February 20th is Love Your Pet Day. The American Pet Products Association estimates that 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned in the United States alone. 37-47% of houses have a dog, while 30-37% have a cat. You should love your pet every day, but here are some extra special ways to spoil your dog or cat on Love Your Pet Day.
Tips for Dogs:
Food– Do you know if you’re feeding your dog the right food? Stop by your local Buchheit store and talk to a team member today to find if you are feeding your dog the right food. Age, weight, breed, general health, and pickiness are all factors to consider when determining what to feed your dog. At Buchheit we offer a variety of different types of wet and dry dog food, including our very own Buchheit Premium Dog Food. If your dog eats too quickly, try one of our slow feeder bowls or inserts that go inside your current bowl. This forces your dog to slow their eating while helping to prevent bloat.
Teach an old dog new tricks– Dogs and puppies can both be taught tricks and can benefit from the mental stimulation and physical activity. A great way to establish a bond with your pet is to teach them tricks. You can reinforce the desired behavior with a treat. Check out our training treat selection and various publications about how to train your dog.
Walks– Just like humans, dogs should get 30 minutes or more of exercise each day. The intensity of exercise depends on the breed, age, and overall health. Walks keep dogs interested while giving them a chance to explore and check out new smells. Why not make going on a walk fun with some stylish accessories? We offer a variety of leashes, collars, and harnesses and you will be sure to find one perfect for your friend. For greater visibility and safety at night, check out our lighted dog collars.
Treats– Sometimes, the quickest way to a dog’s heart is through food! From bones to all-natural treats, we have so many options to choose from! Many treats, in moderation, are a healthy complement to your dog’s diet. When picking out treats for your dog, choose a shape and form that best suits your dog’s size, dietary needs, and chewing habits. Small treats are perfect for a quick reward, while bones and rawhides are better suited for longer entertainment and dental health.
Perryville Dog Toy and Bone Selection
Toys– Experts say that dogs need toys to have a healthy mind to be happy and this is best done by having a variety of different dog toys. Without toys, dogs could resort to finding alternative household object to play with or chew, like the kitchen table or sofa. We carry many different types of toys from your classic tennis balls to puzzle toys for your dog. When picking out toys, make sure that they are large enough that they could not swallow or get stuck in their throat. Rope toys can be fun to chew and play tug with, just make sure that your dog does not eat the fringe, as this can upset their stomachs. We have a variety of toys for both heavy and light chewers.
Tips for Cats:
Food– Do you know if you’re feeding your cat the right food for them? Stop by your local Buchheit store and talk to a team member today to find if you are feeding your cat the right food. Age, weight, breed, general health, and pickiness are all factors to consider when determining what to feed your cat. We have a wide selection of both dry and wet cat food in addition to our very own Buchheit Premium Cat Food.
Scratching– This is a normal cat behavior that can be beneficial for your cat. When a cat scratches, this marks their territory while maintaining their claws. Cat scratchers help save your furniture from wear and tear and give your cat an outlet for their natural instincts. This is almost like a workout for your cat as they exert energy while giving them a full-body stretch too.
Toys-It can be easy to keep your cat entertained by the wide selection of toys we offer. House cats derived from wild cats and it is in their DNA to want hunt, pounce, and chase. Cats can easily get bored with their toys, so try rotating them and only keep a few out at a time. Providing activities can make a happy and healthy cat.
Treats-Many cat treats are complete and balanced, which have added vitamins and nutrients to help maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Some are designed to support strong teeth and bones while helping to reduce tartar and built up plaque. Treats should not become a significant portion of your cat’s diet and should not account for more than 10% of a pet’s caloric intake. Treats can be a fun way to reward your cat while spending extra time with them.
Brushing– This activity helps to prevent painful mats and reduce shedding. Hair is removed with a brush instead of your cat shedding around the house. Brushing can reduce hairballs by eliminating excess and loose hair. Long-haired cats should be brushed daily, while short-haired cats should be brushed on a weekly basis. Many cats enjoy being brushed and this creates a great time to bond with your cat. We even offer a special self-grooming tool for cats that attaches to the wall and provides your cat with a constant source of grooming. It removes and collects loose hair while making a more enjoyable environment for your cat.
Regardless of how you spend Love Your Pet Day, remember that every day is a great day to show your pet love and affection. Pets can show us what unconditional love looks like and help make the world a little bit brighter. So, on national Love Your Pet Day, spend a little extra time spoiling your furry friends!
