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Caring for a pet is a rewarding experience that teaches children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. When choosing your child’s first pet, careful consideration should be given to the amount and type of care the pet will require, and the ability of your child (and the rest of the family) to provide it.

The pet experts at Marketplace Veterinary Hospital have put together some tips to guide you and your child toward finding the perfect pet.

Pet owners know that there are few things worse than becoming separated from their pets. Whether they simply wander too far or run after prey and become disoriented, the struggle to keep pets safe is very real. Luckily, there are some elements, like collars/ID tags and microchips, that make a swift reunion possible. Preventing a separation is different than knowing what to do if/when you ever come across stray animals or lost pets. We have some pointers that will keep you ahead of the curve.

What could be better than going for a walk with your dog? Exercising together is the best way to get to know one another and begin to bond. And while it might seem counter-intuitive, not every dog comes equipped with the skills to walk on-leash. Some pull or yank, others drift, dawdle, or fall behind. Whatever the case may be for your newly adopted dog, it’s worth the time and energy to train them to embrace their leash, keep step with you, and not bolt after every squirrel they see. These dog walking tips are just for you.

Your neighbor’s well-behaved Weimaraner has set the bar high: he’s calm, obedient, and walks in perfect lockstep with his owner. Meanwhile, your high-energy Labrador barks at insects, leaps at everyone he meets, and drags you down the sidewalk like you’re his living, breathing pull-toy. We can help!

They might seem completely random and mysterious (if not inconvenient), but pet zoomies are perfectly appropriate. Humans have their own spontaneous responses to energy that include compulsive cleaning, impulse shopping, or even exercise. As for the cats and dogs we share our homes and lives with, they could be going about their business only to seemingly freak out, run around in circles, tear up the throw rugs, and zip up and down the hallway. What is really behind pet zoomies, and how should we react to them? The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to explain the phenomenon of pet zoomies and how to respond to them. 

Few things compare to the lovely sweetness of a new kitten. On the adorability scale, kittens are truly off the charts. What they lack in the coordination and life experience departments, they make for with their overwhelming playfulness, curiosity, and innocence. These special features make them irresistible to humans. 

We can all relate to the impact that food has on the way we feel, and pets are no different. The wrong food has the potential to create illness or cause symptoms of health conditions to worsen. Similarly for our furry friends, the right pet food can be incredibly therapeutic. By providing excellent nutrition to our pets, we can ensure a higher quality of life and a longer one, too. If you’ve been wondering about a specialized pet diet, we’ve got some ideas worth considering.

Traveling is just one of many things people have missed out on during the pandemic. Fortunately, things are improving and travel itineraries are picking up. If you’ve been considering the possibility of taking a vacation with your pet, you’re in luck. Not only is it easier than ever before to reserve pet-friendly accommodations, but the general response to globe-trotting animals is overwhelmingly positive. 

Generally speaking, people love perks. Who doesn’t love a little kick-back for participation or a monthly bonus? Adopting a dog is a perfect example of this. We think we’re doing a good thing for others, but the real reward comes back to us tenfold. The tremendous, long-lasting, and far-reaching benefits of dog ownership simply cannot be overstated.

One of the best examples of the cause-and-effect law is preventive health care. We can see it either promotes longevity or, in its absence, contributes to disease. When it comes to establishing a pet’s wellness, we can set into motion many aspects that will support lifelong health. The concept of kitten care might sound like an absolute delight (and it is!), but it’s also a bridge to an adult cat’s health and wellness.