Emotional support animals are there for us when we need them. Support pets provide comfort and company that helps us deal with difficult moments or tough times. As pet owners, it is important to take care of our emotional support furry friends and keep them healthy, safe, and happy.

Here are some tips for taking care of emotional support animals:

Choosing the right food

With the number of brand names in the market it can get difficult to choose the right pet food. Some may be the same, but many pet foods vary in content and nutritional value. As part of a healthy diet, your dog or cat need proper pet food which has a good amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. If you are not sure which pet food to get, your vet can make some suggestions. If you choose a new brand, watch out for any allergies that may develop due to certain ingredients.

Keeping them hydrated

Does your dog eat a lot of dry food? If your pet’s daily diet consists of dry food, it is important to keep them hydrated with fresh water. It may be difficult to get a cat to drink water, but dogs are not so difficult. Just make sure to leave a fresh bowl of water where they usually eat their food. Some cats and dogs respond well to water fountains instead of drinking water from a bowl. Some pet owners try water fountains to see if their pets feel comfortable drinking from it.

Providing a safe environment

All pets need a safe and secure environment to live in. It is not just for pet safety but for their emotional well-being as well. Young pets tend to explore a lot and may end up venturing somewhere they are not supposed to. They also tend to chew and eat anything they find, especially small dogs. It is better to keep all harmful substances away from them and to keep the environment clean. For example, it is best to keep medications in a box that they can not reach. If there is anything sharp lying around, make sure it is kept in a closet or cabinet.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise is important to maintain a pet’s optimal health. Whether you have a cat or a dog as an emotional support animal, make sure they have an active lifestyle. If you have a dog, you may already be taking them for regular walks. Walking your dog helps them socialize and you can also incorporate training sessions during these walks. You could teach commands like sit or stay or teach them how to move out of the way if someone is walking by.  

Keeping them groomed

Grooming is an essential part of owning a pet. A regular grooming routine helps keep your pet healthy and happy. It can also prevent other problems related to an unhygienic lifestyle. Investing in some proper grooming tools can help make these sessions easier. Dogs require bathing and brushing and do not mind getting in water. Many cats, on the other hand, dislike water and bathing time can become a struggle. There are different brands of pet wipes that do not have harmful ingredients and are meant to be used on cats and dogs. You can use these pet wipes to clean dander and dust of your pets.

Visiting the Vet

Regular vet visits are essential to your pet’s healthy life. Your pet’s vet can administer the right vaccinations on time, and they can also suggest other treatments depending on your pet’s health. Regular checkups can keep bigger problems away. Prior to taking your pet to a vet, you can make notes about their eating habits or other uncommon behavior. These notes can help you discuss all the important points with the vet.

Do you have an emotional support animal at home? Do you need to take them to the vet or need a ride with them? If you need a ride for your loved pet, Paws en route, a Toronto pet taxi service is here to provide reliable, safe, and secure transportation. Let us know if you have any questions. Book a ride with us today!

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