Owning a pet is fun, but it can also be hard work. If you are well prepared, do your research, and love your pet unconditionally, having a pet doesn't have to be difficult. Read this article for some tips on caring for your pet.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Pets
Step 1. Determine if you can afford to care for a pet
While keeping pets is great fun, they are not easy to care for. All pets need time, money and affection. In addition, certain animals and breeds have special needs. Make sure you do want a pet in the long term.
- Some pets require special attention and care during the day. So make sure you're home to take care of your pet.
- If you have children, look for pets that are safe for children. For example, a hamster or a fish would make a good first pet.
- If you are planning to move or make a drastic lifestyle change, don't keep pets until your life is stable.
Step 2. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle
Even different breeds of dogs have different needs. So make sure you choose an animal that suits you. Do some research into the behavior and needs of your pet before buying. Do not immediately determine only one choice or breed. Open your mind, and you may be surprised at the choices made. Pay attention to the general needs of the following pets:
- Dog. Although dogs have many breeds, all breeds need attention, exercise, and enough space to roam.
- Cat. Smart and aloof, cats can be kept without much supervision. However, cats still need time and affection in order not to be fussy.
- Hamsters, Gerbils, Weasels and Rats. Rodents are suitable as first pets because they are economical and short-lived. However, these animals often smell pungent.
- Fish. Fish need careful attention and care to survive. You will not be able to spoil with fish. Think of raising fish like caring for a garden.
- Lizard. Independent and easy to care for, lizards will not give much affection and are difficult to diagnose when sick.
- Bird. Birds tend to be messy and often noisy. Birds are also expensive and often temperamental, especially large birds such as parrots.
Step 3. Prepare your home for pets
Pets often cause problems if you don't set up boundaries or safe spaces because they're always curious, like to eat, and can't listen to your warnings. Birds can escape through windows, lizards can quickly run around the house, and dogs or cats can roam the streets. Pay attention to all openings where pets can escape and make sure pet food is stored in a safe place where your pet can't reach it.
- Get rid of dangerous objects, such as knives or poisonous food.
- If you want animals to play outside, put up a fence in your yard.
- Prepare a room that will be the "bedroom" of the pet.
- Try to start petting when your life is calm to avoid the stress of getting to know each other.
Step 4. Prepare your pet's essentials before petting
Talk to pet store staff and agency agencies about what needs to be prepared, such as kennels, toys, grooming kits, etc. Finish your shopping before bringing your pet home. Teach all family members how to use the equipment so they can help each other.
If you have young children, you can help them prepare for pet care by “feeding” the doll, or watering the plants regularly
Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of Pets
Step 1. Prepare a budget for caring for your pet
The cost of raising animals is not exorbitant, but that doesn't mean you won't have to spend money. Here are the estimated annual costs of raising animals (based on ASPCA estimates):
- Dog-Rp7,800,000-Rp11,700,000, depending on the size.
- Cat-Rp7,800,000
- Rabbit-Rp9,100,000
- rodent-Rp3,900,000-Rp8,450,000, depending on size
- Fish – IDR 520,000
- Small bird – IDR 5,200,000
- Big Bird (Beo, Macau)-Rp9,100,000-Rp15.600.000
- Set aside a few million for emergency vet fees.
Step 2. Schedule regular visits to the vet
Make sure you take your pet to the vet immediately after adopting. Just like humans, pets need a checkup to find any problems before they become serious. Discuss how often you should schedule checkups, your pet's diet, and medical needs at your first visit to the vet.
- Make sure you schedule injections and vaccines as soon as possible.
- Ask what symptoms to watch for if your animal is sick.
- Neuter or neuter your dog or cat to prevent your animal from breeding.
- Write down your vet's phone number as well as the veterinary hospital number for emergencies.
Step 3. Make sure your pet gets food that fits his nutritional needs
The cheapest food is not necessarily the healthiest. Try not to give your leftovers because human food contains substances and minerals that can be harmful to animals. Give food that suits your pet in the right portion.
- Do your research or ask your vet about healthy food sources and portions.
- Natural foods, although more expensive, are healthier than dry or processed foods.
Step 4. Give love and attention to your pet
While this is an absolute must for dogs and cats, fish and lizards also need dedication and love to survive. Animals are social creatures like humans. Therefore, you should set aside time to play with your pet so that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
- Give pets space to roam. The larger the size of the animal, the larger the space required.
- Buy a toy or set of toys for you to play together.
- Give treats every now and then after your pet has behaved well. In this way, animals are motivated to behave well and good habits will be firmly ingrained in your pet.
Step 5. Clean the pet and the surrounding environment
This will keep you healthy and happy. Establish a regular cleaning schedule, at least once every 2-3 weeks, and stick to it well. Clean pets and their habitat to prevent disease and bad odors.
- For large animals such as cats and dogs, you can purchase a special cleaning kit with a large tub and water hose.
- Groom your pet's coat regularly, for example by brushing the fur or scrubbing the scales, once every few days.
- For dogs and cats, make sure you trim their nails to keep them short and not break.
Step 6. Do in-depth research on your pet
While this article provides general guidance for pet employers, every animal is different and you will have to adapt to them. Ask friends who have the same pet, read books in the library, and search online discussion forums about the breed or species of your pet. Every knowledge gained will be valuable
Don't be too stiff when you bring your pet home. Animals also have personalities and will have different wants and needs
Tips
- Check out the WikiHow article on how to raise dogs, cats, fish, and birds for more information.
- Consider adopting an animal that is homeless or abandoned from its home. These animals need affection and help ease the burden on animal shelters.
- Always love your pet and have fun.
- Pet your pet.
