20 Ways to Show Your Pet Kindness

Love for One, Love for All

Woman sitting on the sofa hugging her cat
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Looking for some ways to really take care of your pet? Start with a simple one: Shower them with affection. Give your pet endless hugs and kisses. They have unconditional love for you. Go ahead and return the favor!

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Scrub-a-Dub-Dub

Dog In The Bathtub
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Give your dog a bath. He may fight you on it at first, but he'll be grateful eventually. Aren't we all, once we feel squeaky clean?!

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MORE: Cute Pets and Babies Taking Baths

Make a Mess

Dog Shaking Off Water At Riverbank
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In direct contrast to bath time, let your dog go wild! It's OK for him to play in the mud, roll in the grass or jump in a puddle. The world won't end, we promise. Besides, you can always bathe your dog again.

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Room With a View

A cat watching the snow falling through a window
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Before you leave for the day, take care of your cat. Open up those curtains, lift those blinds and let your cat gaze upon the world. Your feline is bored when you're not there, so a nice view can help to keep them entertained.

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Bird Call

Cat Sitting By Window
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If you want to be really kind to your kitty, hang a bird feeder outside the window. That'll really improve the view for your cat, and they'll while the day away staring down those pesky feathered creatures.

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MORE: How to Get a Cat Down From a Tree

Nose Goes

Beagle Sniffing and Hunting in Forest Park
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The next time you go out for a walk, let your dog sniff to his heart's content. Don't jerk that leash and make him keep going so that you can get home faster. Relax! Enjoy the moment, and stroll as your dog gets a good sense of his surroundings.

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We All Scream for Ice Cream

MEXICO-CANINE-ICE CREAM
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Hit the drive-thru for a vanilla ice cream cone. No, not for you! It'll be the perfect treat for your pooch. Just make sure you're not sharing the same cone!

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Got an Itch?

Golden Retriever dog having belly rubbed
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Have an extra-long scratching session. Take the time to get all those hard-to-reach spots on your pet's belly and back. They will absolutely love you for it.

MORE: Cat Tail Positions and What They Mean

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Natural High

Domestic Cat Eating Catnip, Nepeta Cataria
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Give your cat some catnip. Watching a kitty go crazy over a plant is never not funny! It'll be as much entertainment for you as it is for them.

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Bedtime

Living room with pug
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Buy your pet a bed. They may not ever use it, or it could be their new favorite thing. You'll never know until you try! And the sight of your pet curled up in their own little bed is always one to warm your heart.

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Hydration

Fresh water
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Keep the water flowing! Your cat doesn't want a stagnant bowl of water, so maybe now is the time to splurge and buy a drinking fountain. They are made especially for pets, and they keep a constant flow of running water available all day long.

MORE: 10 Cat Breeds That Love Water

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A Fresh Toilette

Persian Kitten looking at litter box
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It may be time for a new litter box! Everyone wants a nice place to do their business, especially your feline friend. Cats are naturally clean creatures, so buy them a new "bathroom." They'll thank you for it.

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Joy Ride

Golden Retriever enjoys a ride in a car, head out window
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Go for a car ride. No destination in mind? That's still OK. Your dog doesn't mind. They just want to spend time with you … and maybe catch a bug or two while feeling the wind in their fur.

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Clean-up Crew

Dish washing
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Wash your pet's food and water dishes. Be honest: You probably haven't done it in a while, right? Not many people think to do it, but it's an area that still needs attention. Take a few minutes to clean out those bowls!

MORE: 12 Biggest Dog Messes

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Run, Forrest, Run!

Havaneser are high flying dogs!
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Take your dog somewhere he can run. A dog park, an abandoned farm, a giant field. Wherever! Just think of a place where your pooch can stretch his legs. He'll have a blast while also tiring himself out for a good night's sleep. It's a win-win!

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Praise That Pooch

Korean man petting dog in field
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Tell your dog that he is a "good boy." Because he is.

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Set the Scene

Window seat and curtains in nook
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Create a nice space for your cat to nap the day away. Does your furry friend prefer to curl up in a beam of sunlight? Make sure there's a nice, soft blanket in place. Or is he more for sleeping the day away on your bed? Plump up those pillows, and turn off the lights. Nighty night, kitty!

MORE: 11 Cats in Onesies

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Second Helpings

Cat eating out of bucket
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Give your cat an extra helping of food, either for breakfast or dinner. Maybe mix it up with a nice can of wet food, or cook up some plain chicken. But just the one time! Over-feeding your cat is a definite possibility, so indulge sparingly.

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Laser Light

Close-Up Of Cat
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Break out the laser pointer, and watch the fur fly. Cats love to chase around that tiny light, and every once in a while, dogs do too. Keep them entertained, and have a good laugh while you're at it.

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Quality Time

Playing with cats and dogs in the beautiful outdoors
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Have some one-on-one time if you have more than one pet. They all love you and want to spend time with you, so make it happen. Give each and every one some extra undivided attention this week to really show them just how much you love them.

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