Change the Life of a Pet and Your Life Will Change Too

National Change a Pet’s Life Day is today! You might be wondering what you can do. Whether you’re already a pet owner yourself, there’s always something that will make a difference in the life of a pet. What you may not realize is your life will change, too. The following are some ways you can make a difference this year.

Adopt a Dog or Cat

There are over 7 million dogs and cats nationwide that enter shelters each year. A large portion of these pets are killed because they never find a forever home and the shelters have reached capacity. What can you do to change the life, even save the life of a pet? Adopt! Most communities have limits on how many pets you can own, so it’s important you be sure to check that out. Sometimes rural areas are more lenient because there’s more space for your pet to run around without bothering anyone.

If you are able, and if you have room in your heart, adopt as many as possible to give those pets a better chance at life. With the right products, the right amount of space and the right amount of love, dogs and cats can live in harmony together for years and years. Not only will those pets’ lives change, your life will be fuller as a result.

Rotate Important Comfort Products

Something you can do to change your pet’s life is to switch out Fido’s old bedding for something new and more comfortable. Just as you would rotate your own mattress, and purchase a new one when it’s worn out, your pets need things switched up on a regular basis to stay comfortable and keep their bones and joints healthy.

There are a lot of different dog bed styles, colors and sizes. Whether you’ve got a shih tzu or a Great Dane, a new bed might make a huge difference on your dog’s behavior. A dog who spends a lot of time on the couch or on your bed might just be looking for a more comfortable spot. A dog who seems to be physically aging more quickly than he should might just have achy joints. While it’s not always the answer, a new bed could make the difference, and it’ll probably get him off your furniture, too!

Spay and Neuter Your Pets

One of the reasons shelters are so full throughout the nation is because pet owners are not responsible about spaying and neutering their pets. This often results in abandoned babies who then go out and reproduce again to create a larger problem. As a pet owner, it’s your job to spay and neuter your pets if you can’t reasonably take care of the babies or find them responsible homes. Spaying and neutering will change the life of your pet, but it could also make your life a bit easier as well.

Improve Your Pet’s Diet

If you’ve been skimping on your furry family member’s meals, it might be time to step it up a bit. Your dog or cat requires a certain type of diet to stay healthy, just as you and your human family members do. There are many healthy products out there, so there’s sure to be one that fits within your budget.

If you already have your pet on a good, healthy diet, consider adding something a little extra. There are different types of dog treats and other extras that are still good for Fido, but are different enough that he’ll jump for joy at the sight of them. You can also use these extra treats as rewards when your dog does something exceptionally obedient, which could improve his behavior and your sanity.

Spread Awareness About Homeless Pets

If you don’t have a pet because of allergies or another significant reason, you can make a change in a pet’s life by spreading awareness about pet homelessness. Throw a post up on social media explaining the statistics about pet homelessness. You could post one of the following, or you could contact your local shelter to learn more.

• A quarter of the dogs in shelters are purebred! To purchase from the breeder, it could be quite expensive, but from a shelter, you’ll get a great deal on a great dog.

• Only 1/10 of dogs born in the nation will end up in a forever home. You can make a difference by visiting your local shelter and adopting a dog!

• After entering shelters, only about 15-20% of lost dogs are reunited with their owners, and less than 2% of lost cats are reunited with theirs. You can become a pet’s new owner today by visiting your local shelter.

It only takes a minute to make a social media post, and the results could be life changing for a family looking for a pet, and for a pet looking for a family.

Consider New Clothing

Not all dogs and cats can stand wearing clothes, but the more often you put them in something, the more likely they are to get used to it. Especially when the weather gets cold outside, it’s important your furry friend has something to keep warm while out relieving him- or herself. Pet clothes range from hoodies to pajamas and everything in between. If you and your pet live where it snows, check out some boots to keep his paws healthy, warm and clean. If it rains often enough, you might consider a rain poncho !

Clothes are also a nice touch for family pictures. If you haven’t included old Fido in any family pictures yet, it’s time to seal the deal and get him in the next one. While you’re coordinating outfits for your family, be sure you find something that matches for your pet. Nothing shows more commitment, and it will make a difference in the atmosphere of your home when your dog has secured a place on the wall in a family photo!

What Will You Do?

There are so many things you can do for Change a Pet’s Life Day on January 24th. As a pet owner yourself, you can change your pet’s life. As someone who doesn’t own a pet, you can change the lives of someone else’s pets. In the process, you’ll notice a change in your own heart and your own life as well.