Owning a pet can be one of the best parts of your life; a beloved dog can provide the support and love of a real family member. However, owning a pet is a big commitment; a dog is a living thing, not an accessory or a toy that you can throw away when you’re bored with him or her. Read on to learn some tips on how to be a more responsible pet owner, your pet will thank you!

• Avoid gifting animals. In a world where tiny dogs are often carried around in purses, it can be tempting to think that a puppy would be a great gift for a child’s birthday or Christmas. But when the novelty of the new puppy wears off, who will be there to take care of the animal? Before you buy a puppy for your child, make sure they are old and mature enough to understand the responsibility that comes along with owning a dog.

• Stay Active. Stay active with your pet. Make sure that they have appropriate exercise to help them avoid becoming overweight. Regular walks and playing fetch with them are ideal ways to keep them running around and in shape. You will also want to keep them mentally stimulated as well. Whether it’s letting them explore more or teaching them new tricks, these activities will keep your dogs engaged.

• Invest in your pet’s comfort. As our pets grow older, they may require special needs to deal with the effects of aging. One of the most common issues that older dogs face is arthritis, which can make it painful for your dog to stand and move like they did when they were younger. Latex orthopedic dog beds can provide preventative care for younger dogs, as well as alleviating the pain on older dogs. You can even buy therapeutic dog beds online and have them shipped straight to your door, it’s a convenient way to be a more responsible pet owner.

Interested in learning more about being a responsible pet owner? Contact All Natural Dog Beds today to find out more and stay tuned for Part 2 of our How to be a Responsible Pet Owner List!