The Best 11 Ways Pet Owner Must Do: Tip from Dr. Marty Becker

We sat down with "America's veterinarian."Marty Becker, to get his interpretation of how to be the most ideal pet proprietor with some useful suggestions for keeping pets happy and healthy throughout their lives.

1. Get Educated

The initial step to being an exceptional pet proprietor, as indicated by Dr. Marty dog, is taking responsibility. “Nobody ever says ‘I was a lousy pet owner.’ It’s always the pet’s fault.” Learn the peculiarities of your pet’s breed, such as how much exercise they need, how gregarious they are, how much maintenance their coat requires, how often they need to go outside, and about new technologies, products, and nutrition that might help you care for your pet. Knowing the basics about your pet’s upkeep ensures you won’t be caught off guard by troubling behavior.

2. Focus on the Human-Animal Bond

“Dogs and cats have broken down the walls of our hearts. There haven’t been comparable domesticated species in 5,000 years.” For Dr. Marty dog, obviously pets and individuals have developed to profit one another.

He clarifies, "When you're petting them, you both get this huge arrival of oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and a reduction in cortisol.
It’s a reciprocal biochemical spa treatment.” As they age, it can be easy to take pets for granted. Set aside a few minutes for a little human-creature holding each day.

3. Learn to Detect Signs of Stress

“We’re naturally attuned to stress in other people.We know what an upbeat pooch resembles, yet what does a focused on pet resemble? Stress increases cortisol, the fight or flight hormone, which over time, can lead to long-term metabolic conditions.” Major indicators of stress to watch out for include:

•   Excessive yawning
•   Excessively licking lips
•   Shaking dry when not wet
•   Trembling
•   Avoiding or hiding
•   Hardening of the eyes

4. Reduce Stress

Dr. Marty dog notes,  "The key is to diminish nervousness triggers." If you have a vet visit, "don't get the carrier out the night before,” give them a few days to get prepared. If they’re nervous alone or traveling, play soothing music, or draw the shades. The fewer stimulus pets receive from the outside world, the less anxiety they’ll have about events outside their control.

5. Share Your Home

You may pay the bills, but your home is your pet’s whole world.  Dr. Marty dog says we often put our own needs first. “Humans put litter boxes where it’s convenient. But that bathroom or laundry room has no escape route. For your cat, it’s less hassle to go behind that bureau.” To locate stressors in the home, consider the following:

•   Are feeding dishes and litter boxes easily accessible?
•   Are neighbor’s pets a source of irritation?
•   Does your pet approach a detached space to rest?
•   Are outside noises or light over-stimulating them?

6. Plan for When You’re Not There

Ensure your pets are accommodated during those extended periods of time when you're away. Dr. Marty dog suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”

7. Keep Them Active

Energy varies between breeds, says Dr. Marty dog. “Greyhounds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and other dynamic breeds have unfathomable energy.” He continues, “wolves spend 80% of their time awake, moving. With cats, there's not such an activity prerequisite," yet giving outlets to play at home is still crucial. For the two felines and pooches, he suggests nourishment administering that "reproduces the chase," and puzzle feeders that engage your pet’s “body and mind.”

8. Help Them Adapt to New Environments

“The only thing that likes change is a four-week-old baby in a wet diaper.” Though puppies and kittens are easygoing, mature pets often need guidance transitioning into new spaces.

Dr. Marty dog  advises introducing them slowly. “Don’t just dump them in a new house and hope for the best.” Pheromone sprays are handy for making strange houses more inviting. “Cats,” notes Dr. Marty dog, exist as both predator and prey, and in predator mode, they need vertical surfaces like climbing towers to feel safe.”
9. Be Diligent about Vet Visits

“Don’t wait for the signs,” Dr. Marty dog stresses. Focus on “prevention first.” Pets age fast, and when it comes to illness, they are programmed to mask weakness, “they’re naturally secretive.” One to two visits a year is ideal, but if you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate, and don’t self-diagnose. “In the last two years, I’ve seen four or five cases where people went to the internet for help, and by the time they get to the vet, it’s too late,” says Dr. Marty dog .

10. Keep Them Social

Some breeds have a harder time socializing than others, but nobody benefits from an antisocial pet. Dr. Marty dog offered these techniques for introducing your pet to strangers:

The Best 11 Ways Pet Owner Must Do: Tip from Dr. Marty Becker

•   Meet on neutral territory, where nobody feels territorial.
•   With humans (read: mail carriers), give them the treat to feed your pet.
•   With other animals, time and patience are essential. Reward calm behavior.

“Don’t use negative training; don’t swat them with a newspaper. How cruel.”

Cat owners: check out more socialization tips here.

11. Celebrate Your Pet at Every Age

Everybody cherishes another little dog or cat, says Dr. Marty dog . “They’re wildly kinetic, and humorous. An older pet is thinner, bonier. Their coats aren’t as soft; they might have bad breath.” But, like people, a pet’s needs change with age. They may be less active, preferring a stroll to a rollicking tug-of-war. “Our old retriever, who’s blind, still wants to retrieve.” Adapting to their changing needs will ensure your old friend remains a healthy and h
happy member of your family

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