When it comes to caring for our pets, who better to offer advice than someone whose life is filled with joy, energy, and a deep love for animals? Emilia Clarke, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is also a devoted pet parent. Behind the scenes, Clarke’s home life revolves around her furry friends, and she’s learned a lot about how to keep pets happy, healthy, and thriving. Here, we’ll share Emilia Clarke’s top tips for ensuring that your pets are not just content but living their best lives.

A Heartfelt Connection: Love is the Foundation

Emilia Clarke’s first and foremost piece of advice is simple: love your pets wholeheartedly. Pets are more than just animals—they are members of the family, deserving of all the care, affection, and attention we give to our human loved ones. Clarke often speaks about the bond she shares with her dog, Ted, a dachshund crossbreed with boundless energy and an affectionate personality.

“When you love your pets, they feel it,” Clarke says. “It’s all about that connection, that bond you build with them. They need to know they are safe and loved.”

For Clarke, the foundation of excellent pet care starts with recognizing that pets, just like humans, thrive on love and affection. Whether it’s giving your dog a gentle belly rub or your cat a soothing scratch behind the ears, these moments of bonding help build trust and deepen your connection. A happy pet is a loved pet, and love is the key to their emotional well-being.

Nutrition: Feeding Your Pet Right

As someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle herself, Clarke emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for pets. Just like humans, animals need a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. Clarke suggests that pet owners should take the time to research what kind of food is best for their specific pet—dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other animals all have different dietary needs.

“Good food equals a good life,” Clarke explains. “Your pet’s diet is one of the most important aspects of their care. It can affect their energy levels, their coat, and even their mood.”

She advises avoiding cheap, mass-produced pet food that is often filled with additives and fillers, which may lead to long-term health issues. Instead, Clarke opts for high-quality, organic pet food brands that offer real ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables. She also recommends incorporating treats in moderation, focusing on healthy options like dehydrated meat or even raw vegetables.

“Try to make feeding time a ritual—something that both you and your pet look forward to,” Clarke suggests. “It’s not just about giving them food; it’s about creating a moment where you’re nurturing them.”

Regular Exercise: Keeping Your Pet Active

When it comes to exercise, Clarke’s advice is rooted in experience. Known for her energetic and active lifestyle, Clarke understands that pets, particularly dogs, need regular physical activity to stay healthy. Dogs especially benefit from daily walks, which help them burn off energy, stay fit, and stimulate their minds with new sights, sounds, and smells.

“Exercise is crucial,” Clarke says. “Just like us, pets need to move. It keeps them fit, it keeps them happy, and it can prevent a lot of behavioral issues that come from boredom or pent-up energy.”

For dogs, Clarke recommends making time for at least one long walk or run every day, ensuring that they get a good amount of physical activity. For indoor pets like cats, rabbits, or even birds, she suggests finding creative ways to keep them moving. This might include interactive toys, laser pointers, or even creating obstacle courses that encourage play and exploration.

“Don’t forget about mental stimulation, either,” Clarke adds. “Especially for dogs, games like fetch, hide and seek, or puzzle toys can be really enriching.”

Grooming: Keeping Your Pet Looking (and Feeling) Their Best

As much as we love to pamper our pets, grooming is more than just a vanity exercise—it’s essential for their health. Clarke, who is no stranger to the red carpet and understands the importance of looking one’s best, extends that same care to her pets. From regular brushing to nail trimming, grooming plays a vital role in maintaining a pet’s overall well-being.

“For dogs and cats, especially, grooming isn’t just about keeping their coat shiny,” Clarke explains. “It’s also about keeping their skin healthy and checking for any issues like fleas, ticks, or skin irritations.”

Clarke advocates for regular brushing to keep a pet’s fur free of tangles and mats, which can become painful if left unattended. Additionally, regular grooming sessions are an opportunity to bond with your pet, helping them relax and feel cared for.

“If your pet isn’t a fan of being brushed, start slow,” Clarke advises. “Make it a positive experience by rewarding them with treats, and always be gentle.”

She also emphasizes the importance of routine vet visits for dental care, as oral hygiene is often overlooked but crucial to a pet’s overall health.

Emotional Well-Being: Pets Have Feelings Too

One of the key aspects of Clarke’s pet care philosophy is paying attention to your pet’s emotional health. “Pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling down, but they do show us in their behavior,” Clarke says.

Signs of anxiety or stress in pets can manifest as destructive behavior, excessive barking, or withdrawal. Clarke emphasizes the importance of creating a stable, nurturing environment for pets, free from stressors that may cause anxiety. Whether it’s a new home, a change in routine, or the introduction of a new family member, Clarke suggests being mindful of how these changes affect your pet.

“Routine is really important for pets,” Clarke explains. “They feel safe when they know what to expect, so try to keep feeding times, walks, and playtime consistent.”

She also recommends spending quality time with your pets every day, whether that’s playing together, cuddling on the couch, or simply sitting in the same room while you work or relax. Clarke believes that this undivided attention helps strengthen the bond between owner and pet, providing them with the emotional stability they need to thrive.

Training and Boundaries: Respect is Key

As much as Clarke loves to spoil her pets, she also believes in the importance of training and setting boundaries. Training, she explains, is not just about teaching your pet tricks or commands—it’s about mutual respect.

“Training helps your pet understand what’s expected of them, but it’s also about keeping them safe,” Clarke says. “Teaching your dog to sit, stay, or come when called can prevent them from running into dangerous situations.”

She advocates for positive reinforcement training, where pets are rewarded for good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. Clarke stresses the importance of being patient and consistent, as training can take time, but the results are worth it.

“It’s not about being strict or harsh,” Clarke clarifies. “It’s about communicating with your pet in a way they understand, so they can feel secure and know what’s okay and what’s not.”

The Role of Routine Vet Visits

As a seasoned pet parent, Clarke knows the importance of regular vet check-ups. Even if your pet seems healthy, routine visits to the vet are essential for preventive care. Clarke schedules annual check-ups for her pets to ensure they’re in good health and to catch any potential issues early.

“Prevention is the best medicine,” Clarke says. “Regular vet visits can help you catch things before they become serious, whether it’s a dental issue, a joint problem, or something more serious like heart disease.”

In addition to check-ups, Clarke ensures her pets are up to date on their vaccinations and parasite control, helping them stay safe from common illnesses and pests.

Adopting Pets: Clarke’s Compassionate Plea

Clarke is a strong advocate for adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from breeders or pet stores. Her own dog, Ted, was adopted, and she often speaks about the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving a rescue animal a forever home.

“There are so many animals out there who need love and care,” Clarke says. “When you adopt, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re giving an animal a second chance at life.”

She urges anyone considering getting a pet to visit their local animal shelter or rescue organization first, where they can find pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes waiting for a loving home.

Final Thoughts: Pet Care is a Lifelong Commitment

Caring for a pet is a long-term commitment, one that Clarke takes seriously. “It’s not just about the cute puppy phase or having a companion when you’re lonely,” Clarke says. “It’s about dedicating time, energy, and love to another living being for their entire life.”

From daily walks and feeding routines to vet visits and grooming sessions, pet care requires dedication, patience, and a lot of heart. But as Clarke attests, the rewards are immeasurable.

“There’s nothing like the love of a pet,” Clarke says with a smile. “They give you so much, and all they ask in return is that you love them back. That’s what makes it all worth it.”

By following Emilia Clarke’s pet care tips—focusing on love, nutrition, exercise, grooming, emotional well-being, training, and regular vet visits—you’ll be well on your way to ensuring that your pets are happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.