What is a pet advocate? No single word or phrase accurately quantifies or qualifies such a vast concept, wonderful feeling, and incredible responsibility.
An advocate, as defined in Webster’s college dictionary, is “a person who pleads another’s cause.” This definition accurately, and many times adequately, describes the relationship most pet owners have with their pets. It reflects what many of my clients feel is their “calling.” Without being ridiculous, they show passion and ensure their beloved, four-footed friend has the best of everything!
The “best of everything” does not mean more than what they need, particularly when it comes to eating. In my office, we fondly refer to fat pets as being “over loved.” Ideally, cats and dogs should have a tucked-up abdomen and, without applying too much pressure, ribs you can feel. Overweight pets, as do overweight human caregivers, tend to live shorter lives. They are more prone to develop arthritis, congestive heart failure and other health issues. To complement an appropriate diet, a conscientious pet advocate sees to it his/her little buddy gets regular exercise.
When the weather is not cooperating you may want to forego a long walk and opt for a 10-minute jaunt in your home. Going up and down the stairs is a simple and effective form of exercise. For those who are a bit more adventurous, try teaching your dog to walk on a treadmill, it can be done. Both cats and dogs love to chase things. Why not use a flashlight and play capture the moving spot on the floor? If you have a hamster or gerbil, is their exercise wheel in good repair? These little guys like to run! I am not familiar with exercise or nutrition requirements for reptiles, so I refer their owners to a veterinarian who specializes in these types of creatures. Any type of exercise will help your companion stay toned and burn a few calories.
Like snowflakes, each pet is different in its need for personal attention. Some insist on having physical contact with their caregiver 24/7. They are not concerned if you are typing at the keyboard (as Weezie, a golden doodle bumps my hand with her nose for the third time in the past 10 minutes), they just want you to acknowledge them. Others, like Beemer our old lady Newfoundland, are quite satisfied if, every once in a while, you simply glance in her direction. I might add that neither Weezie nor Beemer is a better pet, just different (truth be known, I do prefer Beemer). As a pet advocate, it is your job to recognize your pet’s individual needs and then, to the best of your ability, accommodate them.
If you have a lifestyle that is not conducive to having an attention-hungry hound, you may do well with a more independent member of the feline family. While most cats enjoy human companionship and seek out a warm lap, some are more aloof. They are content with dinner and nothing more than 5-minutes of cuddling. This is not a kitty that will do well in a busy household! In this case, for the cat’s well being, a pet advocate must understand the cat’s needs. The time they invest in their cat’s social needs is minimal but just what the cat ordered!
Cats and dogs require fresh water every day and high quality pet food. Brushing them on a daily basis is a nice way to manage household hair as well as bond with your furry friend. Of course cats also require a clean litter box and dogs need regular walks or runs in the yard. You should schedule a yearly visit with their veterinarian for a Comprehensive Physical Examination, flea and heartworm preventives and appropriate immunizations. By the way, indoor only kitties need to be examined annually and receive appropriate immunizations to prevent diseases that YOU might bring home on your clothing.
Training your pet is yet another way that you are able to advocate for them. Dogs are highly trainable. Many good obedience classes are offered locally to get you started. Believe it or not, cats can be trained! I know they tend to be very independent, never the less, they are trainable. To succeed, you need the right incentive (frequently it’s something they LOVE to eat). Just open a can of cat food and watch them come running. Shake their treat container and they’ll just about rise from the dead. If you use food as an incentive, you’ll find that other animals are likewise trainable. Granted, the process may be more involved, but they are all capable of learning a few basic commands.
For those who enjoy tranquility and solitude, having fish as pets may be your best option. There are a tremendous number of species of fish, plants, and coral to choose from. Advocacy comes in the form of proper care for the aquatic environment within which these creatures reside. You must first choose the level of care you can provide for these swimmy things. Next, consider what you can afford. The attention a saltwater tank requires is substantial as is the investment! The cost difference, maintenance requirements, relative level of ichthyology (knowledge of fish stuff), attention and commitment you make with a fresh water tank can be minimal as compared to that necessary for maintaining tropical fish.
Feeding the fish, refilling the tank due to evaporation and cleaning as needed is a small price to pay for something as optically blissful as an aquatic masterpiece. Even if all you have is a simple fish bowl on the counter, don’t kid yourself. Ignoring the fish in that bowl is unacceptable! These are living creatures and they deserve an advocate who will give them appropriate care.
Whether feathered, furred, finned or scaled - being a pet advocate means giving careful consideration to your pet’s total health care needs. This includes both their physical and emotional needs. Once a pet enters your home, you’ve made a commitment! You must provide them with the obvious; the proper amount of a quality pet food, clean water sources, and a safe place to sleep. Not less than once a year they need a Comprehensive Physical Examination, to be given appropriate immunizations, dispensed a flea preventive, and be tested for heartworms and intestinal parasites.
It is in my nature to provide good guardianship for every living thing I meet. Being a pet advocate is something I would do even if I weren’t a veterinarian. Here is the take home message: As a pet advocate, the companionship and affection you share with your little (or not so little if it’s a horse) buddy is priceless.
