Pets are more than just companions, they’re a big responsibility. Before you consider getting one, make sure your kids understand the commitment and are ready for it.
Teach your children to read animal body language. It’s important that they know that what looks like a smile may actually be a threat, and that wagging tails do not always mean happiness. Also, teaching your kids that they should never approach a dog without asking its owner first and that they must respect a dog’s space when it is sleeping or eating will help teach them empathy.
Provide pets with daily physical exercise, especially dogs. A little bit of daily activity is a great way to prevent behavioral and medical problems, including obesity, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure. Try taking your dog for a 15 minute walk each day or throwing the ball around in the backyard for 30 minutes. For cats, encourage playtime with multiple types of toys to keep them engaged and active.
Socialize pets with friends, family and neighbors. This can help reduce stress and loneliness, which is a big part of anxiety in older adults and people with depression. Pets are great social lubricants and often can help their owners meet new people by introducing them to each other through walks, hikes, pet parks, or pet stores.
Give pets healthy food that is low in fat and high in protein, and make sure their water is clean. When it comes to a cat’s diet, it is best to stick to dry food that meets or exceeds the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. For dogs with digestion issues, Rifruf co-founder Peter Liu recommends a gastrointestinal-friendly wet food made with low-fat ingredients and named meats rather than meat byproducts.