Opening Thoughts

As a seasoned pet parent, every moment spent with my furry kids gives me many insights. Honestly, taking care of these little ones isn't easy - from the moment I open my eyes in the morning until I turn off the lights at night, basically every moment revolves around them. When friends ask me, "Isn't having pets really troublesome?" I always smile and say, "It is troublesome, but seeing their adorable faces makes it all worth it."

Through years of hands-on experience, I've gathered quite a few practical tips. Some I learned from other pet parents, others I figured out through daily care. Today I'm sharing all these experiences with everyone, hoping to help more pet parents solve various problems they encounter while raising pets.

All About Food and Drink

When it comes to the most basic aspect of pet care, it has to be food and drink. When I first started raising dogs, I was really troubled by various feeding issues. When to feed, how much is appropriate, whether to limit feeding time - these questions all gave me headaches.

After some time experimenting, I found that puzzle feeders are really an excellent method. They not only make eating fun for furry kids but also train their intelligence. I most often use Kong toys, putting dog food or treats inside and adding a bit of peanut butter. The first time my dog got this toy, its focused expression was absolutely adorable. It first sniffed with its nose, then carefully touched it with its paw, and then started figuring out how to get the food inside. Watching it rack its brains was so amusing I couldn't help but laugh.

Another tip I find particularly useful is solving the problem of outdoor food and water bowls tipping over. I used to worry about this problem a lot - every time after walking the dog, seeing spilled food bowls and water everywhere was really frustrating. Later I had an idea to put the bowls inside a tire. I've been using this method for over two years with great results. The tire not only keeps the bowls in place but also prevents dogs from pushing them around.

Speaking of feeding tools, I want to share another experience. If your furry kid eats too fast and finishes their food in just a few bites, try a "slow feeder bowl." These bowls are cleverly designed with various raised sections that make dogs eat more slowly. After using a slow feeder bowl, my dog's eating time extended from 2 minutes to 15 minutes, which not only helps better digestion but also prevents bloating from eating too quickly.

For picky eaters, my suggestion is to try changing the feeding method. For example, you can divide food into multiple small meals throughout the day. You can also feed at fixed times to develop their eating habits. If they really don't like dry food, try adding some natural ingredients like cooked chicken, carrots, or pumpkin - this not only increases appetite but also adds nutrition.

Water intake is also very important. Many pet parents might not know how much water dogs and cats need daily. Generally, they need 50-60ml of water per kilogram of body weight. To encourage them to drink more water, I place water bowls in different locations around the house. You can also buy a water fountain - flowing water will stimulate their interest in drinking.

What to Eat During Special Times

Summer has arrived, and furry kids feel especially hot too. This is when frozen treats come in handy. I often freeze yogurt, peanut butter, or chicken broth with some fruits and vegetables to make delicious ice pops. My dog particularly loves frozen watermelon chunks and banana slices - every time they see me take them out, they wag their tail excitedly.

However, there are several things to note when preparing frozen treats: first, choose fruits and vegetables suitable for dogs; second, don't add too much sugar; finally, give appropriate portions - don't give too much at once just because it's tasty.

Speaking of special periods, what probably worries pet parents most is when furry kids have upset stomachs. Every time I see them having diarrhea, my heart aches. After multiple tries, I found the most effective method is to prepare plain chicken rice. The specific method is: cook chicken breast, remove skin and bones, cut into small pieces, then mix with cooked white rice. This food is both easy to digest and nutritious.

During periods when furry kids are sick, ensuring their water intake is especially important. I add a bit of low-sodium chicken broth to their drinking water, which not only increases their interest in drinking but also provides some nutrition. But note that the chicken broth should be plain, without salt or seasonings.

Another tip is to try using a feeding syringe when furry kids have no appetite. This method is especially suitable for cats when they're sick, as cats easily lose their appetite when ill. Using a feeding syringe can help them gradually adapt to eating until they recover to normal.

Cleaning Tips

Speaking of cleaning, this is a major task. Every pet parent knows that dealing with various stains is the most troublesome part of pet care. After years of experience, I've found that baby wipes are really essential tools. They're especially convenient for wiping dirty paws or fur between baths.

When choosing wipes, it's best to select unscented ones, as some furry kids are sensitive to fragrances. Also, choose alcohol-free products to avoid irritating their skin. I usually prepare two types of wipes, one for general daily wiping and another specifically for cleaning eyes and ears.

Speaking of dealing with urine stains, this might be the most headache-inducing problem. I have a particularly effective formula: mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spray directly on urine stains, then sprinkle baking soda. After it's completely dry, clean with a vacuum cleaner. This method not only removes stains but also completely eliminates odors. Plus, these materials are natural and won't harm your furry kids.

If the stains are on carpets, they're more troublesome to handle. My suggestion is to first absorb surface liquid with paper towels, then spray with professional pet deodorizer. If that doesn't work, consider hiring a professional cleaning company. To avoid this situation, I've laid some waterproof mats around the house, especially in areas where furry kids are often active.

For pet parents who often go out, carrying some cleaning supplies is very necessary. I prepare a small bag containing wipes, paper towels, a portable spray bottle, and some spare pee pads. This way, I can handle any sudden situations wherever they occur.

Health Comes First

Speaking of health issues, I think regular check-ups are most important. Many pet parents might think there's no need to go to the hospital if their furry kids don't have any problems, but this thinking is incorrect. Regular check-ups can detect problems early and prevent small issues from becoming big ones. My suggestion is to take furry kids to the vet for check-ups at least 1-2 times a year, and more frequently for young or elderly pets.

Check-ups generally include basic items like weight measurement, temperature measurement, heart and lung auscultation, appearance examination, and if needed, blood tests and comprehensive biochemical tests. Although these examinations might cost some money, compared to treatment costs for illnesses, it's really a worthwhile investment.

Many friends encounter a problem: cats strongly resist going to the hospital. This is indeed a common issue, as cats are particularly sensitive to environmental changes. The key to solving this problem is to get them used to staying in cat carriers from a young age. My cat has been regularly placed in the carrier to play since young, and now doesn't resist going to the hospital too much.

When choosing a cat carrier, note several points: first, choose one with good ventilation, preferably with mesh on all four sides; second, ensure the size is appropriate so the cat can turn around and lie down; finally, choose one with convenient openings, making it easier to put cats in and take them out.

In daily life, we should also observe our furry kids' condition regularly. For example, whether their eating is normal, their spirit level, whether their bowel movements are normal, etc. If any abnormal situations are found, seek medical attention promptly. Sometimes what we think is a small problem might already be serious for furry kids.

Making Life More Comfortable

Creating a comfortable living environment for furry kids is also one of our important tasks as pet parents. In winter, I put a hot water bottle in their bed, wrapped in a towel of course, so they can sleep warmly all night. When choosing hot water bottles, pay attention to safety - best choose explosion-proof ones, and don't make the water temperature too hot to avoid burning furry kids.

In summer, prepare some cooling items, like cooling mats and fans. But note not to let furry kids constantly face the fan or lie on cooling mats continuously, as this can easily cause colds. My approach is to prepare several different rest areas in the room, letting them choose according to their needs.

Speaking of exercise, this is also a very important aspect. When walking dogs, I particularly like choosing downhill places to play frisbee, which not only helps dogs consume more energy but also adds fun to exercise. But note that exercise amount should be moderate, especially in summer - avoid going out for exercise when the sun is strongest.

For indoor cats, exercise is also very important. I prepare some interactive toys like cat wands and laser pointers. But note not to play too long, as cats easily lose interest in the same toy. My suggestion is to prepare various different toys and rotate them daily.

You can also create some exercise space for furry kids at home. For example, buy a cat tree, or make some simple exercise facilities yourself. I made a maze with cardboard boxes, and my cat particularly loves crawling around inside it.

Final Words

Raising pets is indeed a race against time, as their lifespans are much shorter than ours. But precisely because time is limited, we should cherish every moment of interaction even more. Every smile, every interaction, every warm moment becomes a precious memory.

Over these years, I've learned a lot from my furry kids. They've taught me what unconditional love is, what sincere dedication is, what simple happiness is. Although taking care of them requires a lot of time and energy, when seeing them healthy and happy, all the effort is worth it.

I hope these experiences can help everyone. Every furry kid is a unique individual and may have different needs and habits. The important thing is to observe more, try more, and find the best way to get along with your furry kids.