Overprotective Pet Parenting: Are You Guilty?

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Are you an overprotective pet parent? Most people are used to hearing that term associated with raising children, but do you take it a step further? While it’s not uncommon to be very attune to your beloved pets welfare it can be easy to slip into the overprotective category.

Signs You’re An Overprotective Pet Parent

  • You’ve got your vet on speed dial
  • You keep your home locked up like a fortress for fear of an escape
  • You have a toothbrush for your pet
  • You spend more money grooming your pet than you do on yourself
  • You get nervous if anyone else comes near them
  • You don’t let your pet play with other animals
  • You have a bookshelf full of volumes of dog psychology and care manuals
  • You worry about your pets welfare if they get out of your sight – even in your home
  • You’re afraid of leaving them with a petsitter or a dog sitting service

Does your behavior mirror many of these traits? It’s time to take a step back and see what you can do to stop being so overprotective. While it’s true that there are many things in the world of humans that pets just don’t have the instinct to deal with, don’t underestimate your friend’s ability to be aware of dangers. Most animals have great instincts. They also often know what they need to do if they are sick. Try to resist the urge to call your vet for minor injuries or concerns. Pick up a basic care manual when you bring your pet home and follow the guidelines. There is no need to seek out numerous care books to feed your overprotective behavior. If you feel you need just a little more information, keep a list of things you have questions about and ask your vet the next time you take your pet in for a check-up. Worried about a dog sitting service? Do some research! Read reviews and find one that is rated well! Don’t forget our tips and tricks on saving money – throw out that toothbrush your pet hates and rub some doggie toothpaste on a chew toy! Remember that animals like to be social. Don’t isolate yours. If you don’t have friends with pets you can let yours play with, then take them to the park and let them mingle (leashed!) with others! Learn the differences between playing and fighting and relax! What looks rough to us is just another (fun) day in the park to them! As for your home, make sure that you follow the basic precautions to keep your home pet safe and let them explore independently in a safe environment. Basic responsible behavior on your part is all that is needed to keep your pet safe and happy! Remember, your pets look to you for direction, if you are constantly nervous and overprotective, your pet is likely to act the same.

Worried about a dog sitting service? Do some research! Read reviews and find one that is rated well!

Don’t forget our tips and tricks on saving money – throw out that toothbrush your pet hates and rub some doggie toothpaste on a chew toy!

Conservation and the Jaguar

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It’s a sad fact that jaguar populations all over the world are in decline. With the animal considered ‘near-threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, this means the species might be threatened with extinction in the not-so-distant future. It makes the chance to see these animals in the wild all the more precious in the face of their uncertain future, especially considering that it is the loss of their habitats that has contributed to the sharp decline. Another factor has been hunting – their beautiful fur, although wonderful to admire on a Jaguar tour, also makes them a prime target for poachers [although the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species helped to reduce the number of pelts taken worldwide].

Threats to the Jaguar

Deforestation has undoubtedly made a huge impact on the survival of this beautiful animal, and not only has the practice affected it by decreasing the available territory for it to make use of, but the species has also been forced into greater competition with others – including humans. Poaching and ranchers defending their livestock have both had an adverse effect on the species. Although a kill is very rare sight on a Jaguar tour, the animals have been known to adapt themselves to including domesticated cattle as a part of their diet. This has encouraged some ranch owners to hire full-time hunters, and, tragically, often the animals are shot on sight.

No matter how dire the situation may seem, there is hope, however. Conservation efforts are underway to educate ranch owners in different, non-lethal methods of defence against the animals, and promoting ecotourism in the hopes that plenty of people will be interested in a closer look at the species on a Jaguar tour.

An Umbrella Species

The animal is scientifically understood to be an ‘umbrella species’ – a term meaning that, as its home range and habitats are so broad, other species will be protected simply through efforts to maintain the Jaguar population. Conservation organisations have focused on providing suitable connected habitats, which coincidentally, have the effect of providing a beautiful backdrop for a Jaguar tour. With other species able to make use of the habitats – and in fact, encouraged to in support of a healthy internal ecosystem – it can be a victory for the majestic creature, and all efforts are being made to prevent the species from falling victim to extinction.