Like children, pets come with equipment. They don’t REALLY come with equipment… because that would be way to easy. They do, however, require certain things to maintain their comfort AND your sanity! Cats and Dogs differ in their needs of course, but there are 5 essentials for pets that remain consistent! June 1-7 is Pet Appreciation Week – a week to celebrate all the things we love about our pets as we shower them with extra love and affection.  Seems like a good time to share some things that our furrier family members need.

 5 Essentials for Pets

Food

 

Lloyd is still a kitten.  He still needs kitten food- until he’s a year old.

This seems like a simple no brainer, but it is undoubtedly the most important part of owning a pet.  Many people figure you just grab a can of dog or cat food from the local pet store and call it a day, but that is not the case. Food is so important because you MUST choose the food that matches your pets needs, age, and health requirements. If you aren’t sure, it’s a good idea to check with your vet for suggestions.

Home

So you share your home with the pet, and it becomes theirs too. Pets also need, however, a home INSIDE your home! Whether it be a special pillow, and elaborate doggie bed, or a kennel compliment with a blanket all of their own; create a space for your pet to rest and relax that’s all their own.

Toys

Like children, pets can be mischievous. Providing your pet with toys will give them distraction and help keep the curiosity brought about by boredom at bay! If you don’t provide toys for your pets, it’s likely they will find their own amongst your personal belongings! If you value that new pair of shoes you received, buy them a toy!

 Treats

Training pets can seem difficult at first, but it is similar to training children. Positive reinforcement goes along way. Keep treats handy to reward your pet when they’ve done a great job, and you will soon notice they will be soaking up your praise!

 

ID Collar

This is a MUST. All pets in your home (with the exception of caged animals, of course) should have an ID collar with your address and details. Their collar should also include their name, and vaccination details. If your pet is ever lost, this will allow the finder to return them to you (or your local vet) quickly and easily. Be sure to keep these updated when you move.

 One place we go to for our pet essentials is Pet Supplies Plus. They have stores located in neighborhoods across the country, with each location big enough to carry everything your pet needs, but small enough to feel like home. The Pet Supplies Plus in-store team is dedicated to helping you find the right products for your pet — and will likely also remember your pet’s face and name after a few visits! (They totally do, and love Tobey. We haven’t attempted a field trip with the kittens, and probably won’t anytime soon).

Believing that every pet deserves a safe, healthy and loving home, Pet Supplies Plus partners with local animal rescue organizations, hosts adoption events at select neighborhood locations, and organizes fundraising activities to support local animal shelters and charities. Visit your local store for the latest event information!

Join us for a Pet-Centered Twitter Party

What: June 1-7 is Pet Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating with a Twitter party to talk about our pets and share tips on proper pet care. Pet Supplies Plus is dedicated to helping pet owners find the best foods, treats and toys for each pet’s individual needs. They carry a broad selection and serve as an excellent resource for pet owners on everything from nutrition to how diet can affect pets’ behavior.

The Motherhood is joining Pet Supplies Plus for this Twitter party to discuss, learn and share more about our beloved pets. Get your cute pet photos ready to share!!!

When: Wednesday, June 4, at 1p ET / 12p CT / 10a PT

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #PSP4Pets hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/psp4pets

Hashtag: #psp4pets

Prizes: Throughout the party, we will give away six $25 Pet Supplies Plus gift cards to randomly selected participants who correctly answer trivia questions tweeted by @theMotherhood25. Prizes are limited to U.S. participants only. Check here to find a store near you to use the gift card!

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @theMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Sponsor: @PetSuppliesPlus

Your fellow co-hosts:

Bonnie, ChilL Mama — @ChilLMama

Brett, This Mama Loves — @brettbmartin

Diane, Suburbia Unwrapped — @suburbiaU

Jennifer, One Mom’s World — @onemomsworld

Jessie, MomVantage — @MomVantage

Lee, My Sentiment Exactlee – @TheExactLee

Michelle, Smart Savvy Living — @savvyliving

 

 

This post is brought to you by our friends at PetSuppliesPlus.  Opinions are my own.