Basic pet care guide

6 basic pet needs for happy and healthy companions

1. Access to nutritious food

Just like humans, your pet needs to eat healthy and nutritious meals for vital growth and brain function, and to keep their energy levels up. You want to get the balance right, where you’re feeding them enough, but not overfeeding them, as this can cause obesity and other health issues. There isn’t any set rule for all pets. Growing kittens and puppies will need a different diet to adults, or an animal with certain health issues will need a specialized diet. Different animals and breeds will have their own food requirements, so get advice from your vet if you’re unsure what or how much to feed your pet. Browse our range of pet food and pet bowls.

2. Clean drinking water

Keep your pet hydrated and cool (especially in the summer months) with drinking water. Your pets should always have access to fresh drinking water at all times of the day. If you have a cat or dog, put a bowl of water next to their food bowl, we suggest refilling it twice a day, or whenever it becomes empty.

Smaller animals like gerbils or hamsters should have access to a drinking bottle with a sipper tube – you should check this regularly to make sure there aren’t any blockages. For specific guidance on how to care for and feed your specific pet, have a look at the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) advice and welfare webpages.

If you have pets that live in water, such as fish or turtles, we suggest cleaning your aquarium once a week to prevent them from getting sick due to unhygienic water.

3. A safe and comfortable shelter

Your pet should always have a comfortable place to sleep and somewhere safe they can retreat to and feel protected from any potential threats.

If you own a dog, it’s important they have a quiet, comfortable, and warm place to sleep without any disturbances. Place a dog bed in a quiet corner in the home, it should be large enough for your dog to stretch their legs and sleep comfortably. It’s also a good idea to get an additional dog bed and place it in a communal area where the family spends a lot of time, so your pup can rest and relax while still being in your company.

You may also want to invest a dog crate or indoor kennel; this is a safe and secure enclosed space for your dog to spend short periods of time. It’s somewhere your dog can go if they are feeling nervous or stressed, or if you have house guests who are wary of dogs. When buying a dog crate, make sure it’s large enough for your canine to stand, turn around, stretch, and lie down in.

5. Somewhere they can go to the bathroom

Your furry companions should always have a clean and sanitary place to go to the bathroom whenever nature calls.

If you have a cat, we suggest having a clean litter tray within easy access. Even if you have an outdoor cat, a litter tray is a safe place where they can relieve themselves without needing to go outside in bad weather conditions or potentially getting themselves into risky situations.

Puppies don’t reach their full bladder capacity until they are about 12 years old. During this time, it’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet. You should take them outside regularly after each meal, beford bed, and after playtime. Learn how to toilet train your dog with this guide from the RSPCA.

6. Regular vet check ups

Take your pet for a yearly check up at the vets to make sure that they are happy and healthy, and everything is functioning as normal. Make sure to keep up to date with any vaccinations your cat or dog may need. If your pet starts acting unusually or shows any warning signs of being unwell, take them to see a trusted vet as soon as you can.