you’re selecting games that are safe and appropriate for your pet.

Show Your Pet Affection

Things like belly massages, ear scritches, and forehead pets can all help your pet relax and feel loved. You should never force attention on a pet; it can backfire and make them feel scared. However, many creatures need the feeling of being loved. That close contact is beneficial for both of you. When you cuddle with your pet, a specific hormone, called oxytocin, is released. This is the same hormone released when moms and newborns snuggle. It increases feelings of safety and affection.

Give Your Pet Small Comforts

Pets have a way of teaching us to appreciate the little things. Cats, for example, are almost universally infatuated with boxes. Give your kitty an empty Amazon box to look cute in!

A nice bed is a must. This can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life. Orthopedic beds are appropriate for many dogs, especially older and large breeds. Cats will sleep on almost anything. You may create pleasant napping areas for Fluffy simply by placing soft folded blankets in boxes or baskets or on an ottoman.

Keep Up With Your Pet’s Grooming Needs

Many animals groom one another to express love and devotion. While some pets require more grooming than others, simply brushing your pet can make them feel loved and safe. This also applies to bathing. Fido may not enjoy baths, but he will feel much better with clean fur. Don’t forget about nail and dental health!

Offer Your Pet Fun Toys

It’s always cute to see how thrilled pets get when you give them a new toy. No matter how many toys Fluffy and Fido already have, they are always excited to try something new. Remember to pick up new toys regularly. If you’re on a low budget, as many are these days, consider DIY options. Look online for ideas and instructions.

Bedtime Snuggles

Kitties really enjoy snuggling up with their humans at night. Fluffy will even modify her napping schedule to accommodate yours. (She may also wake you up by pouncing on your toes, and she has a habit of taking up the majority of the bed, but that’s only to be expected.)

Learn to Read Them

We must rely on nonverbal signs to read our pets’ moods, because pets cannot express their emotions. For example, a nervous cat may sit in a hunched position, but an apprehensive dog may wag his tail slowly. Take the time to learn about your pet and what their posture, expression, and behavior indicate.

It’s also important to understand the indicators of discomfort and pain. Some are evident, while others can be more subtle. This is significant because many medical problems can be treated more successfully if they are detected and recognized early. You don’t have to go too crazy: just take time to read!

Provide Stimulation

Toys are vital, but they should not be the primary type of enrichment for your pet. Cats are safer indoors, but they enjoy peering out the windows and observing birds and squirrels. Fido will benefit from frequent walks and fun. Even something as simple as leaving a light and television on for your pet when you leave them home alone can improve their quality of life.

Exercise/Explorations

Allow your pet to explore and investigate things. For smaller creatures, such as birds and bunnies, you’ll need to give them daily time outside of their cages. You can offer Fluffy with furnishings and stuff to climb and investigate. Dogs, of course, enjoy visiting parks and trails.

Visit Your Veterinary Clinic

We know Fido and Fluffy prefer to stay at home rather than go to the doctor. However, much like humans, they require regular health care to remain happy and healthy. At home, keep an eye out for symptoms of illness. If you observe any symptoms of illness or pain, seek medical attention right away from your veterinary clinic.

Tricks and Training

Although this is primarily for dogs, Fluffy should not be overlooked. Some kittens can learn tricks! For example, many cats educate themselves to play fetch with their humans!

Make An Appointment At Our Fort Myers, FL Vet Clinic

Is it time for your pet’s appointment? Contact us, your local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian clinic, at any time!