don’t make these common pet parenting mistakes!

we’re all prone to making mistakes. after all, we’re only human… err, we mean hooman. 🐶

there is no right or wrong technique for pet parenting. and it’s impossible to get it perfect all the time — we’re constantly learning. 

neither dog care nor cat care is easy business and, as pet parents who are constantly evolving and trying to accommodate the ever-changing needs of our furbabies, all we can do is try our best to keep our furry companions healthy and happy every day! ❤️

pet parenting: we’re all constantly learning! 

pet parenting is not just a responsibility — it's an art. it requires the patience of a saint and the quickness of a ninja. (an exhibit: running behind your pet when they have something forbidden clasped between their teeth!) 

from the moment you bring your little ball of fluff home, a journey of unexpected surprises and endless fun ensues. of course, there are aggravating moments of endless torn cushions and stolen socks, and coming home to dirt all over the floor becomes routine. but, just as we make mistakes as pet parents, so do our pets. here’s where the importance of pet training comes into play as a part of pet care essentials. 

There is pure, unadulterated love between all the madness and mischief. you come home from the office every day to find your biggest fan and best friend waiting for you by the door, tail wagging and face glowing — it never gets old! 💕

pet parenting is also a great way to get a new perspective on life. we look at how our pets find joy in the simplest things, whether it's chasing their own shadow, playing with a useless piece of paper, or engaging in a game of hide-and-seek with their own tail. their infectious enthusiasm for life is contagious, and it reminds us to appreciate the little things in our own life. 

and let's not forget the health benefits! studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve cardiovascular health.

pet parenting is genuinely such a rewarding experience!   

there’s nothing we love more than having fun with our furbabies. but, as we said, we’re all still learning about our pets’ likes and dislikes. it takes time, but once we get an understanding of what keeps our pets satisfied, it will give us a wholesome sense of satisfaction too. 

here are some common mistakes during pet care that pet parents make. 

if you’re guilty of any of these…. don’t worry. we’ve probably all been there. know that these pet parenting mistakes are easily avoidable and in taking care to not engage with these, we are ensuring a happier life for our pets. 

1. too many treats. we know those puppy eyes can be irresistible. it's tempting to shower our pets with treats as a form of affection but don’t spoil your pet so much that they begin craving treats even during mealtimes. pets, just like us, require a balanced diet to maintain their well-being. excessive treats can lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health problems. always choose snacks made with natural, real ingredients… like pawfectly made’s healthy dog treats! our yummy goodies, from crunchy biscuits to cool pawpsies and gelato are packed with nutritious goodness that aids better health. your pet just won’t be able to resist. 🦴

2. fashion faux paws. dressing up our pets can be adorable (and great for the ‘gram) but there's a fine line between fashion and discomfort. pets rely on their natural fur to regulate body temperature, and dressing them up in clothing can interfere with their ability to do so. It may cause discomfort, restrict their movement, or even lead to overheating or skin irritations. ‘woof!! mama, bowties aren’t my style!’ 🎀

3. misunderstanding personal space. alone time provides pets with an opportunity for mental stimulation and self-discovery. it allows them to explore their environment, engage in independent play, exercise their natural instincts, and is an important step in taking care of pet's mental health. our pets need their alone time, which we often forget. yikes, the desperation in their eyes as they try to escape our suffocating snuggles! 🤗

4. falling for puppy eyes. we swear those adorable dewy eyes have mind-trick powers! From dinner scraps to the comfiest spot on the couch, we’re ready to surrender anything. One look, and suddenly your pet knows they can get away with anything. giving in to every whim may lead to spoiled behavior, so (we know it’ll be hard) find the strength within you to set boundaries and enforce rules. practice the art of saying "no" with a firm but loving tone. 🥺

5. forgetting to clean the nooks! we often skip over the smaller details of grooming, including dental hygiene and cleaning between the paws. that’s where all the grime is. remember: pet grooming is not about vanity. it plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of our pets and also helps greatly in pet-pet-parent bonding. don’t forget to get in between their paws, fur, and nails to keep your pet glowing from head to tail. here’s an essential 101 on at-home pet grooming. 🐾  

6. insufficient food portions. with homemade food, pawrents don’t always know the correct quantity/portions of food to give their pet. feeding too little or too much can be risky! 🥕   

at pawfectly made, we invest in research and expert advice to ensure our range of pet meals and healthy dog treats meet specific nutritional requirements for different life stages and breeds. we portion our food keeping in mind the specific dietary needs, activity levels, and health conditions of each pet. (check out our trusty pet food calculator!) the quality and variability of ingredients used in homemade food can also impact portion control. pawfectly uses only premium, human-grade ingredients of the highest, freshest quality.. always! 💕

trust pawfectly made with the what and how of pet food. we get it right, every time. :)

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