The Pet Owner’s Toolbox: 100 Tips and Resources for Keeping your Pet Healthy and Happy
By Laura Milligan
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, fish or reptile living somewhere in your house, you most likely consider your pet another member of the family. Keeping your pet’s health in check and making sure the yard is full of toys and fun can be a struggle, though, when we’re also trying to balance our own doctor’s appointments and plans with friends. This list is your one-stop resource for taking care of your pet, with links and guides for keeping your fuzzy (or scaly) friend healthy and happy.
Top 10 Tips
Read below for our collection of the top 10 tips you need to know in order to take care of your pet.
- Do your research: Before you decide to take a pet home, do the necessary research to make sure your family and home are ready to care for an animal. Find out what kind of pet and which breed best matches your lifestyle, and outline a schedule of how often you’ll need to exercise it, how much time you’ll need to train it and the amount of attention you can honestly give the new pet.
- Get your pet spayed or neutered: Unless you’re seriously thinking of breeding your pet, you should have it spayed or neutered. Not only will you prevent an unwanted pregnancy which can result in stray dogs or cats, but your pet will also probably become calmer and more docile.
- Grooming: All pets, especially dogs and cats, need to be groomed regularly. Skin diseases, overheating and general discomfort can result from a pet with heavily matted hair, infected teeth and gums and untrimmed toenails and claws.
- Exercise: A pet that doesn’t get enough exercise can become destructive around the yard or in your house. Use up its energy in a constructive way by taking it for a walk, playing fetch, or chasing it around the backyard each day.
- Regular trips to the vet: The cost of taking your pet, especially a young one, to the veterinarian each year can add up, but skipping doctor’s appointments can lead to major trouble. Your pet will need the basic vaccinations to protect against certain diseases which could even affect your family. Never skip routine trips to the vet.
- Fleas and ticks: When fleas and ticks infest your house or yard, your pet will probably end up with irritated skin from all of the scratching and maybe even lyme disease. Protect your pets against fleas and ticks by reducing your pet’s exposure from the parasites, using a flea collar and treating your entire home and yard.
- Create a special place for your pet: Whether it’s a bird cage or dog bed, give your pet a special corner of the room to call its own. This give your pet a spot to wind down at the end of the day and make it feel more secure about its place in your home.
- Healthy diet: Pet food recalls, pet obesity and food allergies are a few of the diet concerns pet owners have these days. Most store-bought pet foods are generally safe, but if your pet starts showing negative effects to its food, work with your vet to develop an adequate, healthy diet.
- Safety: Many of us regard our pets as mini security systems, whether they sound the alarm against intruders by chirping, barking, or hissing; however, our pets also need us to protect them from stray animals, unguarded swimming pools, and dangerous chemicals or foods within their reach. Learn how to pet proof your home by following these tips.
- Attention: Most importantly, your pet deserves as much attention as you can give it. Your pet views your household as its family and depends on you to love it and protect it.
Blogs
Check out these blogs to find tips, tools and advice for taking care of your pet.
- PetsBlogs.com: This “blog for pet lovers” publishes articles about dogs, cats, birds, fish and other aquatic pets. Learn about current health and safety news, get tips on caring for your pet and more.
- The Poop: Despite its unsavory name, this site features a cheerful pet blog with resources for finding “adoptable pets from animal welfare organizations across the country.”
- Pets Mini-Magazine: Browse through photos of cute pets and read articles and stories about training, grooming and more.
- Embrace Pet Insurance Blog: The Embrace Pet Insurance company sponsors this blog, which posts stories about pet insurance, pet health, new products and nonprofit organizations.
- Pet Pals Blog: This blog from the AARP features funny photos of people’s pets and posts resources for animal rescue shelters.
- PetStrong.com: Pet trainer Danielle Sheffler profiles different breeds of dogs and cats, making her blog a great resource for anyone wanting to research a new pet.
- My Pet Blog: My Pet Blog discusses all things pet-related, from new pet products to animals in the news to animal abuse.
- dogsblog: Learn about rescue dogs and dogs for adoption at dogsblog.com. All kinds of dogs needing new homes can be found on this site, from mutts to Great Danes to Jack Russells to Shar-peis.
- Pet Forum: Check out the Pet Forum on Pettags.com to find information about breeders and pet products for dogs and cats.
- Pet Herbal Info Blog: This blog posts articles on “treating your pet holistically.” Pet owners can find articles on training, healthy pet recipes, picking out a new pet and more.
- The Pet Haven: Recent titles on The Pet Haven include “Cat Proof Your Home” and “Animal Rescue Site Needs Help.” Owners of exotic pets and fish can also find helpful resources here.
- Animal Hubbub: Animal Hubbub is a popular blog in conjunction with AOL Connection, designed just for “pets and their people.” Read hilarious pet anecdotes, and catch up on important pet news for information on dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.
- Pet Prayer and Praise Blog: If you have a sick pet at home, submit a prayer request to this website, which generates new pet prayer lists each Sunday.
- Petville: Petville is the online source for “pet views and news: a place to celebrate, learn about and talk about your pets.” Regular posts profile different animals, report on pet-related news, and discuss different health problems and treatments for all kinds of pets.
- Simple Pet Care: Simple Pet Care covers pet nutrition, introducing to dogs to children and other resources for dogs, cats, birds and small pets.
- Pet Travel Blog: Pet owners will find great tips for traveling with their pets from the posts on this blog.
- Pets.ca: This Canadian blog hosts a pet podcast and popular blog about dogs and cats. Recent titles include “Top ten tips on being a great pet owner” and “Allergies to dogs and cats.”
Expert Advice
These experts provide pet owners with all kinds of tools and support for taking care of their furry friends.
- Pet Connection: Check out this blog from Dr. Marty Becker, the “best-loved family doctor for pets.” You’ll find pet-related news, pictures and tips, as well as Dr. Becker’s syndicated weekly pet column.
- Cesar Millan: Visit the Dog Whisperer’s official website to gain access to Cesar’s professional tips, discuss your pet’s behavior on the forums, read monthly newsletters or sign up for seminars.
- Dr. Jon: Veterinarian Dr. Jon answers questions about your pet problems on his website Pet Place. You can also obtain information about medicine, insurance and training from the resources on the site if you need an immediate answer.
- Orvis Pet Experts: Outdoor clothing and accessories company Orvis has a team of pet experts ready to answer questions about Orvis pet products.
- Dr. Polsky: This animal behavior specialist is also an expert witness for cases that involve dog and cat bites or attacks. Check out his website for statistics, attorney databases, and other resources.
- DogChannel.com: Meet the dog experts at DogChannel.com: Vet Jon Geller, groomer Kathy Salzberg, trainer September Morn, and Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. Read their tips for giving your dog the care it deserves.
- CatChannel.com: Receive expert advice from the veterinarians and cat behavior consultants at CatChannel.com.
- Pet Education.com: Learn the basics of pet ownership from Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith on this useful site.
- Ask the Dog Expert: Submit a question for the dog expert at LoveToKnow Dogs, or check out previous responses to questions about giving birth, Zoloft and more.
- Practical Pet Care: This site hosts several different forums for pet owners to consult the experts about problems with their dogs, cats, birds, turtles, fish, farm animals, guinea pigs and more.
- Andrea Arden: Expert dog trainer Andrea Arden answers questions in this New York Magazine interview entitled, “The Everything Guide to Getting a Dog.”
- Obedience Training: Become your pet’s pack leader by mastering these obedience training techniques.
- Cat Training: Expertly train your cat to be a friendly, housebroken pet with the tips given on this blog.
- Dr. James Glover: Bird expert Dr. James Glover answers pet owners’ questions at Pet Peoples Place. Ask him anything related to bird health, food, breeding and behavior.
Health
A healthy pet equals a happy pet. Learn how to take care of your pet properly with these tips and resources.
- Pet Medicine: This blog offers free information about pet health and medications. Learn about different treatments, grooming techniques and more.
- Televets: This online pet support center has certified pet advisors ready to answer health questions 247/7.
- The Pet Center: This site offers all kinds of advice for pet owners. Learn about pet nutrition, surgery and general health care. Visitors can also take quizzes to discover how much they really know about taking care of their pets.
- Medline Plus: This government-sponsored website provides general health information and links to veterinary associations, the FDA, first aid tips for pets, and more.
- AVMA Poison Guide: The American Veterinary Medical Association publishes an online poison guide for help in the event your pet ingests something poisonous.
- Seasonal Health Tips: Discover the proper ways to care for your pet in the summer heat, during the hectic holidays and during flea season.
- Pet Medical Glossary: The National Center for Infectious Diseases publishes this glossary of terms to help pet owners better understand their animals’ diseases and health conditions.
- HealthyPet.com: This website for the American Animal Hospital Association has lots of resources for pet vaccinations, learning how to evaluate whether or not your pet is in pain or feeling sick and more.
- Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Check out the index of pet health topics on the Washington State CVM website. Search by procedures, common problems, diseases, or browse topics alphabetically.
- American Red Cross: First aid is for pets too. The American Red Cross also posts the average temperature and heart rates for various-sized dogs and cats.
- VeterinaryPartner: This website is on a mission to support your veterinarian and you in the care of your companion animals by providing reliable, up-to-date animal health information from the veterinarians and experts of the Veterinary Information Network” online.
- Pet Health from MSNBC: Visit the Pet Health page on MSNBC.com to get the latest in pet news, health and general “help for owners,” including travel tips and accommodating your pets when you have company.
- AVMA: Visit the official site for the American Veterinary Medical Association to access articles, tips and other resources for keeping your pet healthy and happy.
Articles and Guides
The following articles and how-to guides are full of helpful tips for learning how to adequately care for your pet.
- Pet Food: The Lowdown on Labels: Understand exactly what kind of food you’re giving your pets with the information provided in this article.
- Pets: Before and After a Disaster Strikes: FEMA educates pet owners on the proper actions to take before and after major disasters.
- When a Pet Dies: Learn how to appropriately address the situation when a beloved family pet passes away.
- Caring for Your Pet: These pet tips advise owners on how to keep their pets and homes clean, what to do to prevent pet poisoning, the questions to consider when choosing a vet and more.
- Turtle Care: Turtles are popular pets for kids. Learn how to adequately care for one with the tips listed in this guide.
- Pet Care: Tips for Health, Training and Pet-Friendly Travel: This extensive article provides quality information for evaluating the overall cost of a pet, finding pet-related legal support, using a pet sitter and more.
- Pet Reptiles: An Owner’s Approach to Caring for a Couple of Scaly Friends: This article gives readers advice on caring for pet reptiles. Read about maintenance, behavior traits, and special diet concerns.
- Pet Safety: Tips for Introducing a Pet Into Your Home: Small children and pets may or may not get along right away. Check out this guide for bringing a pet into your home safely.
- Caring for Your Pet Rabbit: 8 Things You Need to Know: This article lists ideas for bunny-proofing your home and keeping rabbits healthy and safe.
- Caring for Your Older Pet: This article details the necessary check ups and extra health problems that older pets may experience.
- Getting Pet: Animal Planet’s “Getting a Pet” guide asks readers to consider buying vs. adopting, overall cost, and matching the right environment when getting a new pet.
- Caring for a Blind Pet: This article from Associated Content explains how to care for a pet that is blind, whether it was born with the condition or developed it later in life.
- Caring for Your Pet When Called to Duty: The 4 Military Families site publishes this article, which details the unique situation military personnel are faced with when called to duty.
- Pet Tips: This website features great guides to caring for your pet, from “Preparing to Bring Home a New Pet” to “Taking Your Pet to Work.”
Resources
These resources are designed to give support and offer advice for owners of all kinds of pets.
- Pet Love Shack: This site has information for adopting pets from rescue shelters.
- The Dog Owner Club: Browse categories like training, videos, news and health or search for specific breeds to find information and support for your dog.
- Animal Concerns: Join this online community in discussions about pet health, animal rescue, factory farms, breeding, animals in the entertainment industry and more.
- Traveling With Your Pet: This guide gives valuable tips for traveling with pets on airplanes, trains, buses, in the car, or on camping trips.
- Petfinder: Choosing to adopt a pet from an animal shelter will undoubtedly save an animal’s life. But how do you know you’re getting the pet you really want? Use this website to locate animal shelters and adoptable pets, including horses, reptiles, rabbits, dogs and cats, around the country.
- Next Day Pets: This online directory will connect you to dog breeders and adoptable dogs.
- Special Needs Pets: Some pets need extra care. This website provides resources for physically disabled pets, choosing a vet, pet hospice, and other methods for “advocating your pet.”
- Advocacy for Animals: The Encyclopedia Britannica’s Advocacy for Animals blog posts articles about animals and the environment, pets, animals in the news, health and nutrition concerns and more.
- iVillage Pets: This typically woman-centric resource also has a Pets page, with expert advice, fun quizzes, message boards and a symptom solver.
- Top Pet Tips: This website gives lots of excellent tips for housebreaking your dog or cat, training, grooming and more.
- Best Friends Animal Society: The Best Friends society works with The Humane Society and animal lovers everywhere “to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.” Visit their website to find out how you can donate to the cause, need help finding a place for the pet you can no longer care for, or just want useful tips for taking care of your family’s pet.
- The PetWork: The PetWork “is a national network of pet resources, pet-related web sites, and information about pets, for the people who love them.” Visit often to check out the rescue guide, photo gallery and health guide.
- American Kennel Club: This official site has information and profiles on every breed of dog. Find breeders, get tips on caring for your unique dog, and find out about special events and dog shows hosted by the AKC.
- The Humane Society: Find pet adoption information, pet-related news and health updates, and other “issues affecting our pets” at The Humane Society’s website.
Indoor Pets
Caring for an indoor pet welcomes a whole new set of challenges. This list will help you promote a healthy, happy atmosphere for both you and your pet.
- Doctor Dog: The doctor dog gives tips on dealing with indoor dogs and cats, large and small.
- Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: This fact sheet from paw-rescue.org lists the pros and cons to keeping dogs inside and outside.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats — Which Way is Best?: Cat owners should check out this article to figure out if their cat belongs inside the house or out.
Obedience Training
Train your dog or cat with these surefire tips.
- Dr. P’s Dog Training Library: This online database provides a wealth of resources and articles about training your dog.
- Cat Training: How Cats Learn: Before you start training your cat, read this article to better understand cat psychology and understand how they learn.
- How to Train a Dog: Follow this step-by-step guide to begin training your dog to sit, stay and come.
- The Proper Way to House Train Your Cat: This article from Buzzle.com lists the different ways you can train your cat to use the litter box.
Miscellaneous
From traveling with a pet to world famous cat and dog shows, this list of resources completes our toolbox.
- Ten Top Tips for Happy Pets: The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors documents ten tips for keeping your pet happy, whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse, parrot, guinea pig, or rat.
- The Partnership for Animal Welfare: PAW is a charity that was “chartered to facilitate the rescue and adoption of homeless domestic animals, mainly dogs and cats, and place them in loving and stable homes.” Visit their site for information on adopting pets or participating in advocacy programs and events.
- A Quick Guide for Cat Care: These “nine tips toward a longer and healthier life” include taking care of your cat’s teeth, keeping your cat “slim” and taking it to the vet for regular check ups.
- The Cat Site: This website teaches you how to do everything better for your cat, including “How to Take Good Pictures of Cats” and “Living with Cat Allergy.”
- Pet Travel Center: If you want to take your pet with you on your next family vacation, check out this website to find pet-friendly hotels, tips for traveling with pets, veterinarians and pet hospitals in your travel city and other pet travel-related articles.
- So You Want a Pet Rabbit: Basic Rabbit Behavior: Before bringing a pet rabbit into your home, read this article to make sure you know what to expect.
- Dog and Cat Grooming, a Beginner’s Guide: This article divulges the right way to groom your dog or cat. Print out the Health Notes chart to document any abnormalities you discover while grooming.
- Petsmart Care Guides: These expert-developed care guides give pet owners information on how to take care of birds, reptiles, fish, and a variety of dog breeds.
- Pet Allergy Solution Guide: Learn how to live with both your favorite pet and your allergies with the tools and products found here.
- Westminster Kennel Club: Check out the official site for the annual Westminster Dog Show.
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association: The CFA is the “world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats.” Get breeder information, read profiles on different types of cats, and find out about upcoming cat shows.