Why should I socialize my pet?

Why should I socialize my pet?

There are tons of pet parenting tips out there. How much does my dog need to eat? How do I housebreak my puppy? While these are all questions every pet parent should be asking, especially new parents, the factor that tends to get overlooked is their socialization. Making sure that your pet is exposed to new places, people, and other dogs can be as crucial to their health as their diet and nutrition.

 

Here a few reasons why it’s important to socialize your pet:

 

1. Less behavioral problems

When pets get socialized, they not only discover how to become comfortable with new situations, but also learn what’s proper behavior. Dogs who are never socialized might react to new situations with anxiety and fear. In some cases, fearful dogs can react with aggression. Socializing your pet can help you avoid worrying if your pet will accidentally snap if a friend or family member comes for a visit.

 

2. Stress-free trips to the vet

A visit to the vet can be a nightmare for an anxious pet. Without socialization, the trip to the clinic and the physical examination itself can be incredibly stressful. Vets observe how fearful pets resist and struggle when being evaluated, especially when checking their teeth, heart, and lungs. This can have more drastic implications if more urgent medical issues arise.

 

3. Benefits your pet’s overall health

Being confident and well-adjusted works wonders for your pet’s overall health. With proper socialization, it’s so much easier to make sure your pet gets enough exercise, take them to the groomer’s, and even meet other pets. If your pet is also constantly fearful and stressed, these emotions can also manifest in their heart and blood pressure.

 

Looking to get more social experiences for your pet? SM offers so many pet-friendly restaurants, stores, events and Paw Parks!  All in all, socialization makes life easier for both the pet and pet parent.

 

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