What Should You Know Before Adopting a Puppy or a Kitten?
Having a pet is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with responsibilities. Before deciding whether you’re ready for this commitment, consider the following aspects.
Welcoming a furry little companion into your home is an exciting experience. It’s a life-changing decision that demands considerable attention and responsibility. First of all, you need to know exactly how to properly take care of your sweet companion to ensure a happy and healthy life together.
Although it may appear simple, adopting a pet involves much more than merely bringing your puppy or kitten home and beginning a new life together. You must also create a safe space and a welcoming environment for them. So, are you prepared to completely change your life? Read on.
How to Pet-Proof Your Home
As you already know, dogs and cats are extremely curious, so to keep them safe, there are a few easy steps you need to pay attention to. Puppies and kittens need constant supervision because, in just the blink of an eye, they can drink, bite, swallow, or even play with anything that could do them harm.
One of the first things you need to do is check for any hidden dangers in your home before you welcome them to the family. You might think that this step is important for the puppies, but in reality, kittens can also slip and slide into dangerous situations. Many cat owners deal with situations when their cats explore the surroundings and end up stuck behind walls.
Before you bring a pet home, you need to secure every corner. For example, another important thing to do is to store all hazardous items far from your pet’s sight. All the cleaning products, solvents, and medicines should be stored in cabinets. The human food should also be placed out of their reach.
Then, pay attention to the electrical cords that might pose hidden dangers and secure them. As you already know, pets love to chew on things, and electricity is no joke.
Last but not least, don’t forget about the plants. There are a lot of houseplants that are safe for pets, but don’t hesitate to check the toxic plants list, provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, before you welcome your new friend at home.
Once you’ve pet-proofed your space, it’s time to move forward.
Transitioning to a New Environment
It’s essential to help your pet adjust to its new home. A new lifestyle can be overwhelming, not just for you, but also for your little buddy. Pets need a smooth transition. Allow them to explore every corner of your home, gradually, and don’t stress them. They might need a few days to adapt to their new space, so keeping things calm is very important.
You need to establish a clear routine from the beginning. Your pet needs to know when it’s time for a walk, when it’s time to eat, but also when it’s time to sleep. Having a program will help both of you adapt to your new life faster. After a few days, you can start introducing your furry companion to your friends and family. Socialization with other humans or pets is essential, but make sure to avoid any anxiety or stress.
Health and Wellness
As you already know, keeping your pet healthy goes beyond the regular vet visits. You need to opt for food that’s appropriate for your pet’s age, stick to regular meal times, and keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated. But first, let’s discuss the importance of finding the right veterinarian.
Usually, when it comes to choosing the perfect vet for their pets, people are guided by word of mouth. If you have no idea how to find a vet, ask your friends and family if they recommend anyone. Another thing you can do is look for online reviews, but even those might be helpful; the best advice will always come from the people you know and trust.
So, aside from preparing your home, you need to schedule a vet appointment. Within the first week after adoption, you need to ensure that your pet is healthy. A regular health check-up is crucial, and the professionals will let you know about the plan for the necessary vaccinations.
Also, don’t forget to consider the mode of transport. You’ll most likely need a carrier, and we truly recommend that you take your time and bring your new best friend home when you have a day or two off. Helping them adjust to the new environment will make the transition smoother.
Your New Pet Checklist
Did you know that there is a list of essential items you should buy before bringing your new pet home? Even though a lot of things depend on the pet, the list generally includes food and water bowls, pet food, and of course, a lot of toys. Here are some great alternatives that can be found on Amazon!
For puppies and kittens, a cozy bed and some blankets are necessary because they will offer them comfort and warmth. Additionally, it would be great if you purchased a pet first-aid kit, just in case accidents happen.
Are You Meant to Be a Pet Owner?
There are a few things you need to take into consideration before deciding whether you’re ready or not to become a pet owner. Even though the transition may seem easy to handle. You have to acknowledge that your life will change forever. The responsibility is very high, and you’ll no longer have the freedom you’re used to. So, read on and discover if it’s the perfect time for a change or you’ll need to wait for a little longer.
7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Bringing a New Pet Home
1. Will you have enough time?
Whether you like to admit it or not, pets require a lot of time. They need your attention and your availability. So, can you commit? If the answer is no, and you simply can’t follow the essential tasks, you should opt for a low-demand animal companion or a fish.
Pets, especially dogs, need time to exercise, play, and walk. In case you can’t go for a walk with your furry friend at least twice a day, that’s a huge problem. Closing your dog inside a small apartment will only lead to anxiety and a sad lifestyle. Pets need to expend their energy, and while cats are more independent, they still need your love and attention. They still need to play.
2. Will your pet fit your lifestyle?
Unfortunately, most people choose a pet based on how popular their breed is. Isn’t that sad? All the breeds and pets that are not famous or ”good” enough are often dropped at animal shelters. So, before deciding what’s the best breed for you, get to know it better. You need to ask lots of questions to the shelter or person you’re adopting from and understand if it fits your ability to provide for its temperament.
For example, when you think of a Chihuahua, you can immediately fall in love with the breed. But, in reality, Chihuahuas, even though they bring a lot of advantages and are low-maintenance dogs, are not very tolerant of children. Unfortunately, they represent one of the breeds known for biting kids.
When it comes to cats, things are the same. Some cats require more attention while others are mostly independent. Before adopting a pet, you should take your time and do some research.
3. Do you know a good veterinarian?
Finding the best veterinarian for your pet is not an easy task. Sometimes, even though you ask friends for a recommendation, it might feel overwhelming until you find ”the one”. The perfect veterinarian would be an excellent source of information for any problem you’re encountering in the adoption process. So, it’s really essential to have someone you resonate with in your life.
Not all vets are the same, and the one that matches your needs can sometimes be hard to find. However, don’t panic. With good research, you’ll definitely find your pet’s perfect match.
4. Is your home pet-friendly?
A lot of basic things from our homes can be extremely dangerous for our pets. For example, have you ever thought that chewing gum can become a serious issue? It can be deadly for dogs. And that’s not all! All the medicine and potential hazards should be kept out of their reach zones.
Before adopting a puppy or a kitten, you need to prepare for a new era of your life. The preparation consists of some serious changes in your home. You need to reorganize all the things that can pose dangers for your pets and make sure that your new furry friend will have everything they need as soon as they enter your home.
5. Do you know how to choose the appropriate food for your breed?
When you’re looking for food to feed your pet, you’ll understand the importance of a veterinarian. You should consult a professional about your pet’s breed and specific needs. From the time they are young until they are seniors, your pets needs should be strictly respected.
It’s true. You can do some research and understand more about the feeding process, but nothing beats the advice that comes from a professional. You need more information about your pet’s specific needs and life stage.
Once you get a trustworthy vet, you’ll feel how all the problems will feel like fading away. Having a professional by your side will make the entire experience better.
6. Are you prepared for an adjustment period?
If you are busy with your job and can’t reorganize your schedule, adopting a pet might not be a great idea. These little souls would need a lot of love and attention to grow up beautifully.
Just as human babies, puppies, and kittens need a comfortable space. So, choose the spot for your new best friend before welcoming them into your home. Then, you’ll go through an adjustment period. Please note that you’ll need some extra free time in the first few weeks. Spending time with your pet from the beginning is essential for their training and development.
Busy people should avoid this responsibility because adopting a pet without having enough time for it shouldn’t be an option. We live in a world of technology, where everything changes incredibly fast, and stress levels are high. However, when it comes to adopting a pet, we face a significant commitment, and we need to do whatever we can to slow down our pace and find our balance.
7. Are you ready for the training phase?
The training phase should start on the day of adoption, and it never really ends. Some of the most important things to teach your pet are potty training, smart socialization, and equipment wearing.
It’s no surprise that potty training is usually at the top of the list for most owners. First thing you need to remember is that puppies and kittens will never grow out of accidents. Even though they’ll physically develop better bladder control, it isn’t the same thing as only toileting outdoors.
If your pet deals with ongoing accidents in the first weeks of life, those accidents will most likely translate into even more serious problems when the pet is a few years old.
Another thing you need to pay attention to is socialization. The problem with it is that it’s very time sensitive. The perfect time to teach your puppy or kitten how to socialize is when they are about 12 or 16 weeks old. Experts say that socialization should happen before vaccines are complete, and it does not always mean meeting lots of other people and dogs.
Smart socialization is about keeping your pet both physically and behaviorally healthy.
Top 5 Pet Breeds for First-Time Owners
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of the most loved dog breeds and is also great for families with children. Probably one of the biggest advantages of owning this breed is that Bichon Frises love to play, are very patient, and don’t need a lot of space for their daily living. They don’t have any problems adapting to small apartment living.
Another great thing is that they are easy to train, making them one of the best breeds for first-time pet owners.
2. Boxer
Are you looking for a larger breed? Then, you can opt for a Boxer. Even though Boxers look a little bit scary, these dogs are one of the best breeds for owners with zero experience.
Boxers are incredibly loyal and can rapidly form close bonds with their families. One of the most important things you need to consider before adopting this breed is that it needs plenty of exercise and a very, very strong foundation of training.
Young boxers are usually hyperactive, so the training will help them make progress.
3. Golden Retriever
Who doesn’t love Golden Retrievers? These dogs are among the most beloved breeds for many reasons. As you might know, they often appear in movies and TV shows and are recognized as one of the best breeds for families.
Golden Retrievers make excellent companions and are highly adaptable. However, it’s important to note that they require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay in good shape. Since these dogs can become bored easily, ensure that you have enough time to dedicate to them before deciding to adopt one.
4. Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cats are very intelligent and have a quirky personality. They are curious, loving, and one of their favorite activities is following you around the house.
Compared to other cat breeds, Scottish Folds tolerate children very well and are an affectionate breed. So, if you want a loving and understanding cat, this should definitely be your go-to option.
5. Sphynx
Even though many people don’t actually love the ”nude” cats, Sphynxes are really special. They are affectionate and enjoy being close to their favorite humans. Probably one of the biggest advantages of this breed is that you’ll never encounter hair problems. You’ll be able to maintain a perfectly clean home while also enjoying their company.
Sphynxes are increasingly popular, and more people are choosing them because one of their main issues is the hair that other cats spread.
Before leaving, let us know in the comment section below what made you consider adopting a pet and whether you’re a dog or cat person. Feel free to share your experiences, your fears, or even ask questions about the adoption process.
Let’s create a helpful chat and encourage each other in the new journey of our lives.
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