8 tips for daily care of your four-legged friend🦮🐱

Comprehensive care for your furry friend: From novice to expert

Hong Kong lives are busy, but even working professionals can be excellent pet owners with a little dedication and the right knowledge. Whether it's a dog or a cat, good care habits can help keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy, even in small homes and with limited time! We share our personal experiences, drawing on the experience of experienced local veterinarians and pet lovers, to provide you with the most practical and detailed care guidelines.

1. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet 🍖🥣

Point-sorting and point-feeding are the most important

Feed your pet regularly, morning and evening, choosing a food appropriate for their age, size, and constitution. Dogs should have separate food categories for puppies, adults, and seniors, while cats should focus on high-protein and low-carb options. Those with sensitive constitutions (such as small dogs prone to stomach irritation) should pay particular attention to the formula. Some owners feed their pets human food for convenience, but milk, chocolate, onions, grapes, and excessive salt are all toxins. Stick to this rule! Refresh your pet's water at least 2-3 times daily, especially during the summer. Sometimes you can mix wet food to adjust the flavor, but ensure a balanced diet.

My experience in entering a house

We change the food brands (of the same type) every other row, so your pet won't get tired of it and their stomachs will be more adaptable.

2. Regular exercise and games 🚶♂️🎾

Dogs need to be taken care of and cats need to be played with

Dogs should be walked every day. Small dogs should be walked at least twice for 20 minutes each time, while medium-to-large or energetic breeds should take longer. Add educational toys, leash games, balls, and treasure hunts to your home. Cats should be given interactive activities such as climbing frames, scratching boards, laser pointers, and cat teasers. Don't leave them alone looking out the window. Moderate energy expenditure reduces stress and prevents obesity, and also reduces behavioral problems (such as chewing furniture and barking).

Editor's recommendation

I take extra time on Saturdays and Sundays to go to the dog park, and on weekdays I keep more educational toys in rotation at home.

3. Environmental safety and daily cleaning 🧹🏠

A house is not only beautiful, but also safe.

Clean food and water bowls daily to prevent bacteria from growing. Clean your cat's litter box at least daily and change the litter weekly. Wipe down your dog's toilet area daily. Regularly wash stuffed toys and sleeping mats in a laundry bag. Check your home for toxic plants, small parts, and plastic bags, and remove or store them. Cover electrical cords with chew-proof covers and keep them safe near windows and balconies to prevent them from getting lost.

Editor's Case

One time, my pet ate some chocolate chips on the carpet, but luckily we took it to the vet right away. Keep cleaning up immediately after each bite to reduce the risk!

4. Hair and appearance 🛁✂️

There are secrets to combing and bathing

Medium- and long-haired dogs and cats are recommended to be combed daily or every other day to prevent tangles, while short-haired dogs should be brushed 2-3 times a week. Bathing can be done every 1-1.5 months, as frequent bathing can remove sebum and dry out the skin. Overly long nails can cause unsteady gait and should be trimmed. For ear abnormalities, redness, and swelling, use a pet-specific cleaning solution. For domestic dogs, it's recommended to brush their teeth 2-3 times a week with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent tartar. Avoid using human products, as they can cause allergies in pets. Products specifically formulated for skin are safer!

The editor reminds you

My cute baby was afraid of taking a bath at first, but after the first few baths, remember to give him a lot of praise and a snack as a reward, and he will enjoy it more and more after that.

5. Regularly monitor your health 🩺📝

Daily observation + annual inspection

Always monitor your pet's diet, bowel movements, alertness, body temperature, skin, oral cavity, eyes, ears, and nose for any abnormalities. Some chronic diseases (liver, kidney, or heart) may not appear to be noticeable. For older pets, blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds are recommended every six months to a year. Ensure that kittens and puppies receive all their basic vaccinations as early as possible and undergo regular internal and external deworming. Consult a veterinarian immediately if any dental ailments, minor ailments like ear infections, or skin swellings are suspected. Do not delay.

The editor sincerely shares

If you see any symptoms, consult a professional immediately. Don’t rely on guesswork or online articles to figure it out yourself!

6. Mental health and companionship 🫶🌈

Games, touching, and talking are all effective

Don't assume your pet is just "eating, sleeping, and playing." Long periods of neglect or lack of friends can be stressful! Daily, dedicated companionship—simple petting, conversation, and playing games—can help. Try regularly changing toys and taking your cat out for walks (a cat bag is a good option for cats) to keep things interesting. Having grandparents and children at home can help divide up tasks, so your pet feels like part of a larger family.

Editor's sharing

There was a period of time when I had to work night shifts, and my pet had obvious separation anxiety. Playing a recording of the owner's voice before going home every day was effective in soothing it.

7. Regular training and establishing rules 🎓👮♂️

The sooner you learn the rules, the more stable you will be.

Positive training, such as "sit," "no chewing," "come to your room," and "go to the bathroom," using treats or petting as rewards, is effective. Teach your cat to follow rules when friends come over, such as no jumping on the sofa and no barking. Practice regularly and gradually, avoiding overwhelming challenges all at once. It's easiest for dogs and cats to remember rules when the whole family follows them.

Editor's reminder

Feeling frustrated about not being able to teach your pet? Actually, your pet's progress is cumulative. Sometimes, using their favorite snacks and slowly learning step by step will lead to pleasant surprises!

8. Preventive medical care and first aid knowledge 🚑📖

Understanding emergencies + home first aid

Poisoning (chocolate, detergent), falls, bites, respiratory distress, and heat exhaustion are all common accidents, and it's important to know the basic treatment methods. Keep a basic first aid kit at home, including gauze, disinfectant, and a flea collar for your pet. Remember to save your veterinarian's phone number and a 24-hour emergency contact. Hong Kong recommends that pets be microchipped and registered, and wear name tags when outdoors.

Editor's Warm Suggestions

Prevention comes first, treatment comes second. Pay close attention to suspicious symptoms. If you're not familiar with first aid, consult a veterinarian or a doctor as soon as possible!

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Editor's summary

Four-legged friends truly make life more complete, but their health and happiness depend on their owners' dedication. Daily care isn't just about skill; it's about responsibility and love. Develop good habits, stay vigilant, address problems immediately, and don't be afraid to seek professional help—then you and your furry friend can enjoy a healthy, long-lasting, and happy life together! No matter what environment you choose in Hong Kong, as long as you have love and knowledge, your pet will be content!