Rain showers have created massive puddles in the backyard. The tulips have popped up with their riot of colour. The days are stretching out longer and longer, and you can here the kids playing in the park down the street long after dinner is over. Finally, yes finally, spring has truly arrived. It’s time to get outside, assess the work that needs to be done to the yard, and spend some time with the family enjoying those gloriously warm evenings. I’m thrilled to say good bye to the snow, the kids are happy to be back on their bikes, and my pup is over the moon to once again be guaranteed more time outside with his people! Spring brings the promise of more time with those we love the most, our entire families, including our four-legged friends!
This is the perfect time of year to indulge in some much needed fresh air for us, a game of catch for fido, and long leisurely walks in the suburbs. It’s also the perfect time of year to make sure you are being the best pet parent you can be.
I’m the owner of a high maintenance cat and a diva of a Great Dane dog. Both of these “babies” are truly members of the family and we do everything we can to keep them healthy and happy. We want the best for them, and to give them as much as they give us. Here are my tips for a happy and healthy pet:
1 Feed them a nourishing and balanced diet– food fuels all of us, pets included, so we should be sure to feed them the best!
2 Schedule regular vet appointments – our four-legged friends can’t tell us about pain or complications, and we may not always notice a change in behaviour. Staying on top of their health is key to a happy pet.
3 Provide opportunities for play –our pets need the opportunity to exercise, and play provides a great bonding opportunity not just between you and your pet, but for the whole family.
4 Allow for socialization with other pets – this is important for dogs especially!
5 Do all you can to ensure their safety: a collar with ID tags and microchip is an invaluable asset in my opinion, should your pet get lost.
6 Prepare for the unexpected. We don’t want to think about something happening to our furry loved one, but have you considered pet insurance? It may seem daunting, but having insurance helps to protect your pet in the event of accident or illness and in turn, helps protect you from unexpected high vet bills.
It may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be; it’s been great to discover that PC® pet insurance is so affordable, allows you to stay with your preferred vet, and offers four different plans to choose from. For me, pet insurance is peace of mind, knowing we’ve planned for the unexpected!
Having pets in our lives has helped to make our house a home, so even in the spring when our giant Great Dane is tracking mud through onto my hardwood floors and he’s trying to clamber up on the couch with us, I try and laugh it off and remember all the joy these “little” stinkers bring to our lives. True confession: our home just wouldn’t be the same without these pets, and yes, I will do whatever I can to make sure they live long and happy lives.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of PC® insurance. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Such great tips to keep your fur babies healthy and happy!
Thanks for the tips!! Your dog is gorgeous by the way 🙂
Thanks for the post, great tips!
My daughter keeps pestering me for a dog. Theses are good tips for me to keep in mind BEFORE getting a pet.
love the Doggie pic my little guy just passed he was 12years old Jack Russell
I’m so sorry for your loss Joanne. Before our Watson, we had a black lab for 13 years. Dogs are such amazing companions, it’s hard when they leave us.
sweet pet pics, wish i had a dog but i’ll wait until my son is older to consider getting a pet in our family.
The timing of getting a dog is important, you all have to be ready for the work and the extra love.
Love that picture of your pup, the look on his face priceless!!
Thanks Lynda, he’s just a wee bit spoiled 🙂
I don’t have any pets but if I did I definitely want insurance too. My son had a dog that got hit by a car and had to have a leg amputated, that was a hefty bill for him to have to pay.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that Elizabeth. So hard when your pet is hurting.
I love my furbaby, and they really do increase quality of life. I also have paid a fortune in vet bills, but i would do that for any family member.
They have our hearts the moment they enter the family don’t they! I think only other pet owners really “get it’ 🙂
I love my fur baby and I’ve paid a fortune for his vet bills. I might check into insurance if it’s worth it. Especially since my Blue is family !
They so quickly become part of the family! If you are considering pet insurance getting a quote and buying is quick and easy! It an be done online or by calling to speak with one of PC insurances pet-loving insurance agents. PLUS you earn PC points towards free groceries when you pay for your premiums with your President’s Choice Financial MasterCard (worth looking into!)
I adopted a terrier mix – and he came with issues (don’t we all?) – so I’m working on the “socialization with other dogs” part !! 🙂 It’s helping!
Socialization really does take work! Our Great Dane truly doesn’t have a clue how big he is, so we have to work on that “playing gently with others” thing with him 🙂
Great tips! It’s very important that our babies are safe and healthy. My God, your dog is gorgeous.
So important to keep our babies safe and healthy! And thank you! We think he’s kind of adorable!
Great article, it’s good to have insurance on our pets, you just never know if something will happen and the price they charge at the clinic’s now is crazy!!
These pets so quickly become members of our families that we do really want the best for them. Pet insurance is just a good idea and I love that PC Pet Insurance offers 4 different plans to suit consumers different needs and budgets.
Great tips. They are worth every penny, for the memories and fun times they give us
Oh they really are worth every penny aren’t they! I grew up with a dog, as did my Husband and am so thankful my girls are growing up with pets in their lives. 🙂
All good tips and ones we follow for the 4 furkids in our life!
Four fur kids! That’s amazing, I thought I was doing well with two! Yeah you for taking such good care of all the pets in your life. I know it can be a lot of work!