Getting a new pet is a big responsibility and one that should never be taken likely. That is why you need to plan if you are welcoming a new animal into your home. The environment that you create for them is just as important as the food you give them, so having the right things in place will make them happy and calm. Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself before choosing and bringing home your new pet.
Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family
If you have children, then they will probably have their own ideas about what pet they want. However, it is important that you look at your family’s circumstances to see what animal will be best suited. If you are a family that is out for most of the day, then an animal such as a dog would be the wrong decision, as they get lonely and depressed being on their own all day, and nor would they get enough exercise. Cats, on the other hand, are independent and won’t mind being on their own.
Where Will They Live?
Depending on what animal you eventually choose, you will need to find a good space for them to live in. A dog can stay inside or outside the house, although in bad weather they should be allowed to stay inside; even if they are inside all the time, they will still need a space of their own to sleep, relax and rest. Cats are more independent, though you should still provide a safe space for them out of the way of children or other animals. Some cat breeds need a lot of mental stimulation, or they become aggressive and destructive. Other animals such as mice and gerbils can be kept in cages, though you will still need to keep them in a place that is warm and dry. You should also keep them out of reach of other animals and small children!
Are Your Other Animals Healthy?
If you are getting a pet that hasn’t had its injections yet, then you need to ensure that all your other animals are fit and healthy. If any of them haven’t had their injections, then it is best to get this done before bringing other animals into the house. You must also treat your animals for fleas using an easy to apply treatment such as Advecta, which is especially important when you introduce a new animal into your menagerie. It is also a good idea to make sure that the new animal is taken to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible to confirm their health.
Is Your Home Ready for Your New Arrival?
You might think that you have your home ready for your new pet; however, there could be areas you have not considered that could affect the wellbeing of your pet. If you are getting a dog, is your fence in your backyard high and secure enough? Dogs can jump great heights, and dig under low fences, so regularly check for any holes in the fence that an animal can get in or out. If you are getting a smaller animal that will live in a cage, then you will need to be mindful of objects around their cage, for example, you will need to keep wires away from the cage as rabbits in particular like to eat them thinking they are roots.
Who Will be Responsible for the Pet?
It is a question that many parents are left to ask when a new pet arrives. Who Will be Responsible for the Pet? Many children will promise to look after a new pet, though it eventually becomes more of the responsibility of the parents. One way to minimize this is to set out a cleaning or walking route that encourages your children to play their part. Your kids may soon get bored if they are only cleaning out the cage, so try to get them involved in other activities too. Encourage them to play with the pet and feed it, caged animals such as gerbils and rabbits can be let out of their cage occasionally to have more freedom.
Will a New Pet Get Along with Your Existing Animals?
One consideration you need to keep in mind is whether a new pet will be accepted by the other pets in the household. It can be a particular issue with cats and dogs as they have a tendency to be territorial. If you have a pet that displays aggressive behavior towards other animals, you should choose an animal that won’t be considered a threat.
Are You Prepared for the Odd Accident?
If you are getting a cat or a puppy, then you should be aware that toilet training can be difficult. At first, they may well have accidents as this is part of their learning curve. It is important to have a clean-up plan in place so that if an accident does happen, you are ready to deal with it. Have you researched the best ways to toilet train your animal? It might give you some useful advice and make the process a lot easier. The most important thing to remember is that this period takes patience, it will eventually get sorted out.
Have You Researched the Pets Food Requirements?
There are many types of pet food on the market, and they are all designed specifically for each animal type. However, some products are better for your pet than others, so it is important to research and get the best one for them. Your vet may be able to recommend a specific brand or type, especially if your animal has any allergies. It is also vital to learn how much food you need to give them. There is usually a feeding guide on the side of the food, if you administer the correct amount, your pet may become overweight and suffer the health consequences.
There are many joys of being a pet owner, as long as you are prepared, you will get many years of love and fun from your new pet.
