The Ultimate Pet Parent Survival Guide: Thriving Through Every Stage

Are you a new pet parent? Or have you had your pet for some time? You probably care a lot about providing your pet with a great life. Your pet will go through different phases in their life that can require different types of care. For example, a puppy may need a lot of socialization while your older pooch may need more care to make their life more comfortable. Here are some tips that can help you to thrive in every stage of your pet’s life, no matter what may be going on: 

Research about the baby stage

If you’re becoming a pet parent during their first year of life, you’re in for a lot of love, but also, a lot of challenges. Kittens can be precocious while puppies can be a handful like you wouldn’t believe. They need to learn everything from how to use the bathroom to how to co-exist with other animals. 

If you’re becoming a pet parent and they’re young, make sure you understand what you’re getting into. It will be a big deal and a lot to adjust to, but bonding with a puppy or kitten and building a life with them is a beautiful experience for both of you. 

Training while young is key

Training your dog is extremely important for a future where they can easily exist with you in spaces outside of your home or with other pets. Although pet training can be costly, it’s a one-time investment that can result in years of happiness between you and your animal. It can make it easier for you to travel, to visit dog parks, and even to build relationships with other pet parents. 

Pet training will make a difference in the health and wellbeing of you and your pet, so take time to search for the best pet trainer in your area. 

Learn how to navigate their senior years

When it comes to your pet getting older, there will be a lot to adjust to. From incontinence after years of great potty behavior to issues with joints and mobility, adapting to the slowing down of your animal can take getting used to. You may need to have pet insurance for the increase in vet visits and to help with any costs that could be associated with their health treatment and medicine. 

Take time to find trusted sitters

Another thing to consider is that along the way, there will be times when you will need a sitter for your pet. You’ll want to be sure to find someone that you can trust. Did you know that a lot of missing pets happen due to sitters that are not familiar with the quirks and needs of the pets in their care? While Rover is a good pet sitting app, you want to take time researching the best options that you know will offer the best care for your animal in the long run. 

Stay on top of their health over the years

Your dog will experience health challenges at some point in their life. It could be simple stomach discomfort. Or it could be issues with their paws. It may be challenges with allergies or it may be as simple as needing to change their diet. 

You’ll especially want to stay on top of ear infections. Often, they can be due to allergies or the presence of ear mites. But the truth is that you don’t want to leave them uncared for. The good news is that there are options for dog ear medicine and cat medicine. And when treated, most ear infections heal up quickly and easily. The danger lies in leaving them untreated, as they can lead to serious issues like hematomas and deformed ears. 

In Conclusion

There will be a lot to consider as you go through a life with a pet. It’s a big deal to become a pet parent but it’s a decision that can bring you a lot of satisfaction.