There’s a lot of information out there for new parents if your child is human, but what about pet parents? Depending on the animal you’re introducing to your home, you’re making as big of a time commitment as you would if you had a human child. Some cats live to be over 20 years so, in some cases, it’s an even bigger commitment.
It’s natural to be a little nervous — you want to be the best parent possible to your fur baby. Don’t sweat it. Here are six tips to help you be a great new pet parent.
1. Only the best for your new babe.
If you’re introducing a puppy into your home, it’s easy to just buy supplies at the pet store and not think about the quality. Did you know that regular collars and leashes can actually damage your puppy’s throat and spine due to pulling? Pulling is particularly common in puppies, since they have to learn to walk on their leash. A harness and leash is a much better pick for your pet.
Joyride Harness offers the best harness on the market. They have harnesses for every size dog you can think of. Their harnesses have a side ring that prevents your dog from harming itself if they do pull while walking. Also, the harness comes with handles, so you can easily navigate crowds and load in and out of the car if your puppy has short legs. Check out joyrideharness.com to see all the colors and styles.
2. Keep calm and carry on.
Many pets have anxiety disorders, especially adoptees who may have been exposed traumatizing environments previously. Introducing their anxiety into your home can be a major stressor in your own life. Pets may also have other special needs due to preexisting illnesses. If your pet experiences anxiety, seizures, or chronic pain, talk to your vet about using a holistic approach to make them more comfortable.
CBD is understood to alleviate symptoms from various ailments and help your pet live a happier and healthier life. Companies, like Pet CBD Co., make products specifically for your furry friends. Cat, dogs, and horses have similar endocannabinoid receptors to humans, meaning that they can also feel the benefits of CBD. Pet CBD Co. flavors their products like beef, salmon, and chicken, so your pet will just think he or she is getting a wonderful treat. You can check out all of Pet CBD Co.’s products at petcbdco.com. They have everything from cbd dog treats to a cbd tincture or cbd oil that can be easily added to your pet’s regular food.
3. Budget accordingly.
Although some pets aren’t very expensive after the initial costs of supplies and a vet check-up, you never know when your baby might be feeling ill and need an emergency check-up. A simple symptom, like vomiting, could end up in a $400 veterinarian bill as they run tests and administer liquids to help your furry friend feel better. Just like you should have an emergency budget for you, it’s not a bad idea to put money away each month just in case something happens and your pet needs medical care.
4. Be patient.
When you first bring your new best friend home, it might take time for him or her to get adjusted to you and the new surroundings. A beautiful relationship will blossom over time with your pet. Be patient while your pet gets acquainted with his or her new life. Remember, it’s an adjustment both of you.
5. Introduce your pet in phases.
A whole new life can be overwhelming, even for a happy puppy. While you’re being patient, make a plan to safely introduce your pet. For example, if you adopt a cat, put him or her in a room that you can close off for the first few days. That way they can learn the smells and sounds of their new surroundings. If you have a friend with a dog and you want to introduce your puppy, watch over them carefully and be ready to jump in if the interaction isn’t positive.
6. Practice positive reinforcement.
Not all animals respond to commands. Many respond rather to positive reinforcement or to a mix of the two. You want your pet to be obedient, but you don’t want them to be scared of you. Give them treats when they behave and consider clicker training as an alternative to traditional dog training techniques.
