Four Tips for First-Time Pet Owners | How to Pick and Care for Your Perfect Pet

Many of us desire the companionship of a pet. They bring joy to our lives, and we hope we do the same for them. However, deciding on what kind of pet to adopt, and how to prepare for them, can be intimidating. Here is how you can find your new friend and make sure they are perfectly content in their new home
 
Find the Perfect Pet for Your Lifestyle
 
It is never a good idea to buy a pet impulsively. You need to make sure that your pet will be happy in your lifestyle. Dogs need a lot of attention and an active lifestyle to be healthy and happy. A bored dog is a destructive dog. Cats need less attention, but you need to clean their litter box frequently, and they need stimulation. Reptiles are much more hands-off and do well without much interaction. You need to be prepared to spend a good deal on their habitat, however. 
 
Also, think about the size of your home. Dogs need lots of space, and if you live in a top-floor apartment, their joints may not be able to handle the stairs as they get older. Does anyone in your household have allergies? If so, danderless pets may be the best option. Make sure you’re financially ready to invest in a pet. You need to buy all of their gear, as well as pay for medical expenses.
 
How to Perfectly Prep Your Home
 
Buy everything you need before your pet arrives. You may want them to sleep in your bed, but they may need a space of their own. Older pets especially may not be able to climb into bed with you, so get them a crate or pet bed that they can easily access. If your pet will be outdoors most days, make sure you have shelter for them outside to escape the weather, whether it’s hot or rainy. 
 
If you adopted an elderly pet, you will need to adjust to their needs. You can get a litter box with openings designed for older cats. A ramp and anti-slip pads may be necessary for a pet with arthritis. If your new dog struggles with incontinence, an electronic doggy door may be the best solution to allow your pet the freedom to go outside when they need to. Make sure you review the best options online before making a purchase.
 
Help Your Pet Acclimate 
 
Pets, especially those who are adopted, may be frightened by their new environment. One way to comfort them is to have some familiar items there for them when they arrive. Bring their favorite toy from the shelter, and make sure they have a place they can retreat to if they need it. It may take time for them to trust you, so don’t worry. Give them time to come around, and sooner than you expect, you’ll have a loving pet, happy to leap into your arms. Take some time off in the beginning so you can be around as much as possible. Giving them company will help them to stay calm, but remember to not force yourself on them. If they leave the room, don’t follow them around because this may scare them.
 
How to Form the Perfect Bond
 
Keep your rules and schedule consistent with your pet. By knowing their place, and that they will be fed and walked at the same time every day, they will quickly learn to trust you. Again, hang around your pet without forcing yourself upon them. By being near, your pet can acclimate quickly to your presence and get used to you. Daily grooming is an excellent way to instill a sense of closeness while also taking good care of your new companion.
 
It may be a lot of work, but it’s also a joyous occasion. Celebrate having your new pet, and love them the way they deserve to be loved. After all, you’re their new caretaker and, like children, they need all the affection they can get.
 
Article by Jessica Brody
Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com