Are you considering adopting a new pet soon? Welcoming a new pet into your home may be an exciting experience! However, it is important to understand that significant changes can be extremely stressful for pets. You’ll want to take a few steps to help your new friend settle into their new surroundings. Read on for suggestions from a local Wichita, KS veterinarian on how to welcome your new animal buddy.
What Do I Need To Have Ready Before I Bring My New Pet Home?
A visit to the pet store should definitely be on the agenda. If possible, do your shopping before you bring your new pet home, so you can have everything ready before that big Gotcha Day.
Here are some of the items you’ll need to pick up.
- Toys
- Bedding
- Crate/Carrier
- Dishes
- Grooming Supplies
- First Aid Kit
- Treats
- Food
Fido will need a leash and a good harness or collar, while Fluffy will require a litterbox, litter, and a scratching post or board.
Some of these items should be chosen considering your pet’s age and size. A treat made for a Pomeranian will not do much for a Great Dane! This also applies with cat litter boxes and litter. You should never use clay or clumping litter with kittens. Baby cats are clumsy and occasionally consume litter. These kinds of litter can create intestinal obstructions, which are extremely serious and even life-threatening.
Another thing to consider if you’re getting a kitten is the fact that little Fluffy will outgrow small pieces of furniture very quickly.
Food is also something to think about. If you know what your new friend has been eating, start with that brand. It’s usually better to make adjustments gradually. Otherwise, your pet may develop an upset stomach. Ask your Wichita, KS vet for advice on this.
Creating A Safe Haven
Once you’re done shopping, you’ll need to get everything ready. We would suggest that you put these items in a quiet location, such as a spare room. This will provide a spot for your pet to relax, decompress, and adjust to their new surroundings. That separation is especially necessary if you have additional pets.
How Can I Get My Place Ready For My New Pet?
Petproofing is key here. Many ordinary household objects are harmful to our four-legged friends. You should remove or secure anything that is unsafe.
Here are a few issues to address:
- Small/sharp things, like beads, buttons, coins, craft kit components, jewelry, safety pins, and paper clips.
- Toxic plants. Lilies are at the top of the list for cats, while Sago palms are among the most deadly to dogs. You can visit the ASPCA website here for additional information.
- Plastic bags/Ties
- Ropes and Cords: This includes drape cords, wires, thread, and yarn.
- Medicine: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are harmful.
- Chemicals: Any form of chemical, whether a cleaning agent, an automobile product, or something else, is hazardous.
- Lawn/Garden Products: These include fertilizer, fungicides, and herbicides. Pesticides are also quite harmful. Slug bait, for example, is a frequent source of poisoning in dogs.
Don’t forget about the outdoors! If you’re acquiring a puppy, inspect your fencing and yard as well. Ask your Wichita, KS veterinarian for advice on this.
What Is The First Thing I Should Do After I Bring My New Pet Home?
It kind of depends on what sort of pet you’re getting. If you’re adopting a dog, take him on a walk around the block. This is useful for several reasons. Fido will be able to release any nervous energy he has. It will also allow him to take a breather and start to process what is going on. He’ll also be able to get the lay of the land and get a rough idea of what his surroundings are.
This, of course, would not apply to a cat. If you’re getting a feline buddy, just bring Fluffy to her allocated area in her carrier. Don’t pull her out of the carrier: that may just scare her. Instead, leave the door open and let her look around when she’s ready.
Your pet may sleep a lot at first. This is very common in shelter pets, as they need to just decompress from being in a shelter. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
How Should I Introduce a New Pet to My Existing Pets?
With cats, you should do this gradually, over several days. Allow the kitties to become accustomed to each other’s scents. Let them officially meet when they appear to have accepted each other’s presence.
Dogs are a different story. Ideally, you should introduce dogs before bringing them home, to assess whether or not they’ll get along. Otherwise, allow them to meet for a walk on neutral ground. Pay close attention to both pups’ body language!
How Can I Help a Bird or Pocket Pet Adjust to Their New Environment?
The big thing is preparing their habitat. What that should look like will depend on the type of pet you select. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Location is crucial for smaller pets. Put them somewhere quiet, where they can see and hear you. Allow them a few days to settle before handling them.
How Do You Bond With A New Pet?
Love, time, and patience! Do not expect this to happen right away. To be fair, some of our animal friends will immediately decide that their new human is the greatest thing ever. Fluffy may immediately curl up on your lap, and Fido may not take long to bring you a toy or begin wagging his tail for you. However, many pets will require some time to come to know you and. most of all, feel safe.
Rescued pets usually need time to feel comfortable. Even if they are going to a wonderful home, it is still a significant adjustment, and they will need to appraise their new circumstances.
The most important thing to remember? Do not force it. Love cannot exist without trust, and trust must be earned.
That said, giving your pet things like snacks and toys can help a lot. You’ll also want to provide lots of small comforts, like beds. Talking to your pet in a soft, friendly tone will help them adjust to you. It doesn’t matter what you say; it’s the tone of your voice that counts.
Stability is also very important. Pets feel safer when they are kept on a consistent schedule. Get your pet started on their new regimen straight away. Consistency is also vital in terms of house rules. If you don’t want Fido on the couch, don’t let him ‘get away’ with it the first night; he’ll only get confused if you reprimand him for it later.
What is the 3 3 3 Rule For Pets?
This is a useful rule of thumb to remember. It is most commonly used to describe dogs, but it also applies to other animals. It will take Fido three days to adjust to his new surroundings, three weeks to settle in, and three months to truly feel at home.
Schedule An Appointment At Your Wichita, Ks Veterinary Clinic
Of course, one of the first things you’ll want to do is call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Your new animal companion will require a comprehensive examination. Fido and Fluffy may also require parasite management, immunizations, microchipping, or spay/neuter surgery. Remember to bring any records you already have.
This is also a great chance for you to get some specific advice on your pet’s nutrition and care requirements!
Do you have any questions about your pet’s new health or care? Contact us at your Wichita, KS, pet clinic today!