Official Kids Mag

1 Make sure they have food and water. Your adults may have a feeding schedule set up, with times during the day your pet is feed. Ask them if you can help put food in your pet's food bowl and make sure they eat it. Just like people, pets need healthy food so they're getting all of the nutrients they need to be strong and healthy. Don't give your pet any food or treats that are not allowed by your adults. Also, avoid giving your pet food from your plate the table, even when your adults aren't looking. And don't put unhealthy food in your pet's cage. Human food can make pets sick so always check with your parents before giving your pet a treat. 2 Also, make sure your pet has water available at all times, and give them fresh water every day. If you have a dog or cat, don't forget to give them water when they are outside. 3 Clean up after your pet. Make sure you clean up after your pet eats by picking up food that falls out of their bowl and wiping around their water dish. If you have a hamster, bird, lizard or rabbit you can help clean their cage. If you have fish, you can help change the water in the fish tank. Remember to wash your hands well afterwards. 4 Help groom your pet. Depending on what kind of pet you have, this can mean brushing your dog every day, or giving them a bath regularly. Also, check your dog or cat for fleas and ticks and tell your adult if you see any. Don't try to bathe rabbits, birds, hamsters or cats. Lucky them, they never have to take a bath…they clean themselves! 5 Walk your dog every day. Dogs need regular exercise, especially if they are medium to large- sized. Puppies only need a five to 10 minute walk each day. Bigger dogs love to walk longer. 6 Play with your pet. If you have pets like cats, birds, hamsters or rabbits, you don't have to walk them, but DO spend time playing with them. And dogs need playtime too…spend at least 10-15 minutes playing with them every day. BE gentle, but throw a ball for your dog or cat, use a light pen to "play" with your fish, teach your bird a trick! They like to play as much as you do! But just like you, they need rest! Don't play with them all the time… make sure your pet has time to nap too! 7 Help your pet follow the rules. Your adults may have house rules for the pet, such as not allowing the pet on furniture or in certain areas of the house. Help make sure your pet follows these rules, even when your parents are not home. This way, your pet is not confused about the rules and is not encouraged to misbehave. 8 Help train your dog. Work with your parents to teach your pet dog to sit, stay, and come when called. Learn how to calm your dog down when someone is at the door or when your dog is around new people and new dogs. Reward them with treats or praise when they behave. If you have a pet at home, you are one lucky kid! Having a pet can teach you the value of responsibility, companionship, and caring for something other than yourself. It's exciting to get a new pet, but owning a pet is not temporary—it is a permanent responsibility. Your pet needs care every single day! In return, they'll be your companion and friend. That includes cats, dogs, hamsters, lizards, rabbits and birds and fish! Here are some ways to care for your pet: parent Pet good Be a We want to hear about your pet! you and your furry, feathered or finned friend could be featured in a future issue of official Kids Mag. contact us at krice@officialkidsmag.com Name: Kids and Their Pets Feature St 4 x 2" Customer Name: WEDINGTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL Ad Number: 042521NWR9941 Please join us at the "paw"fect place and be part of the... W.A.P. Club 4363 W Wedington Dr. • Fayetteville • 479-444-6600 www.WedingtonAnimalHospital.com 7:30am-10pm Monday-Friday • 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday https://twitter.com/ wedingtonanimal www.facebook.com/ WedingtonAnimalHospital May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month May 3-9 National Pet Week 40 • May 2021 • www.officialKidsMag.com

• Cover