Considering Pet Ownership? Here’s What You Need to Think About!
Pet ownership is a huge responsibility, and while pets enrich our lives in so many ways, we are solely responsible for their food, exercise, housing and health care requirements, which is a very big commitment!
Purchasing a pet should never be an impulse decision, as thousands of animals are surrendered each year due to inappropriate choices and many of these are euthanised due to overcrowding in pounds and shelters.
The first step is to make sure you do your research to ensure you can meet your new pet’s physiological, behavioural, social and health care needs. During this research, it is important to consider the following:
How long will my pet live?
Having a pet is a long-term commitment. On average, dogs live for 12-15 years, while cats can live for 15 – 20 years. Small puppies and kittens grow to large adults with greater appetite and exercise needs – make sure you can provide for them at all stages of their lives!
What will my pet cost?
Owning a pet includes one-off costs like microchipping and desexing, plus ongoing costs such as vaccinations, annual vet health checks, food, worming and parasite protection, boarding and training. Emergencies, accidents, and vet visits cost additional money. Do some research to make sure you are aware of and prepared for your chosen breed’s potential future costs.
What are my time commitments?
Our modern lifestyles, long working hours and social lives can make caring for a pet difficult. Companion animals have evolved alongside us and need human company. Do you have time to walk a dog every day? Are you home enough to give your cat the attention they crave? Exercise, socialisation, grooming, feeding, playtime, reward-based training, and providing company and attention are all important aspects of pet ownership.
Does anyone in my family have allergies?
Allergies to animals (cats in particular) can be common. Before adopting a pet, make sure your family is not allergic. You can check this by spending some time at a friend’s house with a pet to find out.
Where do I live?
If you have a back yard – is it secure? Is there cover from rain or heat if you are not home? If your dog is kept inside when you are not home, where will it go to the toilet? Will you be able to get home every few hours to let it outside? If you rent, are you allowed to keep pets at your current residence? Do you have plans to move in the future? How will your pet fit into these plans?
Can I commit to training?
Training cats and dogs is an essential part of responsible pet ownership and helps pets develop into confident, well-mannered members of your household. If you think of getting a pet such as a cat or a dog, obedience, behavioural, and socialisation training (puppy preschool) is something that you can’t miss out on. If you spend time considering these questions before getting a pet, as well as seeking advice from vets and other pet owners, both your life and the life of your pet will be the better for it.
Preparing your home
It is best to identify a room where you can keep your kitten or puppy for a few weeks while adjusting to their new home. You may wish to purchase a crate or a new cat house so they can have somewhere special and safe to retreat. Spend some time looking over your home and remove potential hazards.Tidy up long electrical cords, block up small spaces where they could get stuck (behind dishwashers or fridges), relocate items that could be chewed and check for escape routes – open doors or open fire places.
Bringing your puppy or kitten home
The initial few days are crucial to helping settle your new puppy or kitten in. Give them time to relax and explore the house – but supervise them, so they don’t get into trouble. React in a calm, reassuring voice and if they hide, don’t coax them out, instead spend time in the same space as them reading or watching TV to help them get used to your presence. It makes sense to keep visitors away for a few days, as the extra noise and commotion can be disrupting. Wait a few days, and then even then avoid large groups all at once. Tell children that it’s an entirely new environment for the puppy – like the first day at school – and they may be anxious and need time to settle in.
A new puppy/kitten checklist
A bed/house/crate – where they can retreat to and feel safe is always a good idea.
Nutritionally balanced food – appropriate for their age and growth stage. Ask your vet for any feeding advice and be sure to make any diet changes gradually.
Water bowls – always have multiple water bowls in case one is knocked over.
Cat litter and tray – unscented littler is good. Place the litter tray away from any food bowls and clean it regularly.
Collar and lead – with a name/number tag. You can introduce your puppy towering a lead around the garden, which will mean once less experience when you go for your first walks outside.
Toys – choose toys that you and your puppy can play with together. Include chew items if you have a new puppy or a scratching post if you have a new kitten.
Pet insurance – consider insurance to cover unexpected illnesses and injuries and give you piece of mind as your pet grows. Your vet can give you advice on the best insurance for your situation and pet’s breed.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call our team on 4151 3550 and we will do our best to help answer any pet ownership questions!
If you wish to book you pet’s check-up, don’t hesitate to visit us here or visit our website www.sugarlandvet.com.
