| How to Stop Laughing at Inappropriate Times Posted: 11 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Although laughing at inappropriate times can be embarrassing, it's actually a natural reaction for some people when they're facing a highly stressful situation. This could be because laughter makes you feel better about what's happening, even if it's a bad situation.[1] It could also be a reaction to help you relieve stress and release your own tension. When inappropriate laughter negatively affects your life, start by curbing your urge to laugh. If this doesn't work, you may need to treat the underlying causes of your laughter. When you can't stop laughing, you can cope with it instead. EditCurbing Your Urge to Laugh - Distract yourself from your urge to laugh. It takes time to learn how to curb your tendency to laugh, but distraction is an easy way to stop yourself, in the meantime. Try one of these options for shifting your thoughts away from what's triggering your laughter:[2]
- Identify what makes you laugh inappropriately. Do you laugh out of nervousness, or do you laugh to cope with painful feelings? Maybe you laugh because you have a lot of energy or have trouble finding the words you want to say. Whatever your reasons for laughing, write down when your laughter is causing you issues.
- Consider the time, location, occasion, and people who could be causing your laughter. These are called your triggers. Once you know what they are, you can begin to address your habit of laughing.[3]
- Choose replacement behaviors for the laughter. What can you do instead of laughing nervously?
For example, nod, lick your lips, exhale slowly, or click a pen. What you decide to replace your laughter with depends on the circumstances that are causing your laughter.[4] - For example, you may laugh nervously during work meetings. If this is the case, click your pen instead of laughing.
- If you tend to laugh at serious moments, take a deep breath and then exhale at moments when you'd typically laugh.
- Create a plan for replacing your laughter. Since you know what's making you laugh and what you can do instead, tell yourself that you will follow through on doing the new behavior. Reviewing your plan in your mind makes it more likely that you'll be able to follow through.[5]
- Tell yourself, "The next time I feel awkward in a work meeting, I will click my pen," or "When I go to the funeral, I will nod when people share their condolences."
- Learn to cope with social anxiety, if you have it. Social anxiety is a common cause of nervous laughter, so learning to deal with it can relieve your desire to laugh inappropriately.[6] Confronting and accepting your anxieties can help you feel more confident in social situations and have more control over your nervous laughter.
- Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can help keep you present and aware of your surroundings. This, in turn, can help curb laughing caused by distracting or invasive thoughts.[7]
EditCoping with Inappropriate Laughter - Move to a private location when you start to laugh, if you can. When laughter strikes before you can stop it, excuse yourself. This gives you time to calm yourself and take a few deep breaths before rejoining everyone. Learn to recognize the sensation that comes before you laugh, and try to identify your laughter triggers so that you can excuse yourself in time.[8]
- Go to the
restroom if you're at a funeral or in the office. - Walk away or
get back in your car if you're at an accident scene. Leave the room if someone's said something inappropriate. - Cover up your laughter with a cough, if don't have time to leave. Put your hand over your mouth and make a coughing sound. If the laughter continues, use the coughing fit as an excuse to go to the restroom, where you can compose yourself.
- This works well for times you start to involuntarily laugh before you have a chance to stop yourself.
- You can also pretend to blow your nose.
- Apologize for your laughter, if it still happens. Tell the person you often cope with upsetting feelings by laughing, then say you're sorry if the reaction hurt them.
Opening up to them will likely make them understand where you're coming from, and it could help relieve your laughter by making you less nervous.[9] - Say, "I'm so sorry for laughing at your father's funeral. I want you to know that I didn't find anything funny, I just laugh when I feel sad. I hope that I haven't hurt you."
EditTreating Conditions that Cause Inappropriate Laughing - Talk to a therapist to address deeper issues. You may not be able to stop inappropriate laughing on your own, and that's okay! A therapist can
help you identify what's causing your laughter and recommend better ways to overcome it. [10] - You can find a therapist by searching online.
- Ask if SSRIs may be a good option for you. People may experience periodic bouts of inappropriate, uncontrollable laughter due to conditions like pseudobulbar affect (PBA), bipolar disorder, dementia, stroke, or other neurological conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help some people find relief from recurring bouts of laughter.[11]
- Your doctor will determine if medication is right for you. SSRIs do not help all patients, and they could interfere with other medications.
- Participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy if you have Tourette's or OCD. Both of these conditions can cause you to laugh inappropriately. With Tourette Syndrome, you may experience the laughter as a tic, while Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may cause you to laugh out of habit. Fortunately, you can learn to overcome these behaviors, though it is difficult.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you learn to recognize when you may laugh and learn to control it.[12]
- Don't feel guilty for wanting to laugh. It's totally normal to feel the urge to laugh at serious or sad occasions, as it makes you feel less upset.
- Try physically pulling the corners of your mouth down into a frown. This can signal to your brain that you are sad.
- Stare at something in the room and focus on your breathing. Don't look at anyone else who is laughing or what made you laugh in the first place because then you will start to laugh again.
- Try to stare at one point in the room and don't take your eyes of that position.
- Take long and deep breaths only through your nose. Concentrate on not opening your mouth.
- If you are unable to stop laughing (or crying) uncontrollably at inappropriate times, a neurological disorder, caused by injury or illness in the brain, may be the cause. If this may be the case, you should visit your healthcare provider.
- Do not bite down on your lip, tongue, or cheek, as this can cause injury.
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| How to Make a Sushi Roll Posted: 11 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Sushi is almost as fun to make as it is to eat. To roll your own sushi at home, you'll need several sheets of nori (dried seaweed), a batch of sticky sushi rice, and some fresh fish or other fillings of choice. Start by spreading the cooked rice in a thin layer over the nori, leaving room in the center for your main ingredients. After adding everything you want, roll it all up using your makisu (a type of flexible bamboo mat) as a guide and slice it into yummy bite-sized pieces! EditIngredients - 1 cup (190 g) sushi rice (glutinous rice)
- rice vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon granulate white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- water
- 1 sheet nori (dried seaweed)
- cucumber, avocado, daikon radish sprouts, or other assorted vegetables
- fresh sushi-grade fish (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, etc.)[1]
- Toasted sesame seeds (for uramaki-style rolls)
Makes 1-2 servings EditPreparing Your Sushi Rice - Cook a batch of sushi rice in your rice cooker. Combine 1 cup (190-285 g) of sushi rice and of water in your rice cooker. Stir the ingredients until they're thoroughly mixed, then close the lid and hit the start button. It should only take about 15-20 minutes for your rice to finish cooking.[2]
- If you don't have a rice cooker, you can also boil your sushi rice on the stovetop until all the water has cooked out of it. This method is typically a little slower, and may take 20-25 minutes.[3]
- Cooking 1 cup (190 g) of rice will give you enough for 1-3 rolls.
- Heat your vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan. Add of rice vinegar, ½ tablespoon of granulated white sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the saucepan and place it on the stove over low heat. These ingredients will serve as the seasoning mixture for your sushi rice. Warm the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring it occasionally to prevent it from scorching.[4]
- Look for the sugar and salt to dissolve completely before you remove the mixture from the stovetop.
- Be careful not to use more than the recommended amount of vinegar. Doing so could make your rice soupy and cause it to fall apart when you attempt to roll it.
- Add your seasoning mixture to the cooked rice and let it cool. Drizzle the vinegar, sugar, and salt over your freshly-cooked rice while it's still warm. Stir the rice thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to ensure that the seasoning mixture is fully incorporated throughout. When you're done, leave your rice out on the countertop to cool at room temperature.[5]
- The addition of the seasoning mixture will both flavor your rice and give it the perfect sticky texture for rolling.
EditAssembling Your Roll - Cut your filling ingredients into small pieces. Slice veggies like cucumber, avocado, and daikon sprouts into thin slivers to make sure they'll fit in your roll comfortably. If you want to incorporate fresh fish, shrimp, eel, or any other type of seafood, you can either cut it into strips or opt for a finer chop, dice, or mince. You'll only need about of veggies or fish (or both) to fill your sushi roll.[6]
- The tuna used for spicy tuna rolls, for example, is typically diced into tiny cubes and combined with spicy mayo or other condiments.[7]
- Bulky pieces of fish or veggies will make it harder to close your roll.
- Place a sheet of nori on your rolling mat with the shiny side down. The nori is an essential component of any sushi roll—it serves as both the base and wrapper for your roll. Nori is quite delicate, so handle it gently to avoid accidentally crinkling or tearing it while removing it from its packaging.[8]
- You can find nori, along with the other ingredients you need to make homemade sushi, at any major supermarket or Asian grocery store.
- Make sure your mat is positioned so that the bamboo slats are lying horizontal to you.
- If you don't own a sushi rolling mat, a kitchen towel topped with a sheet of plastic wrap can serve as a useful substitute.[9]
- Wet your fingers to keep the rice from sticking to them as you work. Hold your hands under a stream of cool water, then shake off the excess moisture. It may also be a good idea to keep a bowl of clean water next to your work area if you're going to be putting together more than one roll.[10]
- Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you begin, since they'll be coming into direct contact with your food.
- If you don't wet your hands, you'll quickly find them covered in sticky rice, which can make it next to impossible to roll your sushi successfully.
- Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the sheet of nori. Grab ¾-1 cup (140-190 g) of rice and place it in the center of the sheet. Pat the rice down gently with the flat of your fingers until it's evenly distributed over the surface of the nori. Leave about of empty space at the top of the nori—this will allow it to close once it's been rolled.[11]
- Be careful not to spread the rice too thick, as this will make it difficult to roll the sushi, and could even cause the nori to break.
- After your first few attempts, you'll start to get a sense of how much rice to use.[12]
- Avoid smashing or handling the rice too roughly, as this may affect the texture of the finished roll and throw off your rice-to-filling ratio.
- Make a shallow depression near the bottom of the rice with your finger. Press your entire pointer finger into the rice in a straight line widthwise across the bottom third of the nori. The idea is to hollow out a slender area to make sure your ingredients will fit and prevent them from spilling out over the nori once you begin rolling.
- This step is more or less optional, but it can be helpful if you're working with multiple ingredients or especially small pieces.
- Add roughly of filling ingredients to the rice. Take about ⅓ of a cup of sliced veggies, fish, and other ingredients of choice and arrange them in a line in the depression you made along the lower part of the rice. Again, avoid overfilling your roll, as this could cause it to rupture or make it hard to close.[13]
- A classic California roll, for example, contains kanikama (imitation crab meat), avocado, and cucumber.
- Other sushi staples include the Philly roll, which consists of salmon and cream cheese, and the spider roll, which is made with soft-shell crab meat, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo.[14]
- To make uramaki-style rolls with the rice on the outside, simply turn the nori over after spreading on the rice and add your ingredients the same way.
EditRolling and Cutting Your Sushi - Roll the sushi up from the bottom using your mat as a guide. Slide your thumbs under the lower edge of your mat and gently lift it up and forward to fold the bottom of the nori over on itself. Once you've done this, continue pulling the mat forward slowly, applying light pressure to help mold the roll until it closes.[15]
- Be careful not to roll your mat or towel up in your sushi by mistake!
- Rewet your fingers as often as needed to keep the rice from sticking to them.
- Wet a sharp knife with cool water. Just like you wet your fingers before building your roll, it's important to wet your knife before you cut it. Dip the blade of your knife into a container of water, or run it under the tap from tip to handle. A dry blade is more likely to mangle than make a clean cut. The last thing you want is to make a mess of your roll after spending so much time getting it just right![16]
- If possible, use a knife designed specifically for cutting sushi, such as a yanagiba, deba, or usuba. These knives boast thin blades with incredibly sharp edges that will slice effortlessly through even the most overstuffed rolls.[17]
- Assuming you can't get your hands on a special sushi knife, an ordinary paring knife should work just fine, as long as it's recently been sharpened.
- Cut your roll into pieces. For standard hosomaki rolls, each piece should be about wide. Chumaki rolls can be slightly bigger at around , while futomaki (the largest type of hand-rolled sushi) pieces may be up to wide.[18]
- Wet your knife again before each cut to keep the blade from mashing the roll out of shape.
- There's no need to get too wrapped up in the particulars of different styles of sushi. Just go with a size that works for you.
- Serve your roll with other toppings and condiments of your choosing. You might slice your leftover fish into strips and place a strip over each piece, or do the same with a fresh avocado. If you want to get really fancy, you might even drizzle it with a little eel sauce or spicy mayo, pile on diced scallions, or add a dash of bonito flakes for a subtle smokey taste.[19]
- For the full sushi bar experience, plate your roll with a dollop of wasabi, a few slices of pickled ginger, and a dish of shoyu (soy sauce).
- If you tried your hand at uramaki, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top of the roll to add the finishing touches.
EditRecipe Ideas - Most types of sushi rice come with cooking instructions on the package. Be sure to follow these instructions to the letter to ensure that your sushi turns out with the right flavor and texture.
- Get creative with your filling ingredients. You can put just about anything in your rolls as long as you cut it into thin strips!
- Be patient and do your best. Rolling sushi is an art that requires an enormous amount of skill and grace, and it may take many tries before you begin to get a feel for it.
- Don't sweat it if you're not great with chopsticks. In Japan, sushi is often enjoyed as a finger food.
- The consumption of raw seafood has been linked to certain foodborne illnesses. Unless you can find real sushi-grade fish in your area, it may be best to stick with veggies and other ingredients.
EditThings You'll Need - Rice cooker
- Makisu (bamboo sushi rolling mat)
- Sharp knife
- Shallow bowl for water
- Pot or saucepan (optional—for cooking rice)
- Kitchen towel and plastic cling wrap (optional—as substitute for makisu)
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Be a Responsible Pet Parent Posted: 11 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Whether you're getting a family pet or a companion for yourself, caring for a pet is a big responsibility. Pets are family and depend on their owners to raise them and spend time with them. Like any children, pets have a wide range of needs, from physical health and safety to mental stimulation and attention. After you choose the right kind of pet, prepare your home for it and make the adoption official. Care for your pet with food, fun, and plenty of attention to be the best pet parent you can be. EditBringing a Pet Home - Select a pet that fits your living space and circumstances. One of the most responsible things you can do is to view pet parenthood as a commitment. Every pet is unique, so not all pets are suitable for potential parents. The size of your living space matters as well as the resources you have available to care for a pet. Consider how much time and energy you have to commit to a new pet.[1]
- Pets differ a lot between breeds. For instance, a Chihuahua requires less space and exercise than a big dog like a Great Dane. Factor in the food costs, messes, and vet costs different breeds have.
- Exotic animals like parrots and big lizards are pretty expensive and often require roomy cages. Smaller animals, including hamsters and fish like guppies, are good choices for beginners.
- Keep in mind other people you live with, particularly children. Some dogs are better family pets than others. Animals like birds often bond with one person and may bite others.
- Find a responsible shelter or rescue to get a pet. Once you have an idea of what kind of pet you want, look for pets in your area. Read about these places online, then tour the facility to make sure they treat animals well. Ask sellers questions, including about the adoption fee. Then, spend time meeting some of the animals to judge their temperament.[2]
- For pedigree pets, talk to the breeder. Ask about the dog's history and view its living conditions. A responsible breeder will be able to give you extensive documentation about the dog's background.
- Read reviews from other customers along with the shelter or rescue's mission statement, but don't adopt until you have had a chance to visit the place in person.
- There are pet-finding services online that allow you to search for animals in your area. Choose a reputable site where shelters and rescues list their pets, such as Petfinder at https://www.petfinder.com//
- Take care of any paperwork you get when adopting a pet. Store important documents in a safe location in your home.
- Choose a pet and come up with a name for it. Once you pick a pet to care for, the fun of being a pet parent begins. Come up with a name that fits your pet. Find inspiration in your pet's appearance and personality or try adopting a name you heard elsewhere, such as on TV. Pick a name as soon as possible so other people know what to call it.[3]
- For some animals, such as dogs and cats, you will need the name to legally register your pet with the local government. Veterinarian offices also ask for a name to keep track of your pet's health.
- Don't rush while choosing a pet. Looking is difficult when you see a wide range of cute pets to choose from. Responsible pet parents wait until they're sure they have found the right pet for them.
EditCreating a Safe Environment - Remove harmful and fragile objects from your pet's play space. You may hear other pet parents talk of "dog-proofing" or "cat-proofing" their home. Part of being a parent is protecting your pet from danger, which includes sharp objects, exposed cords, toxic plants, and anything else it can swallow. Pets are very curious, so put away breakable items and block off areas that are off-limits.[4]
- Any type of pet has the potential to do damage to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, birds, and even lizards may damage valuable clothing, electric wires, and other items.
- Create safe spaces and play areas. For example, plants like azaleas and tulips are toxic to curious cats and dogs, so don't leave them out for your pet to explore.
- Install fences and cages to contain your pet at home. Backyard fences are great limiters for dogs. If you have an existing fence, check it over to ensure your dog can't escape. If you don't have a fenced yard, use a leash to let your pet outside. For other animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents, get a solid cage with plenty of play space. If you're keeping fish, choose a big tank that holds plenty of water and find a level surface to set it on.[5]
- Clear out space for cages and tanks. They need to be set on stable surfaces out of reach from children or other pets.
- Know your pet's needs before placing their cage. Some pets, like parrots, like being close to the activity. Others, like prey species and fearful animals, need a quiet corner to rest in.
- Crates are safe for dogs and cats when you need to leave home, but give your pet plenty of exercise and attention once you are able to let it out.
- Create safe bedding out of blankets or other material. Your new pet needs a place to sleep. Many pet stores sell pet beds for cats and dogs, but you can also stack blankets and pillows for them. Other types of pets need substrates covering the bottom of their habitats. Common substrates include newspaper, wood shavings, and dirt.[6]
- If you keep reptiles and amphibians, research your pet's natural habitat. Pet supply stores sell clean substrates. Hermit crabs like sand, for instance. Geckos like dirt, but iguanas and snakes often appreciate newspaper.[7]
- Aspen wood shavings are perfect for many snakes and rodents. Rodents and rabbits also like paper and hay.[8]
- Birds stay on perches, but line the bottom of bird cages with clean newspaper. Change the lining when it gets dirty or shredded.
- Use aquarium gravel and soil substrates for fish. Clean the gravel out with an aquarium vacuum about twice a month.
EditCompleting Registration and Safety Plans - Submit registration and identification forms for your pet. If you have a dog or cat, print out a name tag to put on its collar. Most pet stores have tag printing services that make this quick and easy. For all types of animals, fill out adoption papers or registration forms according to the laws in your area.[9]
- Many areas require you to register with the government as a pet owner. Dogs, cats, and exotic animals often need to be registered even if you aren't keeping them as service animals. Ask the shelter or rescue agency what forms you need to complete to become an official pet parent.
- Shelters and rescue agencies will often help you fill out registration forms. If you're still unsure what you need to do, ask them or get information at your local Animal Control office.
- Consider getting a microchip for your dog or cat to track it in case it gets out. Veterinarians will also put a microchip in a pet bird or put a tracking band over its leg.
- Choose a carrier or harness big enough to transport your pet. You never know when you will need to take your pet outside, so be prepared in advance. For most pets, all you need to do is buy a carrier that provides enough space for your pet to rest comfortably. For pets that don't fit in crates, get a safety harness for your car to keep your pet safe while you're transporting them. Have a carrier or harness available in case you need to take your pet to the vet.[10]
- Pet supply stores sell plastic crates and fabric carriers. Crates are good for most animals, including birds, lizards, and rodents that would destroy soft carriers.
- For fish, you will need to get a plastic bag or small fish bowl. Fill it with water from the tank and get your fish back in its regular habitat as soon as possible.
- Take your pet to a trusted veterinarian when it is sick. When you first bring your pet home, look around your area for good veterinarians. Make sure they are trained to treat the type of pet you own. Take your pet in for any required vaccinations and establish a yearly check-up schedule. Whenever you notice your pet acting unusually, schedule an earlier appointment.[11]
- Don't forget to get your dog or cat spayed or neutered if the shelter or rescue didn't take care of it for you!
- Search for vet offices online to view credentials and customer reviews. Look for an office you feel comfortable taking your pet to.
- The longer you live with your pet, the more you recognize how it acts during an ordinary day. Any behaviors out of the ordinary are signs that something is wrong. For instance, your pet may stop drinking water when it's sick.
- Come up with a plan in case of a natural disaster. Think of places to take your pet in case you are unable to leave them at home. Many pets end up getting left behind during emergencies. You can avoid this by finding out where the emergency shelters are in your area. Also, look for pet-friendly hotels and friends and family members who don't mind letting you visit with your pet.[12]
- Some community shelters don't accept pets. Make sure you know which shelters are safe for pets. You likely won't get a chance to do this if you get caught in a sudden emergency like a flood.
- Prepare yourself well for whatever emergencies your community is prone to. Keep important documents like pet identification, immunization, and ID tags in a waterproof container to take with you.
- Establish a contact plan in case you are unable to care for your pet. A sudden change of plans, such as an illness, may prevent you from taking care of your pet. Have a plan and discuss it with people you know, including your friends, family members, and anyone living with you. Pick a few trusted people to check up on your precious pet and even take care of it as needed.[13]
- Come up with some basic ideas, such as who will care for your pet and where it will stay.
- Sometimes plans are difficult to remember during busy, stressful times, so remind others of the plan until you are certain they know what to do.
EditHandling Your Pet's Needs - Feed your pet a healthy diet. Care for your pet's health by purchasing a quality food and avoiding excessive treats. The dietary needs of your pet depend on its size and species. Healthy dog and cat kibble, for instance, consists of few grains and lots of meat. Read food labels carefully and limit fattening treats to keep your pet well-nourished.[14]
- Pets like birds and rodents often eat pellets supplemented with fruits and vegetables. Rabbits and similar animals need plenty of hay to supplement their diet.[15]
- For meat-eating animals like snakes and lizards, you can purchase mealworms and other small insects at pet supply stores. Snakes eat mice, while many lizards also need leafy greens and some vegetables.
- Fish flakes are fine for fish, although you still need to avoid overfeeding them. Fish need a small amount of flakes about twice a day.
- Provide clean water at all times for your pet. No matter what kind of pet you have, it needs plenty of water. For most pets, set up a bowl and refill it every day. Rinse it out with soap and water to keep it clean. If you have a pet like a hamster, hang a water bottle inside the cage.[16]
- If you leave your pet outside, make sure they have an accessible source of water at all times, especially during warm weather.
- Fish need fresh water, so remember to clean fish tanks and bowls every couple of weeks. Have a filtration system in your fish habitat to keep the water fresh. Treat fresh water with conditioner to make it safe for your fish.
- Bathe your pets if they get dirty. Most pets keep themselves clean, so you don't need to worry too much about bathing. Dogs are the most likely type of pet to get dirty and require a bath about every 3 months. Wash your pet with warm water and a species-specific shampoo from the pet store. Use a flea shampoo to remove unwanted guests from dogs and cats.[17]
- Cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and rodents all bathe themselves. If you see your bird or lizard in its water bowl, for example, it is cleaning itself. Some animals, such as birds and bearded dragons, also enjoy warm baths outside of their cages.
- Bathe sick or dirty animals with a mild soap and small amounts of water. Animals that are unused to water, such as rabbits, will get scared and stressed if you immerse them.
- Fish live in water, so they practically bathe themselves! Fish don't require special treatment unless they look sick, such as if you notice parasites to pull off them. Keep them clean by keeping the tank clean.
- Groom your pet by brushing its fur or trimming its nails. Brush out furry pets as often as once a day to eliminate mats and remove shed hair. Dogs, cats, birds, and some lizards also need to have their nails clipped to a safe size. Look for the colored vein inside the nail to avoid nicking it. Give your pet a nice treat for making it through the grooming session.[18]
- Metal pet combs work well for grooming pet hair. They aren't as bendable and flimsy as most plastic combs.
- The kind of nail clipping tool you need differs slightly depending on the type of pet you have. Visit a pet supply store to get the right tool. For lizards and some birds, you can even adapt human nail clippers.
- Use dental products to keep teeth and beaks clean. If you have a dog or a cat, clean its teeth yourself to cut down on costs. Brush your pet's teeth once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, if possible. Also, give your pet chewable items like dental treats or chew toys and offer hay to rabbits and rodents.[19]
- Rabbits and rodents like hamsters chew on toys and food to grind their teeth down. Birds hone their beaks on perches. Without the proper equipment, teeth and beaks overgrow, leading to health problems.[20]
EditSocializing Your Pet - Buy toys to keep your pet stimulated. Caring for a pet involves more than its physical health. Pets love to play, but some pets need a selection of toys to stay stimulated. Most pets enjoy having chewable toys, toys they can chase, and toys that dispense treats. Look for toys that make noise and keep your pet engaged even when you're not around.[21]
- Keep in mind your pet's needs. A cat, for instance, may scratch your couch if you don't give it a scratching post.
- If you're handy with crafts, try making your own toys, such as a puzzle box for birds or a platform for hamsters.
- Fish like exploring, so try putting a colorful background behind the fish tank. Then, put plants, a plastic shipwreck, and other toys in the aquarium gravel. Move the toys on occasion to keep your fish happy.
- Show your pet plenty of affection by playing with it. To be a good pet parent, spend as much time as you can with your pet. Play with it as much as possible. If it likes physical attention, try letting it come near you, petting it, or giving it a belly rub. Every pet tolerates affection differently, so find activities that your pet enjoys.[22]
- Some pets don't like to be handled much. Many reptiles and rodents, for instance, don't like to be held for very long. If it doesn't like being held, it might like toys or let you feed it.
- For example, play fetch with your dog or bird. Dangle a toy for your cat to chase. Take other types of pets out of their cages and tanks to spend time with them.
- Train your pet with treats and praise. Being a pet parent involves teaching your pet how you want it to behave. Your pet won't know at first, especially if it is very young. To train your pet the right way, offer it a treat when it does what you want it to do. Scolding and hitting it is mean and usually doesn't help your pet learn.[23]
- Train dogs and cats to do tricks, stop making noise, or stay out of trouble, for instance. Go slowly, rewarding your pet with a treat or click each time they make progress. Keep in mind that younger pets are easier to train than older ones.
- Remember to toilet train your pet, such as by teaching your dog to go outside or your cat to use a litterbox.
- Other animals are also trainable. For example, birds and lizards can even be toilet trained if you're patient.[24]
- Introduce your pets to new experiences and other people slowly. Pets need time to adapt to new situations. Your pet may be a little timid, especially when you first bring it home. Keep it in a quiet space and don't force it to interact. Gradually expose it to the new situation until it grows comfortable enough to approach.[25]
- Know your pet. Some pets are better alone. Some types of fish, for instance, do better alone in a tank.
- Using treats helps entice a pet to approach a new situation. You may need to work slowly, giving your pet a treat each time it looks at the new thing or steps towards it, for instance.
- Always supervise your pet while it socializes. Pets get startled just like you might in a new situation. This often leads to bites or scratches.
- Do as much research as possible before bringing home a new pet. Figure out your pet's needs and do your best to meet them.
- For many pets, chewing is a natural behavior and punishing it doesn't help. Provide chew toys, especially for young pets like puppies.
- Sometimes you need to show a pet what you want it to do, such as crawling through a pet door. Find creative ways to teach your pet, such as by standing outside the door and calling to it.
- Many pets are shy, so give them quiet spots with hiding spaces. Hamsters like having tunnels and huts, for example.
- Hitting a pet leads to emotional and behavioral problems. There are more effective ways to train a pet, such as with praise and treats.
- Socializing and training a pet is easier when it's younger. Expose it slowly to new people and situations to make it feel safe and confident.
- Whenever you need advice, speak with a veterinarian or another trusted pet professional. Also, consider joining local and online groups for pet parents.
- As soon as you get a pet, it becomes your responsibility. Make sure you're ready for all that being a pet parent entails.
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