Our animal companions give us all the time, attention, and affection that we want, and in return, they deserve the best care that we can provide. Here are the top six ways to return the favor:

  1.      Suppertime

Just like people, animals need high-quality, nutritious food, which is the basis for good health. They also benefit from having moist food, which is more palatable and helps prevent urinary tract infections. If you are concerned about supporting factory farms when you buy pet food, check out PETA's factsheet on feeding dogs and cats vegetarian or vegan food. And, of course, we wouldn't want to drink out of a dirty glass, and our animals don't want to drink out of a dirty bowl, either. So give them fresh water daily in a clean container.

  2.      It's Potty Time

Have you ever walked into a public restroom stall only to turn around and walk right back out? Cats prefer a clean bathroom, too, so scoop at least twice a day. Similarly, a backyard filled with "land mines" is no fun for people or dogs, so be sure to scoop regularly. And dogs shouldn't be expected to "hold it" all day (not only is this painful, it's also harmful to their kidneys), so if someone can't go home at lunchtime to let the dog out, hire a dog walker or, if you have a yard with a secure privacy fence, install a doggie door.

  3.      Don't Keep the Doctor Away

An annual veterinary visit for a check-up is a must, but if your animal shows any signs of not feeling well, be sure to schedule an appointment right away. Fleas and ticks torment dogs and cats, so they must be controlled (try using natural, nontoxic products), and heartworms and intestinal worms can be easily prevented with once-monthly medications. Additionally, spaying and neutering not only eliminates the risk of reproductive organ cancer but also prevents females from suffering through heat cycles and reduces the risk that animals of both sexes will contract contagious diseases. And why not take an animal CPR class to make sure that you'll be ready in case of an animal health emergency?

  4.      Looking Good

Dogs need regular brushing to keep their coats clean and to prevent matting. Avoid giving them too many baths, though. Dogs need to retain the oil in their coat to keep it healthy, and if your dog has a chronic "doggie odor," that usually means that a change in diet is called for.

  5.      Tiny Chip = Safe Animal

Tags are a great way to I.D. your dog or cat, but they can fall off or be removed. However, a microchip is permanent, as evidenced by the recent story of a woman who was reunited—thanks to a microchip—with the dog who had been stolen from her seven years earlier. 

Hannah and I have found our favorite activity: enjoying the sun and surf at the beach.

  6.      Play Ball!

While health care is important, what our animals appreciate most is quality time—playing fetch, taking a walk, chasing a piece of string, or having a cuddle session. You and your dog could even enroll in a fun, rewards-based agility class. Our animals depend on us for their exercise and enrichment. By trying out various activities and toys, even simple items like balled-up paper or an empty paper towel roll, we can discover what our animal companions really enjoy and have a lot of fun in the process.

PETA always encourages guardians to take the best care possible of their animal companions. These three recent news stories about dogs at risk remind us why it's so important to stay mindful of canine care:

Toxic Treats

In a frightening echo of the illnesses and deaths tied to melamine-tainted foods from China five years ago, Chinese-made Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats for dogs and Milo's Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats have been implicated in kidney failure, liver disease, and other illnesses in almost 1,000 dogs, with one death reported so far. Milo's Kitchen has even paid off at least one sick dog's guardian in exchange for a release of liability. Please check your cupboards and be sure you're giving your dogs only healthy, wholesome treats—you can even make your own!

Shear Negligence

PETA is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can help reunite a Texas man with his beloved dog, Dolly, who has been missing ever since PETCO groomers carelessly let her escape from the store. Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident—another dog was lost (though, fortunately, found) after bolting from groomers at an Illinois PetSmart. Choose your groomer carefully, and stay away from PETCO, PetSmart, and other big-box stores.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Not all hazards are physical. Anyone who's suffered a broken heart knows that a divorce or other romantic bust-up takes an emotional toll on the former sweethearts and on their children, but companion animals can be hurt, too. An excellent feature in the Chicago Tribune points out what can go wrong—or right—when guardians go their separate ways.

For more tips on repaying our four-legged pals' love and devotion, check out PETA's guide to caring for dogs.

Sophie lives with a PETA staff member and receives lots of TLC  

Can you trust your groomer? A dog named Sadie died a hideous death from burns and other injuries when a PETCO groomer left her locked inside a cage dryer. Now her guardian, Teresa Gilland, is suing the company, seeking to have cage dryers banned in their grooming locations. We concur. Cage dryers can be death traps, and one needless death in a grooming salon is one too many.

This isn't the first time—and it almost certainly won't be the last—that an animal has been injured or has died because of PETCO's negligence. Countless animals have suffered from heat exhaustion after being left unattended in front of hot dryers, and at least one dog accidentally hanged herself when she was left unattended and tried to jump out of a grooming tub.

The best way to protect your dog from all this trauma and danger and yourself from the risk of losing a family member is to learn to groom your dog yourself. It isn’t hard, and patience is required, but it is worth it. Still going to the groomer? Then PETA offers these safety tips:

• Stay with your dog! Never let your dog disappear into the back room, no matter what anyone says. Groomers who have nothing to hide should welcome you or let you watch through a viewing window.
• Consider mobile groomers who will provide services at your home, where you can watch and participate.
• Find a veteran groomer who is confident with his or her skills and limitations and knowledgeable about animal behavior. Turn and walk out the door if the groomer appears to be afraid of or impatient with animals.
• Look up your groomer on the Better Business Bureau and do a Google search to see if any other patrons have encountered problems with the groomer.

For more information, see PETA's grooming accident factsheet.

Written by Michelle Sherrow