Regardless of your reason for wanting a pet, preparing your home for the new arrival would be best. Kibble and a bowl are not enough for puppies or kittens. Ask our veterinarians what they recommend for a new pet’s needs. Read below to learn if you are fully prepared for your fur baby with these tips for first-time pet owners.
Previously we mentioned fourteen tips to choosing the right pet. Whether you prefer team cat or team dog, we hope you prepare your home for your new fur baby! There are plenty of benefits to introducing a pet into your home. A pet can:
- Bring unlimited joy.
- Be a companion for a family member.
- Provide comfort to other pets in the house.
Bringing Home a Kitten
Kittens are soft, cuddly, and just about the cutest thing around, but they require proper care, just like any animal. Before you bring a kitten home:
- Provide scratching surfaces or areas for your growing kitten.
- Plan to purchase a carrier for vet visits and easy transportation.
- Schedule a physical exam during the first week to check your pet’s health.
- Ask our veterinarian when is the right time to microchip your pet. Ask our veterinarians about dental care and what products to use.
- Save money for the first year of healthcare to cover exams and all vaccinations.
- Follow the litter box rule: one litter box per cat, plus one additional elsewhere in the home.
Lastly, ask our vets about the proper feeding times and amounts for a kitten to help prevent early obesity.
Bringing Home a Puppy
Known for their cute tail-wagging and curiosity, puppies can be an adventure! Prepare your home by:
- Find a reputable groomer for your puppy.
- Schedule a physical exam during the first week to check your pet’s health.
- Ask our vets about core vaccines needed for puppies and breed-specific conditions.
- Choose an accredited trainer to help you socialize, handle, and even crate-train your puppy.
- Save money for the first year of health care, and ask us about the care program, CareCredit.
- Choose safe-chew toys that are age appropriate and have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Approval.
Pet Proofing Your Home
Before you bring your fur-baby home, make sure their environment is safe and:
- Keep plants in a secured area of the home.
- Keep tidy and store medicines out of reach.
- Prevent your pet from eating harmful human food.
- Wrap blinds cords and keep small items off the floor to prevent choking.
Try Out these Tips for First-Time Pet Owners & Schedule Your Vaccination Appointments
Remember to ask our vets when is the right time to spay or neuter your pet. Once you bring your pet for their annual exam, we can notify you of the appropriate times to schedule their vaccinations. Contact Valley Animal Hospital by phone or message us online if you have concerns about your pet’s care.
