In honor of the unique relationship that animals and humans share, citizens across the country will spend February celebrating Responsible Pet Owners Month. During this event, people will focus on discovering ways to improve their pet care, and they will encourage others to do the same. From investing in dog day care to exploring new fitness opportunities, here are a few ways you can honor this event and take your animal ownership skills to the next level.

5 Animal Care Tips to Consider This Responsible Pet Owners Month

1. Make Grooming a Priority

In addition to keeping your animal beautiful, regular dog or cat grooming is essential to your pet’s health and comfort. For example, trimming a cat’s nails allows them to move around and climb with ease. Trimming and brushing your dog’s coat will also help them regulate body temperature properly and avoid matting.

2. Exercise Regularly

Daily exercise is one of the best ways to combat the prevalent issue of pet obesity. Felines, for instance, can get the recommended 15 minutes of daily activity by climbing cat towers and playing with toys. Dogs, on the other hand, should be walked and played with for about 30 minutes a day. If you’re having trouble finding time in your schedule to keep your pooch active, dog day care can provide them with a place to exercise and socialize for hours.

3. Re-Evaluate Pet Food Ingredients

If your preferred pet food contains a large number of refined carbohydrates and sodium, consider switching to a healthier, more nutritionally balanced option that won’t contribute to weight gain and diabetes. If you’re unsure of which type is best for your pet, talk to your veterinarian about the recommended foods that meet their daily calorie requirements, age, and overall health condition.

4. Schedule a Checkup

At the minimum, pets should visit the veterinarian at least once a year, and they may require more frequent appointments if they are older or have a chronic health problem. These regular visits are essential to catching and treating potential health issues early and staying up-to-date on all vaccinations.

5. Spay or Neuter

These routine surgeries remove an animal’s reproductive organ, which keeps pet populations under control. It can also help prevent serious health issues—such as breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutered males also experience improvements in behavior, which can help improve the way they socialize and respond to commands—two benefits that can simplify pet sitting and dog day care experiences.

Being a responsible pet owner isn’t a task you have to complete all on your own. With the help of Joe, Carol, and Peggy at Robinwood Kennel, pet parents of Cincinnati can rest assured that their four-legged friends are receiving the care they need to stay happy and healthy. Located in Highland Heights, KY, which is only minutes away from Northern Kentucky University and 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, this kennel offers a fully equipped dog day care center, pet boarding services, and cat and dog grooming resources. To learn more about these beneficial services, visit them online. For bookings and grooming appointments, call (859) 781-2352.