Quality Time with Your Companion Animal

Once again, a new school year has begun. With busier school and
activity schedules, it's also the time when pet parents may find
themselves with less time to spend with their companion animals. Here
are some easy tips for making the most of the time that you do have:

Set aside a few minutes in the morning to groom your dog or cat. While
brushing or combing, talk about your upcoming day. If your pets don't
enjoy grooming, then just spend a few minutes petting them. Whatever
your daily morning interaction, try to do it at same time and in the
same place. Your companion will find comfort in the regimen – and so
will you!

If you have a dog, do something that he or she will enjoy after you
return home from work, like a game of catch, hide-and-seek, or take a
long walk. If you have cats, we recommend using fishing poles with
dangling feathers – your cat will love the chase!

Incorporate teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and/or nail trimming into
your new routine. Too often, these health necessities are viewed
begrudgingly as chores. Commit to making this time as pleasurable as
possible, like time at the spa.

Massage is a wonderful way to connect with your companion animals.
Check out one of the many pet massage books currently on the market to
help you develop a technique. There is even evidence to suggest that
massage can improve your pet's health, and it will relax you, too.

Just remember – spending quality time with your companion animal can
bring about dramatic changes in temperament, improving the bond you
share with your pet and your overall quality of life.