Whether you’re bringing home a litter of kittens, a rescue pooch, a reptile, or a rodent, new pet owners face lots of challenges when getting their companion settled.
Our furry – or not so furry as the case may be – friends are well worth the effort, but we need to make sure that we’re equipped to give them the care and attention that they deserve.
Before bringing any pet home, you need to make sure that you’re fully informed. These top tips will help any pet owner provide a suitable home for their new addition, whether you’re a first-timer or an old dog learning new tricks.
Pet Proof Your Property
Before bringing your new pet home, you need to make sure that your space is safe for them.
Find out whether any of your indoor plant life or garden fauna is poisonous to animals and remove the potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to hide any electrical cords that your puppy or kitten might decide look nice and chewable.
If there are certain areas that you don’t want the new addition to your household to enter, then invest in some baby gates to prevent them from paying these rooms a visit.
Beware of Allergens
Like us, our animals can develop allergies, and though specialists like Avacta Animal Health are dedicated to this field of research, it’s something many pet owners have no idea about.
They’ll be more than happy to provide information on possible triggers for common pet allergens, but it’s a good idea to conduct a little additional research before bringing your new furry friend home.
Learn Their Needs
Animals all have unique care requirements. Caring for a snake is wildly different to caring for a puppy.
It’s important that you research what your new pet is going to need.
For example, dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (and ferrets enjoy a walk too!), while cats need to have a litter tray in a secluded spot – they like their privacy.
Research Food
Dietary requirements for your pet might not be as simple as you think. Make sure that you read the information on all pet food carefully to ensure that it’s suitable for your new animal.
While vegan diets might be a good idea for humans, dogs and cats are naturally carnivorous, and vets are warning against trying to restrict your pet to a vegan lifestyle. Equine health supplements are ideal for taking care of horses.
Microchip
It’s now a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped in the UK, but it’s common with other pets too and can secure a reunion with your animal in the unfortunate event that they ever go missing.
If you’ve got a new puppy from a responsible breeder, they will already be microchipped when you pick them up, but your vet will be able to check this for you.
It’s also important to keep your details up to date when you move so that your animal can easily be traced to you if they go missing.
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but it’s made up for with the love that they give us.
