Whether you live alone, with friends or with family, bringing a pet into the home should be a joyful and exciting time. However, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on whether a pet is right for you. Here are 10 factors to consider before bringing a new pet home.
A Huge Commitment
The first and most important factor you need to consider before getting a new pet is whether you can commit to them or not. You should ask yourself questions like whether you will have time to walk your dog twice a day or are you prepared to change the litter tray for your cat. If the answer is no, and you have no one around who can perform these essential tasks, it’s best that you stop right there and think of pets that require less maintenance, such as a parakeet or fish.
Will Your Pet Fit Your Lifestyle?
Choosing a pet because of how popular or cute they are is one of the worst decisions that many people make. In too many cases, these kinds of pets are dropped off at an animal shelter when they show that they have too much energy or are too needy. It’s important that you get to understand the breed you are wanting to purchase, as well as being open to the idea of other breeds. If you want a dog for your home, different breeds have a wide range of temperaments, so there are many factors that you need to consider such as whether you have children.
Interview Veterinarians Before Adopting
Before you have decided on the right type of pet for your home, it could be worth asking your friends for veterinary recommendations. Choosing the right veterinarian is essential as they will have a fantastic source of knowledge to help you pick the right pet to suit your needs and lifestyle. However, not all vets are the same, so you will want to find one who has your best interests at heart. Pets can live for many years, so you will want to find a vet who you trust with your animal. Make sure to read reviews of vets in your local area, to get a better idea of who is right for you and your pet.
Make Your Home Pet-Friendly
You may not realise it, but something as simple as chewing gum can be incredibly dangerous for dogs. Once you have decided on a pet, you will need to go through your home to spot potential hazards, clearing them in time for your pet to come home. There are all sorts of things to look out for, such as cabinets at pet level, bottles of chemicals on the floor, electric cords, curtain cords, and small toys lying about. You should also check your home and garden for toxic plants that could prove fatal, should a cat or dog encounter it. You will want your home to be safe and pet-friendly.
Choosing the Right Food
Make sure to bear in mind that not every pet food is the same. Some brands are better than others so do your research to find foods that are suitable for your pet. While it may feel easy to just pick up the first pet food bag you see, have a look at the ingredients on the back of the packaging so you know exactly what you’re getting. Your pet should have a diet that’s balanced and full of nutrients. Companies like Fish4Dogs provide hypoallergenic dog food that is full of nutrients for your dog. All the products that Fish4Dogs sell are made using fresh fish and are also hypo-allergenic, giving your dog the best quality and healthiest food currently on the market.
Adjustment Stage
If you are adopting a puppy, you need to be prepared for crying. Just like with human babies, puppies cry during the night, more so in their first few days in their new surroundings. However, unlike human babies, it’s not the best idea to give in and take your puppy to bed to calm them down. One way to help your puppy feel more relaxed is by setting up an enclosed and quiet space. If you are choosing a cat as a pet, bedtime is a little bit easier. Make sure that you arrange the kitten’s sleeping area in a secure location close to their litter box.
Training Stage
If you want your home to stay happy and harmonious, housetraining your pet needs to begin as soon as possible. If you are choosing a kitten, make sure to introduce him to his litter box the moment you get back home with him. If you are adopting a puppy, put him on his lead, take him outdoors, and let him get to know the garden. Most puppies will feel scared and intimidated and nervous by their new surroundings, so you want to make the training process as stress-free as possible.
Selecting Suitable Pet Toys and Treats
The type of treats you feed your pet can make a massive difference in how they behave in your home. When treats are used effectively, they can be fantastic for keeping your pet’s behaviour in check. To begin with, make sure that you experiment with several different dog treats and then stick with the one that your puppy responds to the most. This treat will end up being the one that he will do anything for. When handing out treats, you need to be as firm as possible. If your pet begins to beg for treats, you need to have some willpower and not give in to their demands. Teaching your pet discipline from the get-go will be hugely beneficial in the long run.
Neutering and Spaying
Neutering (otherwise known as castration surgery or spaying) can be performed as early as eight weeks old. In most cases, however, the neutering procedure takes place between four and six months, which gives the animal plenty of time to reach the age of reproduction. However, some pet owners choose not to go down this route as they feel the animal will lose some of its identity. The best thing you can do regarding your pet’s health is to have them neutered. Make sure that you consult with your veterinarian first, who will be able to give you more information on the procedure and when it should be performed on your pet.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
If you have chosen a cat for your home, they are incredibly independent, so you won’t need to take him for walks. However, if you have picked a dog, there are various safety aspects that you need to be aware of before taking him out on his first walk. You should purchase a harness that gives you complete control when out and about with your furry friend. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes so having that control is essential, especially if he needs to be restrained for whatever reason.
Taking on a pet can be a huge commitment, especially if you’re thinking of bringing a dog into the home, you can learn even more about this @ https://www.mypetchild.com. While cats are more independent, dogs rely on you for their every want and need, so it’s important that you have a think about all the factors listed. That way you can be certain you’re making the right decision for you and your family.
