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If you’re about to bring home a pet for the first time, there is a lot to be excited about. Pets are a truly wonderful addition to any family, and once you bring Fido or Fluffy home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him. In order to ensure the health and safety of your new furry friend, though, take some time to carefully prepare for your new arrival. Our guide will show you just what to do.
Think Carefully About What Type Of Pet Is Best For Your Family
Avoid making any emotional decisions when it comes to getting your first pet. In other words, don’t jump into buying that adorable pet in the strip mall or adopting a pet you know nothing about. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, there are some important questions you should consider:
1. What are you wanting from your pet? Do you want an exercise buddy, a lap dog, or a low-maintenance pet?
2. Do housing limitations, like a landlord, prevent you from having certain types of animals?
3. Can you provide the amount of attention your pet needs?
4. Who will care for your animal in your absence?
5. How long is your pet expected to live, and what future changes might affect their life
with you?
Make Sure You Have The Finances
An inability to pay for pet care is one of the primary reasons pets are surrendered after they’ve gone home with their owners, so it’s important to be sure you have a good idea of what your new pet will cost. According to the ASPCA, the first year of dog ownership alone will exceed $1,000. Be sure when you’re calculating whether you can afford your furry friend that you figure in one-time expenses, like a dog bed or a bird cage, as well as annuals costs, like food, medical care, litter/bedding, toys, treats, and so on.
Pet-Proofing Your Home
Depending on what type of pet you choose, you are likely going to have to make some
modifications to your home. The American Humane Society provides a room-by-room checklist
.Here are some highlights:
● Secure cabinets that contain food, chemicals, and medications that may be poisonous,
as well as trash cans.
● Remove or hide small items that could be choking hazards and household plants that
may be poisonous.
● Look for small nooks and crannies where your pet may get stuck, especially behind
appliances.
● Cover electrical cords or keep them out of chewing sight.
● Pay special attention to your yard if your pet will be spending any time outdoors. Keep
gardening chemicals and tools out of reach, remove toxic plants, and put fencing around
garden beds and your pool, if you have one.
Making Your New Pet Feel At Home
Making your new pet feel at home is important, but one of the first things you should do to make it successful is let go of perfection. A new pet owner doesn’t get everything perfect, and neither does their new pet. Here are some keys to helping your new pet adjust:
● Develop a routine that they can adjust to.
● Provide your pet a safe space away from the action.
● Don’t overwhelm your animal.
● Give him an appropriate amount of “you time.”
● Socialize your animal.
● Train him.
How To Live Happily Ever After
Now that they’re settled in their new home, there are some important things you can do to make
sure they’re also healthy. Veterinarians recommend the following health tips:
● Manage their weight.
● Give them plenty of exercise.
● Feed them a nutritious diet.
● Get yearly medical checks with the necessary vaccines.
● Keep your pet free of parasites.
Know what to expect before you get your first pet. A little extra work can save you a lot of heartache. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that both you and your pet will live happily ever after.
About the author: Penny Martin has been around rescue dogs her whole life. She uses her website and know-how to help others bring new furry friends into their lives.
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