What You Need at Home When Owning a Pet
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Bringing a new pet home can be very exciting. It's important to have everything you need to make your home suitable for your new pet so that adjusting to the new circumstances for yourself and your pet is as easy and smooth as possible.
Food and Water Supplies
Investing in a high-quality food brand for your new pet is a crucial step. This guarantees they receive the necessary nutrients, promoting their health and well-being. Equally important is providing access to fresh water all day. Consider investing in a water dispenser that can hold large amounts of water. Opt for a stainless steel water and food bowl, as plastic can harbor bacteria that can make your pet sick.
Prepare Other Pets and Children
When bringing a new pet home, it's not just about the new addition. Consider the adjustment for your existing pets as well. Plan how you will set up a safe space for the pets to meet each other. For instance, it's recommended to separate cats initially to allow them to get used to each other's smell before a face-to-face meeting. Be sure your current pet's vaccinations are up-to-date to prevent them from getting your new pet sick, especially if it is young and more vulnerable. This thoughtful approach will allow a smooth transition for all pets. You also want to get your children ready for the new pet. Work to discuss what rules need to be in place to make sure your new pet is comfortable. Staying calm and respecting your new pet's boundaries to adjust to the new space is essential.
Register with a Veterinarian
Having a veterinarian already set up is ideal when bringing a new pet home. This way, should something happen early on, you will know exactly where to take your pet. You can set up your pet's first appointment immediately to get a health check and set up a schedule for vaccinations. You can also set up an appointment to get your pet spayed or neutered at the right time. The best way to find a veterinarian is to research by reading reviews and asking friends and family which veterinarians they recommend or use themselves.
Safety
Pets, especially young or curious pets, can get into trouble quickly. Be sure that your home is set up to keep your pet safe. Understand what items in your home might be toxic to your pet. For example, certain types of plants can be harmful. It's best to remove these before bringing your pet home. Research what other items are considered toxic for your pet and get rid of it, or lock it all up. Invest in baby gates to keep your pet out of areas you don't want them to be in, tie up loose cords, and be sure that all windows and doors can shut securely. Getting your pet microchipped is important should your pet happen to get out of the house or get lost. The same applies to a collar and ID tag with your contact information for quick identification.
Training
Please consider how you want your pet trained. Do you want them to stay off the furniture, for example? Knowing what rules you want to have in place can guarantee that you are setting up training protocol right away so your pet knows expectations immediately. Also, be prepared for toilet training. Cats typically know where to go, so there's no need for toilet training. Still, be sure that a cat litter is set up clean and fresh, and you can introduce them to it right away so they know where it's at. With dogs, you will need to set up a strict schedule for using the bathroom. Before and after meals and before going to bed is a good routine for getting your dog to get used to. Remember to invest in high-quality treats to praise your pet for using the bathroom.
Exercise
Consider the exercise your new pet will need. Dogs need plenty of walks typically. Hopefully, you live near trails or a good walking path, so getting your dog outside and on their walks is a simple and easy routine. There are plenty of exercise toys you can invest in, as well. Toys for playing fetch and ropes are ideal for dogs, while feather toys and cat towers are ideal for cats.
Having all of this established and set up before bringing your new pet home is going to set you up for success.
Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for The Pet Hospitals