Things to Consider after Adopting a Pet for the First Time

Getting a pet is a challenging task. Moreover, it takes some time for your family to get convinced of the type of dog/cat that suits your family the best. And the task is uphill going forward. A pet cat or a dog is equivalent to getting a new family member or a new baby, for instance.

The amount of effort and work you put in to take care of your baby – in this case, your furry friend will be enormous and will take forever (Kinda!). Before you get a dog/cat, ask yourself these questions – Are you mentally and physically prepared to get a pet? Can you invest the time and resources needed to care for it properly? Are you sure that your family is open to the needs of the pet? Will you be able to care for it till the end and not abandon your pet when it needs you the most?

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered on the things that are to be considered after adopting a pet for the first time.

Take time to train your pet

It is your duty as a conscientious pet owner to incorporate dog training into your everyday schedule. You can establish routines that assist in maintaining your dog’s manners, such as forcing them to wait for you to enter a room before giving them food or making them sit before they do. 

When your dog performs the intended cue, you can praise them and treat them as part of positive reinforcement training. Including pet training as a part of your daily routine not only fosters a healthy connection between you and your pet but also helps your pet to obey your commands easily. 

Make way for a stimulating playtime

Start by setting aside time to play with your pet dog/cat. It can be anytime – after office hours, early morning, or even during noontime. There is no set time for playing with your pet. 

Playtime is a crucial component in creating and preserving your relationship with your pet. It allows you to build a happy and enjoyable bond with your pet and gives them something to do with their energy. You’ll need to discover what kinds of play engage your pet because they will only appreciate the same activities. This implies that till you find out what they enjoy, you will need to try out a range of cat or dog toys.

Take your pet on periodic walks

Dog walks are a crucial component of your dog’s socializing and exercise regimen. All dogs require regular walks; the frequency and duration of these walks vary depending on the dog. 

Some dogs might prefer shorter walks to relieve themselves, and others might need longer runs to exhaust themselves. Planning outdoor outings with your dog should consider the significance of wearing a dog leash. If you are confident about your pet, you can take them off leash, too. Off-leash gives your pet ample time to nose their way into exploring new stuff without you pulling the leash constantly.

Learn to clean after your pet

Housebroken pets can roam around the house without fear of mishap, and many different kinds of pets can achieve this. At least one litter box should be available for cats, and puppies typically require a potty break every one to two hours during the day. 

As a general guideline, a puppy can hold it for one plus the number of hours each month of age. Your dog’s needs will become apparent, but no dog should be asked to “hold it” for six hours. Like elderly humans, senior dogs likewise require more frequent urination. 

Make sure that your pet is groomed to perfection

Ensuring your pet is groomed correctly is an essential aspect to take care of. Proper grooming also contributes to their overall health, from their coat to their nails. 

Never wipe your pet’s ears with cotton swabs. Before attempting it at home, it’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the correct technique. To choose the ideal washing schedule for your pet, consult your veterinarian.

Microchipping your pet should be a priority

Safety matters a lot, and it must be considered as a priority. There are numerous ways you can make sure your pet never gets lost, from GPS tracking devices to ID bands on their collars.

No matter how cautious you are regarding your pet’s care, accidents still happen. It is frighteningly often, and although collars, tags, and GPS tracking devices can be helpful, microchipping is the best and most reliable way to ensure your pet is safe if they become lost.

Take them for regular vet checkups

At least once a year, you should take your pets for wellness checkups with a reputable local veterinarian to ensure they’re fit and agile. It’s also crucial to keep up with your pet’s vaccines. The health of your cat is also greatly influenced by having clean teeth and healthy gums. 

Take your pet to the vet or an animal hospital as soon as possible if they exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness so they can recover more quickly! Baths, brushings, nail cuts, and flea/tick removal may be essential for your pet’s health, even though dogs and cats may not enjoy them.

Conclusion

It takes more than just filling the pet’s water bowl, walking the dog, and cleaning the litter box to care for a pet properly. A support network is essential if you’re a first-time dog owner. For example, you might think about pet daycare—or, at the very least, a dog walker—if you frequently spend hours away from home. You’ll need a boarding facility or a pet sitter if you have to travel and your dog cannot accompany you.

We all want the best for our furry lil friends. The tips mentioned above are a sure way to get your pets taken care of and pampered simultaneously.