10 Tips for New Pet Owners
Due to months of quarantine, there has been a spike in pet adoption everywhere. It is always great to see our furry friends find their forever homes! However, becoming a new pet parent is a very important job that comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are some tips for new dog and cat owners who are up for the challenge!
1) Determine Your Lifestyle
Be sure you are equipped to handle an active dog, if not, consider choosing a cat or a dog breed that more aligns with your style. “Think about the type of dog that will best suit your lifestyle. Evaluate all aspects of your family’s life — hobbies, activities, personalities — before choosing a breed.(3)”
2) Do You Have Any Allergies?
Consider testing yourself for allergies before bringing a pet home. “Then again, some people with allergies might adapt to their own pet, but still be allergic to other animals. A safe bet is to choose a cat with low allergens (2),” or a hypo-allergenic dog.
3) Start Training New Puppies ASAP
The sooner the better! “It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to fully train a puppy. Starting at just 8 weeks, pups can learn basic commands and begin housetraining. They can also start the socialization process and learn to walk on a leash. (1)”
4) Schedule Checkup and Immunizations
To ensure your pet is safe from things that may be around your house, make sure to get them their required shots. “Also, schedule it in to be neutered/spayed as soon as age permits. This can mean the difference between a healthy and happy pet, and a miserable one trying to claw its way through the windows or spraying your furniture.(2)”
5) Buy the necessities… and Toys
All pets love to play! Make sure they are happy in their new home. “Purchase food, treats, a collar and leash, toys, grooming tools, and other things you’ll need in advance so that your dog or puppy’s (or cat/kitten’s) transition into your home will be a smooth one.(3)”
6) Get a Quality Litter Box and Cat Litter
Litter boxes can be a messy deal. “An enclosed litter box can allow you and your cat more privacy, and clumping litter is easier to maintain. Keep the box clean, for the comfort of your cat and your nose.(2)”
7) Be Sure You Buy Age Appropriate Food for Your New Pet
Whether you adopt a puppy or kitten, or an adult dog or cat, your pets nutritional needs will change over time. Be sure to buy buy well-balanced, age-appropriate food for your pet. “Puppies tend to require several meals throughout the day, while adult dogs typically need to eat twice in a 24-hour period.(1)”
8) Microchip Your Pet
Pets can escape at the blink of an eye without you even noticing. Microchipping them is a great way to help you find them should this happen. “Microchips are a way to permanently identify your dog, and can be invaluable in recovering a lost canine companion. Consider enrolling your dog in AKC Reunite, which is the nation’s largest database of microchipped pets. (3)”
9) Get Pet Insurance
Like anything, it it better to have insurance than not to have it- the world is an unpredictable place! “We hope you won't need it, but like they always say, ‘It's better to be safe than sorry.’" (2) Also, it could end up saving you hundreds if you do end up needing it.
10) Establish an Emergency Contact
Be prepared for anything! “Enlist a family member or friend, ideally someone your dog (or cat) knows, to take care of him in case of illness, hospitalization, or other emergencies. Leave a list of general care instructions in a safe place.” (3)
If you’re adding a new puppy or kitten to the family, adding Licks Cat Multivitamin or Littles Small Breed Multivitamin to their meals is a great way to ensure they are getting their daily nutrients!
If you decided to adopt an older pet, Licks Cat Senior and ElderDog formulas can help keep them active and healthy for the rest of their years with you!
