BY DR NICKY THOMAS, WYNNUM MANLY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
It is always exciting to welcome a new puppy or kitten (or guinea pig, budgie or goldfish!) into your family. Here are some tips to help make the experience positive for everyone involved.
Feeding
Young animals need to be fed a well-balanced diet which meets all their nutritional requirements. It is important to slowly introduce new foods in order to avoid causing gut upsets – find out what your puppy or kitten has been eating prior to leaving their previous home and continue this for the initial period in your home. If you plan to change your pet’s diet it is best to do so over a week or two, slowly increasing the proportion of new food every few days.
Make your home puppy and kitten friendly
Puppies and kittens like to explore new environments, and often this involves chewing things. Clear your home of small objects and toxic plants, keep electrical cords tidy and store medications and chemicals securely out of your pet’s reach.
Provide your pet with a quiet and cozy place – young animals need a lot of rest. A crate or small room with comfortable bedding and lower lighting will give them a chance to settle and sleep.
Socialisation and training
Start early with socialisation and training. The more experiences your puppy and kitten have at a young age, the better adjusted they will be in the long term. Expose your pet to different household sounds such as vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and kitchen noises (pots and pans, kettles, etc.) and introduce them to people of different ages. Puppies benefit from attending puppy preschool in order to learn how to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment.
Vet visits
Book an appointment with your vet for a general health check and to answer any questions you may have about caring for your new pet. Make sure that puppies and kittens are up to date with their vaccinations, have been microchipped, and have started a parasite prevention program. Your vet will be able to help you formulate the best plan for your pet.
Being prepared for a new pet will give them the best start and help them settle into your family as quickly as possible.
