As any pet owner can tell you, the bonds we feel between ourselves and our beloved pets can rival any human connection. 

Our pets can bring so much joy into our lives and affect our emotions in a positive way. It’s natural for us to hope they in turn feel positively about their own living environment.

So today we’re talking pet dogs, cats, fish, birds and reptiles!

Let’s explore how to keep your pet happy.

How To Keep Your Pet Happy

Keep Old Dogs Happy with Exercise and Play

Just like us, dogs need consistent activity to stay happy and healthy. Even though your senior dog might move slower, exercise is good for their mind and body. Slow, low-impact walks around the block are great for an older canine with joint concerns.

As it goes with people, mental stimulation is crucial to maintaining cognitive function. To make sure your dog stays sharp, teach them new simple tricks or play new games to stimulate their mind.

What Age Do Dogs Start Slowing Down?

Most dogs begin entering their senior years around 7 years old, a little bit sooner for larger dog breeds.

An older dog can have trouble with stairs, jumping into the car, or even getting up after a nap. They start slowing down, may gain weight more easily, and their senses start to dull.

How To Keep a Senior Dog Happy

• Provide an age-appropriate diet.
• Spend time with your dog.
• Regular and appropriate exercise.
• Regular, or extra grooming.
• Provide special accommodations.
• Make your home accessible.
• Regular vet checkups.
• Maintain oral health.
• Vaccination and parasite protection.
• Provide the right dog bed.
• Keep your dog’s mind sharp.

What Age is a Cat Considered Geriatric?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners considers cats between the age of 11-14 to be senior while geriatric cats are 15 years of age and older.

What do Senior Cats Need to be Happy?

Older cats should have easy access to food, water, and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs they don’t have to. This may mean placing food and water bowls in more than one spot.  

If your cat is having trouble jumping to her old favourite spots, try adding steps or ramps for access.

Can Catnip Calm a Cat?

Catnip actually produces a sedative effect when cats eat it. Many will happily take a nap after eating a small portion of the herb.

Is 70 Too Old to Get a Cat?

Cats can make perfect pets for people of all ages, but even more so for the elderly. They can help improve a senior’s quality of life, while bringing endless amounts of happiness into any home.

How Can I Make My Pet Bird Happier?

Place enough entertainment in the cage, like perches or toys. Switch things out once in a while, so your bird can be sufficiently stimulated. Exercise your bird by providing as much time out of its cage as possible.

How Can I Keep My Fish Happy?

Tips to Keep Your Pet Fish Happy and Healthy:

• Filter your tank properly.
• Feed quality and a variety of foods.
• Do research and choose any tank mates wisely.
• Imitate natural habitat of the fish.
• Choose the right tank size.
• Perform regular tank maintenance.
• Add live plants to the tank.
• Do regular water changes.

Are My Pet Fish Happy in their Tank?

Your fish are happy and healthy when they swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying near the bottom, or floating near the top and hiding behind plants and ornaments. They should eat regularly and swim to the surface at feeding time.

Do Reptiles Feel Love for Their Owners?

Some reptiles do appear to enjoy human contact. A turtle that enjoys being petted might stick its neck out or close its eyes and become still and calm during the interaction. The same holds true of lizards.

(Edit: Please don’t try to touch snapping turtles in the wild! But they are otherwise harmless and do enjoy a feeding of bread crumbs.)

Ways to Keep Your Reptile Happy

• Give them more treats.
• Maintain comfortable temperatures.
• Take time to pamper them.
• Enhance their surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Your pet is an integral part of your life, keep them happy and healthy. Ensuring your pet leads a happy life will benefit not only your pet, but you and your entire family as well.

Recent studies showed that children raised with pets are more likely to develop stronger immune systems.

The other health benefits of pets include decreased feelings of loneliness and depression, with the emotional bonds and companionship pets provide. Pets such as a dog also tend to get people outside and exercising on a more regular basis.

My pets have brought me more joy and happiness than I thought possible.

I’m down to one pet, an 18-year old cat that helped inspire this post, and I use footstools throughout my home to make some of her climbs easier. Let me know how you keep your pets happy in the comments.

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How To Keep Your Pet Happy