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Were you one of the many people that were gifted a new puppy or kitten or rescued pet over the holiday season? If you are a new pet owner, understanding the tasks at hand is essential for your pet’s health, happiness, and safety.
Things to know, do, and figure out as a new pet parent:
#1 Routines
Getting your new dog or cat acclimated to your surroundings and schedule is critical for their comfort and will ease any anxiety that they may have. If you work full time, it’s helpful to find a neighbor, friend, or relative that can let your puppy outside for frequent breaks. Hiring a pet sitter or dog walker is also a viable option. And, it’s a good idea to train your new pet right away.
#2 Sleeping
Baby animals need a lot of sleep. Puppies need 18-20 hours, while older dogs sleep on average for 12-14 hours per day. Kittens need about 20 hours per day, while older cats sleep 12-16 hours per day. Giving your new pet a comfortable, designated sleeping mat, bed, or area is ideal. You can move them around if necessary, to keep your eye on them; this is important for puppies, more so than kittens because they tend to get into things more frequently.
#3 Food and Water
It’s critical to make sure your new pet has access to cool, fresh water at all times. It’s best to change their water at least once a day. If they require a ball-bearing bottle, make sure that it’s secured in an area they have unlimited access to. Keeping them well-hydrated is critical for their health.
Food can be tricky; sometimes, pets are pickier than others. It’s best to talk about the type of diet you want to try with your veterinarian, as they know what works best for specific breeds and individual needs.
#4 Exercise
It’s also wise to speak to your veterinarian about the type of exercise that’s appropriate for your pet, and when it’s safe to take baby animals outside, as well as how much exercise is appropriate for elderly animals.
Here in Florida, providing animals with shaded areas to rest or play, and with an ample supply of water is always important!
#5 Environment
If you have a lot of small knick-knacks or children’s toys around your home, it might be best to try and keep those away from the pets as much as possible. Keeping an eye on them is crucial for their safety. For example, if your dog gets into your kid’s toys, they can choke, get an obstructed bowel, and suffer potentially life-threatening circumstances, not to mention that your kids will not be happy if all of their toys end up in Fido’s belly.
#6 Veterinarian’s Expertise & Advice
It’s always important to speak to your veterinarian about what’s best for your new pet. They are also an excellent resource for other pet-related recommendations like sitters, walkers, boarding, and grooming.
Of course, it’s critical to get all of your pets vaccinations and testing done at specific times according to their age, and you’ll certainly need to schedule your pets spay or neuter procedures around six months of age or later if you’ve adopted an older pet that still needs this vital surgery.
Your pet will also need to be on regular doses of flea and heartworm prevention and any other medications that are appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples offers the most up to date and progressive veterinary services for your pets. Ranging from Laser Surgery, Ultrasound, Dental Xrays, Radiology, Full Pharmacy, and In House Diagnostics, Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital provides your pets with the necessary options for treatment.
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital
2700 Imokalee Rd., Suite 16
Naples, FL 34110
239-431-9667
www.aovethospital.com