Bringing a pet home for the first time can be one of the most memorable experiences. It’s a time full of snuggles and lots of love. Owning a pet has numerous benefits, including reducing feelings of loneliness and social anxiety. A pet can boost your mood and encourage playfulness.
Of course, having a pet isn’t all fun and games. It’s a huge commitment, a living thing that you’ll need to care for each day. Because of this added responsibility, it can also be stress inducing. This is why it’s important to think through all the aspects of pet ownership before heading to an adoption center or your local pet store. If you know you’re ready to take on being a pet parent, then this article is for you. Here are four ways to incorporate a four legged friend into your life.
1. Have the Essentials
Every pet needs certain items to live healthfully and happily. Buying these essentials ahead of time means there’s one last thing you’ll need to worry about when you’re getting them settled. This will avoid the need to run out in the middle of the night for cat litter or a leash.
If you’re welcoming a new dog into your family, you’ll need to have a collar, leash, harness, and a few toys on hand. Keeping a puppy entertained and active keeps them stimulated. And of course, stimulation leads to a very hungry puppy, so you’ll also want to have plenty of food on hand. You should decide ahead of time if you’re going to feed them plain kibble or fresh dog food. Feeding them fresh food can usually provide them with extra nourishment compared to dry food, but kibble might be more budget-friendly.
For new cat owners, you’ll need to buy and set up a litter box. When choosing a spot for the litter box, make sure it’s convenient for the cat but not in your way. Cats tend to prefer quieter spots with less foot traffic. Toys and a scratching post are other must haves. A pet bed is also a welcome addition, however don’t be surprised if your new friend chooses your soft bed instead.
2. Establish a Routine
Just like most people thrive on routines, so do pets. Animals want to anticipate what’s next. Providing some structure to their day means they can relax when you’re not home. They won’t be as likely to bark at their dinner bowl because they know they will be fed when you come home from work.
Before you pick up Fido, think about the kind of routine you want to establish. If you’re a morning person, you may decide that you want to take the new puppy out for a walk before everyone else is up. Someone else in your household can be responsible for playing with the puppy while you get ready for work.
If you have children, pre assigning chores is a way to get them involved from the very start. A young child may not be able to walk the dog alone, but they can easily refresh a water bowl. Putting a calendar in the kitchen or main living area with the established routine can be a helpful reminder for everyone. Your new pet will let you know if something isn’t working for them, such as if they need more potty breaks. Be flexible and see what works best for them and your family as everyone adjusts to a new lifestyle.
3. Pet-Proof Your Home and Garden
It’s all fun and games with your furry friend until your brand new sneakers are torn into shreds. Pet-proofing your home is a continuous task, one that will keep you on your toes. That said, there are certain precautions you can take before getting a pet.
To start, go through your home room by room and move items that could be hazardous. Dangling chords, harmful cleaning supplies, and uncovered air vents are all traps for tiny paws. It’s a good idea to place all heirlooms and fine china in cabinets until you know how rambunctious and daring your pet is. Your grandmother’s vase on a shelf could be knocked down by a curious kitty rather easily. On a daily basis, you’ll want everyone in the family to be tidy and put away laundry, toys, and open food.
If you’re getting a dog, you’ll also need to ensure your yard and garden area is pet-friendly. Having a locked fence can be beneficial for those that want their dog to have the freedom to run around. Make sure the fence is properly sealed so your pup can’t sneak out. Also, make sure you don’t have any toxic plants in your garden, such as ivy, foxglove, or boxwood. These can quickly make your pet sick.
Adjusting Always Takes Time But It’s Worth It
Even with all these preparations in place, bringing a furry friend home is an adjustment. Similar to a newborn, a pet has wants and needs that they cannot openly express. Every pet has its own personality, so you’ll quickly learn their likes and dislikes. They may not want anything to do with their chew toy but love the old pair of socks they found in the laundry room.
While it can be a bit stressful at first, having a pet can help you live a more fulfilling life. Dog owners tend to socialize with other dog owners in the neighborhood or dog park. And cat owners bond quickly with other cat owners, trading tips and countless photos of their furry companions. The love you feel being a pet parent will quickly ease any of your pre-pet worries.
