Veterinarians Have Shared Simple But Clever Hacks To Make Pets Happier

Looking to make your dog’s trip to the vet a lot easier? Well, one veterinarian shared the following tip via Reddit. They wrote, “Restraint is a big thing. I always tell my clients to practice restraint with their animals. That wriggly puppy that’s cute when it nips [as] you hold it grows up into a large dog that can’t be safely examined because it hasn’t learnt to be okay with restraint.”

As any cat owner will tell you, felines aren’t always big drinkers. It’s an issue that shouldn’t be ignored, though. Sure, “wet food” will hydrate them, but additional helpings of water will keep them a lot healthier too. So why not give a drinking fountain a go? After all, flowing liquid attracts cats.

Here’s something to remember when it comes to maintaining your pet’s happiness. As a user wrote on Reddit, “The line I read once about this that really stuck with me was, ‘You might have a lot of friends, but your pet only has you.’ I think of that every time my cat [annoys] me, or has torn something up. If he can’t trust that I’ll still be his bud, he’s lost everything, and what kind of life is that?”

Dogs can be real sticklers for daily regimens. If something becomes the norm in your house, they’ll be all over it! So why not use that to your advantage to keep them happy? For instance, an activity as simple as snuggling up on the sofa during the evening will not only strengthen your bond, but it’ll chill them out, too. Win-win, right?

If you own a house cat, listen up. This next tip could do wonders for your furry pal. As per the Psychology Today website, “puzzle toys” that store food are well worth bringing home. You see, those items will provide your feline with hours of fun and mental stimulation — a perfect combo.

How about this for an interesting bit of advice? A vet informed Reddit, “Visit your pets when they’re sick and staying in [a] veterinary clinic. When my cat was sick, I’d visit him every day and bring an old towel that smelled like home. The staff mentioned a lot of people don’t do that. ‘The animals think they’re being abandoned and they get depressed.’ Twenty minutes of mama time lets them know they’re still loved.”

As the name suggests, kiddie pools will entertain your youngsters during the warmer months. And that can extend to dogs as well. Think about it — they’re perfect if your pooch loves to horse around in water. Plus, the contents will also keep them refreshed as the temperature rises. You’ll certainly get your money’s worth!

Tired of getting your chairs scratched up by your cat? Well, this tip should put an end to that and keep your moggy happy. According to Psychology Today, scratching post placement is key. You see, felines usually rake their claws on surfaces near their favored resting spots. So put it in the vicinity.

There’s nothing complicated about this piece of advice. As a vet wrote on Reddit, “Rather than just getting [your pets] a bunch of toys and hoping that keeps them entertained, just sit on the floor, and actually interact with them for a bit. [It] establishes a connection, and it’s cheaper than a bunch of fancy products that you toss to them and hope they’re enthralled.”

Trust us — you’re reading that correctly, folks. There’s nothing wrong with trusting your dog with a few jobs at home, whether it’s bringing in the post or grabbing your slippers. In fact, as the website Puppy Leaks states, “Dogs love having things to do, and there’s plenty of little tasks you can teach them to do throughout the day.”

Here’s a question for you to ponder. Would you enjoy using a dirty bathroom every day? No? Well, it’s much the same with cats and their litter boxes. Given how clean they like to keep themselves, a messy and smelly box is their worst nightmare. On that note, it’s advised that you should “scoop” it daily, change the litter weekly, and scrub the interior monthly.

Taking to Reddit, a veterinarian wrote, “Pay attention to your pet. Little changes can mean big things. Your pet is drinking and urinating more? Maybe it’s diabetic or has some type of kidney problem. Is your cat vomiting? Could be hyperthyroidism or something else. Whenever you go to your vet, get diagnostics done! As an owner, you’re the advocate for your pet’s health.”

Is the route of your dog walk set in stone? If so, it might be a good idea to consider mixing things up a bit. Why’s that? Simple really. Your pooch will probably start to tire looking at the same surroundings with each stroll. So don’t be a stickler. They’ll appreciate it!

If you’ve got a cat at home, you’ll know that they like nibbling on things. It’s nothing to worry about for the most part, but issues can arise when stuff starts to get damaged. To swerve past any potential disasters, Psychology Today suggests bringing in “non-toxic” flora. Your feline can happily gnaw on those!

If you’re looking to get a pet, you should really take this tidbit on board. A vet on Reddit made it clear that you need to familiarize yourself with the animal’s living needs above all else. They noted, “Rabbits are one of the most neglected animals in the U.K., because people still think they belong in hutches. Rabbits actually need a LOT of space, and a companion, as well as platforms, rearing up space, and foraging opportunities.”

Were you aware that certain food and drink chains have their own “secret menus” for pooches? No? Well, this is sure to blow your mind. To give you a couple of examples, Sprinkles Cupcakes serves nibbles just for dogs, while Starbucks has Puppuccinos — tasty helpings of whipped cream. Your canine will love them.

Unlike with dogs, trying to forge a bond with a cat can seem a little tricky. After all, these animals really do value their space and sense of control. So don’t pressure them — let them come to you when they feel like it. Before you know it, you’ll have a new friend who now has a firm trust in you.

Regarding this next pet tip, a veterinarian wrote on Reddit, “Removing a mass when it’s small is faster, less invasive, less painful, less expensive, and has a better chance of curing cancer should [it] turn out to be cancerous. This is even more pressing on delicate areas like eyelids and feet where there may not be a lot of extra tissue to work with, should a large lump need to be removed.”

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice massage? For our money, there’s no better way to unwind and chill out! And it’s not just restricted to humans, either — a similar rubdown can do wonders for dogs as well. Yep, they’ll take to it in no time. It’s especially effective for those struggling with their joints too.

Don’t like the smell of citrus? Well, you’ve got something in common with cats then. Yes, felines absolutely despise it. In fact, the fragrance bothers them so much that an abundance of it could make them nervous and agitated at home. So if you want to make their lives better, keep those oranges and lemons away.

Just like with humans, dental hygiene is extremely important when it comes to maintaining an animal’s happiness. As a vet wrote on Reddit, “Removing rotten teeth is the kindest thing you can do for your pets as they age, especially if you haven’t been proactive in preventing periodontal disease. They can still eat even with full mouth extractions and will be much happier!”

While you might not think it at first, canines absolutely love being a part of human meet-ups. They’re incredibly sociable, even if they don’t know the people around them. So, keep that in mind when you go to see a group of relatives or pals. Your dog will be mingling among them in no time!

If you’re looking to buy the right litter box for your cat, this tip will be music to your ears. As per Psychology Today, big receptacles are ideal for fussy felines. Due to their size and space, these boxes give the animals the opportunity to revel in their “natural behavior” when they need to relieve themselves.

For those of you who are set to welcome an animal into the family, a veterinarian on Reddit shared the following piece of advice. They noted, “I think the best thing you can do for your new pet, especially a puppy or kitten, is handle it A LOT when they’re young. Getting them used to having their feet handled, nails trimmed, mouth opened, ears touched.”

Depending on where you go shopping, dog treats can get pretty expensive. So why not make your own at home? We’re serious! Stuff such as sweet potato fries, peanut butter treats, and cheesy bites are just some of the lauded snacks you can put together in your kitchen. Your pooch will be all over them.

Got any spare cardboard boxes lying around at home? Well, don’t throw them out with the trash just yet. Your cat will be far from pleased! Yes, some felines can’t get enough of the empty receptacles, even choosing them over their own beds. They really are wonderfully strange animals at times, right?

On the subject of your pet’s claws, one veterinarian on Reddit said, “Get their nails trimmed regularly. Take little bits at a time and do it often. Then you don’t have to worry about going too far. Having them get too long can change the whole physiology of their feet and legs which can cause pain.”

If dogs could talk, we’d imagine that they’d say fetch is one of their favorite games. It’s the perfect activity for an animal with boundless amounts of energy. So embrace it whenever you join them outside. A few throws of a stick or ball are all you need to make them happy.

For those of you who own pet kittens, listen up. If you find yourself engaging in a “play hunt” with your hands, you need to stop that right now. Why? Well, according to Psychology Today, you could be accidentally teaching your cat to be more hostile around people. To make their future lives easier, just stick with a toy during those games instead.

Do you feed your pets human food from time to time? In moderation that shouldn’t be a problem, but issues will arise if you do it often enough. For instance, they can pack on some additional pounds by overindulging. Meanwhile, items such as grapes, chocolate, and garlic need to be kept away at all costs. They’re highly poisonous to our furry pals.

Dogs love to sniff whenever they can. And there’s no better chance for them to do it than on their daily walks with their owners. With that in mind, don’t stop your canine from taking in the smells that come from those strolls. To put it into perspective, that’d be like someone putting a blindfold over your eyes. Just leave them be.

When it comes to keeping your cat entertained, a toy should be just the ticket. There’s just one problem with that, though — by sticking with the same one, they can become tired of it. To prevent the future headaches that can cause, just mix their playthings up on occasion. It’ll maintain their interest in the long run!

Taking to Reddit, a veterinarian revealed, “For small pets, stop shoving them in tiny cages and forgetting about them! Most pet store cages are incredibly tiny compared to the bare minimum animals need. Do your homework and make sure you’re getting something large enough. And for pets that you can, LET THEM OUT! Guinea pigs, rabbits, they want to be let out and love the extra space.”

Dogs are some of the most receptive animals when it comes to training, yet that doesn’t mean you should push them too hard for a prolonged period. Instead, it might be a good idea to divide the work up and put it into briefer routines. Your dog will no doubt appreciate it — and have more fun!

While cats often slink away to be by themselves, you should still probably think about making them a “safe haven” of sorts inside the house. Why? Well, if you’re due to have a party or set to welcome guests with other animals or kids, this spot will shield them from that. As per Psychology Today, the higher up it is, the better.

Instead of drawing up a bath for your dog if it’s got dirty paws, why not give this a go? All you’ll require is a plastic cup and a sheet of silicone bristles. Put the two together with some water, before carefully placing your pooch’s foot into the opening. According to the 5-Minute Crafts PLAY YouTube channel, this simple method will clean them up in a flash!

Looking for an enjoyable game that’ll test your dog both physically and mentally? A tug of war will be right up your alley. It’ll get the blood pumping and the neurons firing. Just ensure that they’re trained to know when the activity’s over. By doing that, you’ve no need to worry about them developing hostile traits.

Much like humans, cats don’t like the idea of going to the bathroom near their dinner. So it wouldn’t be wise to stick their litter box in the vicinity of their food bowls. They’d hate it! Instead, keep the former in an isolated spot where they’re less-likely to be bothered by anyone. The felines will be a lot happier with that.

It’s not always possible to keep animal treats on your person at all times. And we’d advise against using your pockets — things might get messy! As an alternative, you could invest in a little pouch to carry the snacks with you. Your pets won’t leave your side after that, so be prepared.

Hide and seek isn’t just a fun game to play with children — dogs adore it, too. All you need to do is choose a decent spot and then cry out to your beloved pooch. Once they finally locate you, shower them with affection and go for it again. It’s a simple activity that’ll leave canines beaming.