“We brought a new puppy/kitty home… now what???”
Puppies and kitties are undoubtedly some of the most adorable + joyful beings on the planet.
However, bringing a new puppy or kitty into your household is a BIG responsibility and will likely require major adjustments to your lifestyle.
A growing puppy requires patience, love, training, and veterinarian care.
Oh… and did we mention patience?
Although you’ll be spending a lot of time helping your puppy or kitty adjust to their new homes and establishing healthy habits, the time you put in now will be well worth it.
Here’s your basic “field guide” to bringing home your new puppy or kitty:
1. Bring your new pet to see your trusted veterinarian
To make the most of your puppy or kitty’s first visit to the vet, you’re welcome to come prepared with a list of your questions.
Together, your veterinarian and you will discuss your pet’s overall wellness plan - like your pet’s nutritional requirements, their vaccination plans ( and safe options for controlling external and internal parasites), spaying and neutering, as well as signs of illness you’ll want to watch for during your puppy’s first few months. We can also provide you with our insights on training, socialization, and much more.
Book this exam for your new puppy or kitty with us during the month of January 2021 for FREE!
2. Shop for high-quality nutrition
In your first visit to see your veterinarian, we will help you determine your best options to fulfill your pet’s nutritional requirements. Your puppy and kitty’s body is growing in critical ways, which is why you’ll need to select food (as well as a feeding schedule) that is formulated especially for them.
Be sure that your puppy and kitty always has fresh and abundant water available.
4. Housetraining
Likely this is one of your top priorities when you bring home your new puppy - especially if your indoors are carpeted!
Before your puppy receives their vaccinations, you want to be sure to select a spot outdoors that would never have been - or will be - accessed by other animals. This will help keep your pet (and others) safe from viruses and diseases.
Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training your pup to use the bathroom outdoors. Instead of punishing them when they get it wrong (and believe us, they will from time-to-time!) be sure to offer them loving, positive reinforcement when they get it right.
It’s up to the owners to help their pets get it right - so knowing when to take your puppy outside and watching for cues will help them succeed.
Here are some times you’ll want to bring them outside:
When you wake up.
Right before bedtime.
Immediately after your puppy eats or drinks a lot of water.
When your puppy wakes up from a nap.
During and after physical activity.
Typically, your kitten will adjust more naturally to using a litterbox, but you can encourage your kitten to use the litterbox by placing him in it at regular intervals.
5. Be alert for early signs of illness
If you observe any of the following symptoms in your new puppy or kitty, it’s time to contact the vet.
Lack of appetite
Poor weight gain
Vomiting
Swollen or sore abdomen
Low energy
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Pale gums
Swollen, red eyes or eye discharge
Nasal discharge
Inability to pass urine or stool
6. Teach obedience
The early days are a critical time to teach good manners and behaviors. By doing this now, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of good behavior and you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your new pet as well.
Many puppy owners find that obedience classes are a great way to train both owner and dog. Classes typically begin accepting puppies at age 4-6 months
We hope this information will help you adjust to your new life with your puppy or kitty.
For the month of January only, we’re offering FREE pet health exams for your new puppy or kitty. Call today: (250) 339-6555
Thanks for reading!
Your Sunrise Vet Family