Helping A New Pet Adjust

Are you thinking of getting a new pet in the near future? That’s great! Bringing Fluffy or Fido home is always a fun and exciting experience! However, it’s crucial to understand that significant changes can cause a lot of stress for our beloved pets. Taking steps to ensure a smooth transition for your new companion is very important. In this article from Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, a local vet offers tips on how to create a warm and inviting environment for your new furry friend.

How Can I Make My Home Safe For My New Pet?

Petproofing should be the top priority here. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that everyday household items can pose to our furry friends. Make sure that anything potentially hazardous is either removed or properly secured.

Here are a few of the main things to take care of:

• Medicine, whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter.
• Any type of chemical, regardless of whether they are cleaning agents, automotive products, or anything else.
• Lawn and Garden Products: These products encompass items such as fertilizer, fungicide, and herbicides. Pesticides can be quite hazardous. Slug bait, for example, is a common source of poisoning in dogs.
• If you have a yard, take steps to make it safe and fun for Fido. We would recommend checking your fencing, and removing things like toxic plants, fallen branches, and debris.
• Anything small or sharp. That includes items like beads, buttons, coins, craft kit pieces, jewelry, safety pins, paper clips, and more.
• Toxic plants. Lilies are likely the most dangerous plants for cats, whereas Sago palms are among the worst for dogs. However, many others are unsafe. For more information, visit the ASPCA site here.
• Plastic bags and ties
• Ropes and Cords: This category encompasses various items such as drape cords, wires, thread, and yarn.

Your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian can give you more tips on this.

What Is The First Thing I Should Do When Bringing A New Pet Home?

It will depend on the type of animal you’ve decided to get. If you’re adopting a dog, it’s important to take Fido for a walk around the block. This is incredibly beneficial for several reasons. Your pup will be able to burn off any nervous energy he has. It will also provide him with a chance to take a breath and reflect on the situation. He’ll also appreciate having the opportunity to familiarize himself with the area and gain a sense of his surroundings.

Of course, this wouldn’t apply to a cat. When bringing your feline companion, bring Fluffy inside and put her carrier down in the area you’ve set aside. Don’t pull her out. Instead, leave the door open and let her look around when she’s ready.

How Do I Get Ready For My New Pet? 

A trip to the pet store is a must. If it is at all possible, you should go before you bring your animal companion to your house.

Here are some of the items you’ll need to grab:

• Playthings
• Treats
• Bedding 
• Crate or Carrier 
• Dishes
• Leash
• Harness Or Collar
• Pet Grooming Supplies
• Emergency Medical Kit
• Paw Care (Dogs)
• Cat Litterbox and Litter
• Food

You’ll need to consider your pet’s age and size when selecting certain items. What may be suitable for a Pomeranian might not be safe or sufficient for a Great Dane! 

This also holds true for litter boxes and litter in cats. If you are getting a kitten, it’s best to avoid using clay or clumping litter. Kittens can be quite clumsy. occasionally, they may accidentally swallow litter. These types of situations can lead to intestinal blockages, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

When it comes to food, it would be helpful to know what your new companion has been eating so that you can start with the same brand. It’s advisable to implement changes gradually, and only as advised by your Wickenburg, AZ vet. Otherwise, your furry friend might end up with an upset tummy.

Create A Safe Haven For Your Pet

It’s best to give your pet a quiet spot at first. Set aside a room or area for your pet, and put all of their things there.

Your furry friend will appreciate having a comfortable space to relax, unwind, and acclimate to their new surroundings. This will allow your pet to rest, decompress, and adjust to the new surroundings. If you’ve adopted a shelter pet, you can expect them to sleep a lot at first. Being in a shelter is very stressful for our animal friends, and it may take them time to decompress. 

Separation is especially crucial if you have other animals. Ask your Wickenburg, AZ vet for tips on making introductions.

How Do You Bond With A New Pet?

Try to be patient, as this may take some time. It’s worth noting that certain pets will quickly form a strong bond with their new human. Fluffy might just curl up on your lap right away, and Fido could quickly bring you a toy or start wagging his tail when you reach for the treat jar. However, certain animals may require some time to become acquainted with you.

Pets that have been rescued often require some time to feel secure. Even if they are transitioning to a much better environment, it’s still a significant adjustment, and they will need to evaluate their new surroundings.

It may take time for your pet to warm up to you. That’s only to be expected. Love cannot form without trust, which must be earned through actions and consistency.

That said, we do have some helpful suggestions.

Sanctuary: Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your beloved pets doesn’t require a great deal of work. Comfortable beds are essential. Cats will love having scratching posts, boxes, window seats, and, of course, cat towers. (Hint: for those on a limited budget, consider taking the DIY approach and repurrposing a step ladder or storage unit.) Dogs also appreciate beds and toys. 

Talk To Your New Pet: Speaking to your pet in a warm and welcoming manner will help them become more comfortable with you. What you say doesn’t really matter; it’s all about the tone of your voice.

Snacks: Offering treats can be quite effective in this situation. Stick with safe options and avoid going completely overboard.

Toys: Fun toys not only provide pets with a way to release any anxiety or excess energy, but they also assist in creating a positive connection with their new living environment. Playtime is also wonderful for bonding. Keep in mind that our animal friends all have different tastes. Offer a variety of playthings, and see what your pet likes best.

Provide Stability: Pets are less stressed when they know what to expect each day. Start your furry friend’s new routine right away. Consistency is crucial when it comes to house rules. If you prefer to keep Fido off the couch, it’s important to establish boundaries from the beginning. This will prevent any confusion for him in the future.

What is the 3 3 3 rule?

This guideline is often utilized when talking about dogs, but it can also be applied to other animals. Fido will need about three days to adjust to a new home, three weeks to fully settle in, and around three months to truly feel at home.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Wickenburg, AZ Animal Clinic

One of the first things you’ll want to do is contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. We will ensure that your new animal companion receives a comprehensive examination. Fido and Fluffy may also require parasite control, vaccinations, microchipping, and/or spay/neuter surgery. 

Please remember to bring any records you may have. Don’t be shy about asking for advice regarding your pet’s diet and care requirements! We’re here to help! 

Do you need any assistance or advice regarding your pet’s health or care? Get in touch with us here at Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, today!