How to Give Pet Care Advice Without Offending

By Melissa Maroff

Instructions

Step 1:
Let's start with the pet's appearance. If the pet is overweight, for instance, and you think he’s being overfed, you might say (whether it’s true or not) that your pet used to have a weight problem and you didn’t even realize it until the vet let you know. Tell them he suggested a low-fat or Senior formula food and to monitor what the pet eats by picking up any unfinished food rather than leaving it out all day. You might also mention that it's a very common problem that a lot of people are unaware of. This way you’re getting the point across by saying you were in the same boat and letting them off the hook as if it’s not their fault. If it’s a dog that seems to be lacking in the exercise department, maybe you can offer to walk him with your dog or bring her along to the dog park. That should sit better than: “Harley is looking kind of chunky.”
Step 2:
If you suspect that the pet's health is being neglected in certain areas due to money reasons, for instance the teeth look yellow or they might not be getting regular vaccinations--you might ask ("out of curiosity") where they get their pet's teeth cleaned or where they go for shots. You can say you bring your dog to a low-cost mobile clinic for shots and get the teeth cleaned yearly at a local pet supply store. Many people are unaware that they can get inexpensive vaccinations from veterinarians at mobile units and anesthesia-free teeth cleanings from professionals without having to go to their vet. Money is often a large factor in how people care for their pets and knowing some cost-saving tips can very often prevent neglect.
Step 3:
Give a gift card for a visit to the great new groomer in town if the pet looks like she hasn’t been brushed or had her nails clipped since two Christmases ago. That should work much better than: “Bailey really needs to get her behind to the salon.” Even if Bailey's mother might be thinking to herself: Hmm—I wonder if she/he is trying to tell me something—nobody will turn down a gift.
Step 4:
Bring “gifts” for the pet the next time you visit, just as you would a gift for the hosts and their children. Gifts might include: low-fat, healthy treats if the pet is overweight, a cool, new collar if the pet doesn't have one or the current collar looks too tight or uncomfortable, some healthy toys if you don’t see any around or if all you see, for instance, is rawhide (rawhide is dangerous), a comfortable bed, or how about a pet care handbook for their pet’s specific breed? A coffee table pet care/photo book will make it seem even more like a gift.
Step 5:
Give a Pet KardLet along with the gift. Pet KardLets are greeting card/booklets sold at gift and specialty stores that feature a specific breed of dog (or Mutt) or cat and include cute photos, breed history, feeding, grooming, and exercise tips (see Resources below).
Step 6:
If you see a pet left in a car that looks to be too hot, wait for the owner to return, if possible, and explain to them in a nice way that dogs and cats can get heatstroke within minutes and that it can often be fatal. Many people are truly unaware of how hot a car can get for an animal, so always give them the benefit of the doubt. Lecturing or yelling at them won’t get the point across any better and may make things worse for the pet. And if it appears to be a truly dangerous situation with locked doors and windows and no time to wait for the owner, call 911.

Tips & Warnings

A good way to give advice without seeming like you're giving advice is to start a sentence with: "I just read an article on...
If a pet seems to be in immediate danger, then come right out and say it. If the owner is offended, oh well. Their pet’s safety should be more important to them than their ego. And they’ll probably be grateful to you anyway, even if they don’t show it.

Resources

Pet KardLets

More Puppy Pages

How to Manage Pet Health Care and Veterinary Costs

Instructions Step 1: Decide if pet health insurance is feasible for you and your pet. Research the different companies and weigh your options based on species/breed, age, pre-existing conditions and in some cases lifestyle of the pet (for instance...

How to Give Pet Lover's Gifts for Mother's Day

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Food and water bowls Pet brush or comb Nail clippers Collar and leash Dog bed Pet toys Step 1: Give new food and water dishes as your pet lover's Mother's Day gift. Most pet supply stores carry a large selection of...

Instructions Step 1: Investigate. Ask your neighbors if they know whether the cat has a home. Put up notices at the supermarket and other places saying "Cat Found" with a description. Step 2: If no one responds, take the cat to a veterinarian for a...

Instructions Step 1: Spay or Neuter your Brussels Griffon. Spaying females before the first heat prevents breast cancer and decreases the likelihood of uterine infections. Neutering males before the age of four prevents testicular cancer, helps maintain...

How to Choose a Labrador Retriever to Breed

Instructions Step 1: Choose a Labrador retriever to breed with its primary use in mind. Before you choose a breeding dog, observe it to spot behavior patterns. Going out with hunters to watch the dog in action is ideal. See if it responds well to...