Caring for Pets Nicole Peddie

What do pets need?

The Five Freedoms The five things all animals need are: Freedom from discomfort Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from fear and distress Freedom to express normal behaviour Freedom from pain, injury or disease

Freedom from discomfort

Animals need the right home for their needs, for example you couldn’t have a cat living in a fish tank. If you do not have a large, fully fenced backyard then a big dog that needs lots of exercise would not be the right pet for you! The right environment to live in Different pets need different amounts of space and places to live. When choosing a pet you need to think about the sort of home it needs and what home you can provide.

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Different pets need different food. A suitable diet Cats are carnivores, they need meat in their diet. Rabbits need a special diet because their teeth never stop growing. To keep their teeth at a healthy length they need to eat lots of hay as well as rabbit food and vegetables. WARNING: DO not feed your dog chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Grapes and raisins are also poisonous.

Freedom from fear and distress

Pets need the right sort of company. Companionship, love and understanding Some pets might prefer to live on their own. Some pets need company, for example rabbits shouldn’t be kept on their own as they need friends. When choosing your pets, think carefully about whether you can provide the right company for your pet.

Freedom to express normal behaviour

All animals need to show their natural behaviour. To show normal behaviour Cats are natural hunters, your cat shows this behaviour by playing with toys. Dogs need lots of exercise. If you have a dog you need to walk your dog at least twice a day. Remember different dogs need different amounts of exercise. Rabbits like to dig, give them a plant pot filled with potting compost for them to dig in.

Freedom from pain, injury or disease

Sometimes pets get sick, that’s when we take them to a veterinary clinic. To be protected for pain, suffering, injury or disease To make sure your pet stays healthy it is important that they get regular check ups at the vets. Cats, dogs and rabbits should all have vaccinations, to make sure they don’t catch any nasty diseases. You should also make sure that your pet gets worm and flea treatments.