Step 1
Feed your cat "Indoor Cat" food. This can be any brand so long as your cat seems to enjoy it.
Be sure to measure the cat's daily food and feed according to package instructions.
If your cat will eat it all in one sitting, split it up into 2-3 feedings per day.
Step 2
Give your cat "Weight Control" formula or a special type of food if your vet asks you to do so.
Cats can have a tendency to be overweight when they are indoors all the time.
They do not get as much exercise.
Step 3
Brush your cat. If you start when they are younger, they usually tend to at least tolerate it.
Some even love it and will purr and roll over to show gratitude.
Brushing also fends off hair balls and is absolutely necessary for long-haired cats.
Step 4
Wash cat as needed. Use Cat Shampoo and stay away from their eyes.
They do not like water, so do it only as needed or give them a sponge bath.
Step 5
Feed your cat treats, especially as a reward for desired behavior.
Use the tartar control treats to clean their teeth.
Give them these treats according to their weight and package instructions.
step 6
Exercise your cat. Have him run around and chase a toy.
You can either purchase a toy or use a home-made version such as the ring from a gallon of milk,
paper bags, boxes, or small plastic balls.
They also love string, but be sure to supervise them when playing so they do not become tangled.
You can tie a string around a doorknob and let it hang so the cat can play whenever he feels like it.
Provide a scratching post if your cat is not declawed, or a tower with shelves they can climb.
Step 7
Change the cat litter box two times per week and scoop it out daily. If you have more than one cat,
you will need to change more frequently, or even daily. Put a few boxes out to avoid accidents
or if you have a multi-level home.
Add litter box deodorizer at the bottom or baking soda for freshness and odor control.
Step 8
In nicer weather, leave a window partially open so the cat can sit on the ledge.
Just be sure the screens are secure and the cat cannot push his way out.
Step 9
Have the number of your vet handy and know where you can take your cat if he
gets sick after normal office hours.
Step 10
Tag your cat. In other words, purchase a collar for him and put an identification tag on him
with your name, address and phone number in case your indoor cat decides to venture outdoors.
Wearing his collar all the time gets him used to having something around his neck.
Step 11
Place a microchip in the cat for identification in case they get out and are lost. Pet stores,
animal shelters and veterinarians will do this for an extra charge. This is optional but a sure fire way
to identify a lost pet and get them back to their owners.
Puppy CareBeing aware of how to take care of a puppy requires a bit of a different approach than knowing
how to take care of a dog. Puppies require special attention, since they are still in their “learning” stage.
Encourage your puppy to interact with the world around them, and be open to new situations or environments.
This is also known as “socialization”, and involves exposing your puppy to as many new things as possible.
Socialization is a very important part of how to train a puppy, since it sets the foundation for future dog
training. Most well-socialized puppies will be much easier to care for, since they tend to exhibit better
behavior.
It’s also important that you feed your puppy a special puppy-food diet for at least their first year.
Growing puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and need to be fed accordingly.
Just like knowing how to take care of a dog, knowing how to take care of a
puppy requires that you do someresearchbeforehand.
FeedingKnowing how to take care of a dog involves proper attention to your dog’s diet.
Though it may be tempting to purchase a low-quality dog food formula that is inexpensive, this can
negatively affect your dog’s health. Understanding how to take care of a dog means that you are accepting
the responsibilities associated with proper dog care. It’s recommended that you feed your dog a high-quality,
nutrient-rich dog food formula that is balanced enough to ensure proper digestion. Checking dog food reviews
is an excellent way of picking a high quality dog food.
In general, the first five listed ingredients in a dog food formula will make up the “bulk” of the food. Be
sure that at least two of the first five ingredients are derived from high-quality protein sources.
It’s also best to avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives, colors or chemical flavoring.
TrainingPart of knowing how to take care of a dog involves knowing how to train a dog.
Dogs that are properly trained are much easier to manage, and can adapt more easily to new training programs.
Proper dog training should ideally be started as soon as you bring a dog into your home. Understanding
how to take care of a dog means that you will have to be sensitive to how quickly your dog can learn new
commands. Different breeds of dogs have different levels of intelligence, and will learn at different speeds.
The best way to be aware of how to take care of a dog in relation to training involves a lot of patience.
Potty training in particular can be difficult, as some dogs need a bit of time to adapt to going to the bathroom outdoors.
ExerciseKnowing how to take care of a dog also involves an adequate level of exercise. Each year, thousands of dogs experience
obesity-related health problems. If you truly care about how to take care of a dog, it’s important that you
incorporate exercise into your dog’s daily routine. Exercise can be a brisk 30 minute walk, or an extended session of playtime.
GroomingAnother essential part of knowing how to take care of a dog involves attention to your dog’s grooming. Most dogs will
need to be groomed at least twice per week, though some long-haired dogs may require more frequent grooming. Be sure to check
your dog’s eyes, ears teeth and nails during the grooming process. In some cases, early identification of a health problem can
save your dog from a serious medical condition. Decent grooming equipment can be found at any discount pet supplies store.
Veterinary CareProper veterinary care is extremely important when understanding how to take care of a dog. It’s best if you
bring your dog in for veterinary checkups at least once per month. If you’re worried about costs, you may want to invest in pet
insurance for your dog. Pet insurance can cover some or all of your veterinary bills, and will usually also cover emergency procedures.
Many dog owners often underestimate how important veterinary care is for knowing how to take care of a dog.
