Are you thinking of adding a new puppy or kitten to your family? Besides picking out the right name for your adorable four-legged baby and finding the right veterinarian, you need to gather the right supplies and pet-proof your house. Here are some ideas on how you can ensure you are off to a good start before bringing in your new pet.
- Choose the right food and stock up on pet supplies. When buying food for your new pet, look for one specially designed for its nutritional needs. Opt for food products that are high in protein and include docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fat naturally found in mother’s milk that helps with nervous system development. For your puppy, you can start shopping for dog food, treats, water bowls, toys, collar with leash and ID tag, crate, puppy pads, stain remover, dog bed, dog shampoo and conditioner, brush, and dog toothpaste and toothbrush. For your kitten, you can stock up supplies that include food, treats, water bowls, litter box, scooper, cat bed, cat carrier, toys, scratching post, breakaway collar with ID tag, and brush.
- Pet-proof your home to ensure safety. Like toddlers, your new puppy or kitten is curious and full of energy. They will naturally get into everything. Try crawling around your home to see where you might have to make adjustments. It’s preferable to use machine-washable area rugs or pet-friendly floorings, such as tile and sheet linoleum. It’s also recommended to use washable semi-gloss paint for your walls or washable vinyl-backed wallpaper. For your windows, avoid anything that can be a strangulation hazard, such as pooling drapery, vertical blinds, long cords, or ornate tassels. In terms of furnishing, patterns and tweeds tend to be more forgiving. If you want to buy light-colored solid for your upholstery, ensure that you are using machine-washable slipcovers. Lastly, remove hazardous items, like sharp objects and cleaning solutions. Secure breakable or valuable objects in cupboards.
- Consider other ideas to spruce up your home for your new pet. To keep your puppy from digging and tunneling, fenced-in yards with a buried and inward-facing section is a great choice. A built-in nook for your dog’s bed is also popular nowadays. Installing a hinged cat perch under your window is an excellent idea for your kitten’s viewing pleasure. Also, attach any outdoor cat enclosures to your house with a cat door to give your new pet free access. To easily manage which pets are allowed in individual rooms, setting up Internal Dutch doors between openings would greatly help.
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is a considerable change. With all the excitement, sometimes comes stress. Make a caregiving plan to prepare for the latest member of your family. At Highland Veterinary Clinic, we can help you prepare for a happy homecoming. Visit our clinic today in Evansville, Indiana, so we can guide you through this exciting and highly rewarding experience of being a pet-parent. Call us now at (812) 710-4300 for more information.
