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Welcome to the Family!
Did you get a new puppy or kitten this past Holiday Season? If so, it is time to learn the basics of being a responsible pet owner! Owning a pet at any age can be a ton of fun if you follow some basic guidelines:
1. Learn about your pet’s breed – What is the breed’s temperament like? How large with the pet get?
2. Pick a form of pet identification – In many cases, a simple pet tag can be used. However, if your pet will be outside quite a bit, an implantable pet ID chip may be preferred.
3. Start potty training – Is your pet potty trained? What method will you use in order to train your new pet?
4. Get shots – Does your pet have his/her shot records? What shots does your pet need? What veterinarian will you be using?
5. Do some exercise – How often does your pet need to be exercised? Should you play in the house or go out for a walk? Should the walk be a short, brisk one or a long and slow one? Is play time in a field or large living room sufficient?
6. Food – What kind of food does your pet require and in what amount? How often should your pet eat? Does your pet have any special food needs (i.e. weight control, puppy/kitten, adult, supplements, etc.)?
7. Get into training – What kind of training should you do with your new pet? What classes are available in your area of town for your pet? Do you want to train your pet in a class setting or send your pet to a trainer for a couple of weeks for intense learning?
8. Spay/Neuter – Will you be spaying/neutering your pet at the age of 6 months? In most cases, unless your pet is a pure breed and will be used for breeding purposes, the pet should be “fixed” as soon as he/she comes of age.
All of these items are very important when it comes to raising a new furry member of the family. Pets need just as much time and effort put towards them as any other member of your family. Without the proper care and attention, any animal can become aggressive and isolate different family members. Please research as much information as you can about your pet so that you can be a responsible pet owner. If needed, contact your veterinarian for more information about any of these topics.
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