Was the choice to bring a pet into your life unexpected? It might have been a spontaneous act of affection during a visit to an animal shelter, where you found yourself captivated by a charming, fluffy companion. Suddenly, you were completing all the necessary documents to welcome this small being into your abode. Before long, your home was blessed with the presence of an unbelievably adorable pet.
But you’re slowly feeling guilty about not being prepared. You should know that it’s normal to feel that way. Thankfully, you’re good to go once you understand the mistakes to avoid when dealing with pets. The thing is, everyone is guilty of making these mistakes. Some of the most common mistakes include getting the wrong food and supplies and skipping medications.
In this blog, we will discuss these mistakes in detail and ways to avoid them.
Contents
1. Buying the Wrong Pet Food
The American pet food market is expected to grow at a 4.96% CAGR by 2028. As of 2023, the revenue generated from this market was USD 57.38 billion, proving the popularity of this industry.
Therefore, new pet parents might find it hard to figure out which food products are best for their pooch. If you aren’t sure, you can end up making mistakes like:
- Not checking the product list: You should avoid buying products that contain artificial fillers, preservatives, butylated hydroxyanisole, propylene glycol, and other chemicals.
- Buying the cheapest product: Taking care of a pet can get expensive, but you should never compromise on their food quality. Cat and dog foods with lower prices can contain low-quality ingredients. Ingesting these can eventually lead to health problems like allergies, fur loss, obesity, etc.
- Picking only one type of product: Dogs and cats need a healthy source of nutrition from different food products. Hence, feeding them the same food item can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
You can consult a vet to understand the type of nutrition your munchkin requires based on its breed and size. Once decided, you can choose the right nutritious products from canned, semi-moist, or dried food based on your furball’s age. Moreover, you must keep an eye out for the types of pet products and foods the FDA recalls.
Remember to read the ingredient list for statements of nutrition adequacy, calorie content, and feeding guidelines. You should also check the reviews, clinical tests, and the brand’s reputation. Moreover, research the products based on your overall budget. Once bought, you must store them in an airtight container to avoid contamination.
2. Getting the Wrong Pet Supplies
Statistics suggest that approximately 66% of American households own a dog or a cat. Hence, they have the biggest pet care market, valued at USD 150.67 billion. That means getting the right supplies or products can be a challenge. For instance, you have to choose from the thousands of brands supplying food bowls, collars, pet beds, treats, toys, medications, etc.
Usually, the common mistakes a new pet parent makes while buying these products include the following:
- Ignoring the correct sizes: You should pick an item that complements your pet’s dimensions and weight. The right fit will provide comfort for your little munchkin and ensure proper maneuverability.
- Not considering your furball’s needs: Every animal has specific needs. For example, when buying a bed, consider their sleeping habits, lifestyle, size, etc.
- Focusing on aesthetics: Instead of focusing on visual appearance, it’s crucial to pick a functional and effective product.
Unfortunately, reports suggest that inflation is spiking the costs of pet care products and supplies in America. Approximately 70% of pet parents have noticed a rise in the cost of medication, food, toys, etc. The growing prices might compel you to settle for cheap products to save money.
However, there’s a way to get a hold of discount pet supplies. You can do that by taking advantage of clearance sections, ongoing discounts, and special offers. Joining online communities and signing up for loyalty programs might also help you access discounted products.
According to PetCareRx, being a loyalty program member can give customers massive discounts on necessary pet products and services. They can enjoy cost savings without compromising the quality of food, toys, or medication.
Some loyalty programs offer you virtual 24/7 vet support at a significantly lower cost. It also gives you access to discounted and high-quality grooming tools, toys, and other products suitable for your dog or cat. You can buy these supplies in bulk and keep them in stock for future use.
3. Skipping Preventive Medications
As a new pet parent, you might think it’s okay to avoid preventive medications since your munchkin looks healthy. However, it can quickly turn life-threatening for your furball.
Infections and other diseases can happen at any time without warning. If your little furball isn’t vaccinated, these health issues can sometimes become untreatable. Similarly, if parasite infestations from fleas, ticks, or heartworms aren’t treated on time, they can lead to serious illnesses and allergies. That’s why you should visit a vet before deciding on the medication requirements.
Sometimes, your little furball’s genetic history and vet test results determine the vaccines and medicines they should get. Based on that, you’ll be recommended to put your little furball on the correct parasite prevention, immunization, etc.
Technically, this healthcare option will help you detect problems early on, save money, and ensure a long and happy life for your munchkin.
In conclusion, taking care of your dog or cat will require a proper understanding of pet care and their lifestyle. You can give them a healthy life if you avoid the mistakes mentioned in this blog.
For instance, always buy good-quality and chemical-free pet food. Similarly, it’s crucial to analyze your pet’s requirements before buying pet supplies. You should also avoid skipping preventive medications to give your munchkin a healthy life.
Other than these, you should ensure they get enough exercise and socialize with other animals. Remember to take them to the vet once every year. You must avoid overfeeding them, even if they make those cute little noises for food.
