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Becoming a pet owner is a massive responsibility - one that a lot of people don't appreciate. There are so many sad stories of pets that have been mistreated by their owners, and a lot of the time it's not necessarily intentional. It's more to do with the fact that you don't know how to properly look after a pet. Obviously, this is bad for the pet, but people don't realize the effort that goes into looking after a furry little friend.
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So, to help you become a better pet owner, here are three things you absolutely should never do as the owner of a pet:
Never assume that there's one rule for every pet
If you hop online and look for pet advice, you'll find many different things being said. This is because all pets are different! Looking after a cat is inherently different from looking after a dog. Speaking of which, with dogs, you have different breeds, all of which require different levels of attention. For example, some dogs only need to be walked once a day, while others need to be out walking three or four times!
As such, you can't assume that what works for one pet will work with yours. You have to actually do the right research, ensuring that you look after your pet as best as you can.
Never be lazy with their food
Similarly, you have to understand how to feed your pet. Again, dogs are the perfect example of where certain things are better for some pets than others. Many dog owners always wonder; what is the best dog food? In reality, the best dog food is whatever is best for your dog. A puppy needs different food from an adult dog, smaller breeds need a specific blend, and so on. You can't get lazy when feeding a dog - you have to understand what is best for their specific diet.
Naturally, the same rule applies to all pets. The worst thing you can do is go to the shop and pick up the first pet food product you see. You have no idea if it is good for your pet or not, so make sure you do the research beforehand!
Never neglect your pet
Lastly, you should never neglect your pet. If your pet wants attention, it's likely because they need something. Cats are a fantastic example - when they meow, it's probably because they need you to do something for them. It could indicate that they want food, water, or to go outside for some exercise. Dogs are the same, as are all pets - when they talk, you better take notice of them.
Plus, pets have feelings just like humans. If you neglect them, they can become depressed and upset. Not to mention how harmful it can be on their overall health.
If you want to be a good pet owner, be sure you never do the three things listed above. To condense some advice down into one word, the best thing to do is research your pet. Look up everything there is to know about your specific pet and how to look after them, this will make it easier for you to be a good owner!