Pet adoption is a serious obligation. Even if you’ve opted to have a pet doesn’t signify you’re ready to bring one into your home. Adopting a pet starts with a well-thought-out choice of what pet you want. Read this article to discover what it takes to be a responsible pet owner before bringing a pet into your house.
Considerations When Adopting an Animal
Compared to caring for an adult dog or cat, looking after a puppy or kitten presents different difficulties. A common problem for the pet parent who has never raised a young pet is ensuring its overall health. Here are five vital areas that require your special attention.
1. Food and Nutrition
Kitties and pups have various calorie and nutrient needs than adults. After weaning, these animals require high-calorie, protein-rich food to maintain their seemingly growing cravings and activity levels.
You can begin by providing your pet with up to four meals daily. Slowly reducing to two times a day as they grow older is ideal for most adult dogs and cats. If you have questions about which foods are appropriate, your veterinarian can help you.
2. Vaccinations
You probably already find out that adult dogs and cats require routine vaccinations to guard them against dangerous bacteria and viruses. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against the most prevalent and dangerous diseases. Additional vaccines may be essential for some animals because of exposure to lifestyle-related dangers.
In the first year after their initial vaccines, puppies and kittens acquire their first booster shots. From there, they proceed with the adult animal vaccination schedule. During a vet exam, your vet will instruct you regarding the schedule and particular booster shot requirements for your pet.
3. Oral Health
Remember to brush your pet’s teeth to keep their mouth healthy. Slowly get them used to the toothbrush and give them lots of appreciation. You can make this an enjoyable routine for your pet by rewarding him after each brushing.
Treat your pet’s oral health more like a necessity than a luxury. Your pet’s regular vet appointments must always include a dental examination. Having a specialist examine your pet’s teeth can provide you with crucial details regarding the condition of their mouth and recommendations on how to best take care of them. Look for “dog dentist near me” online to book an appointment for your pet.
4. Parasite Control
Puppies and kittens can contract internal parasites from their moms, who then transmit the worms to their babies through breast milk. Worms don’t usually invade the digestive system. However, intestinal worms like hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms have the potential to be fatal.
The heartworm, one of the most harmful parasites, enters the bloodstream through mosquito bites and grows inside the heart and lungs. Although they develop slowly, they provide significant treatment difficulties and might eventually result in fatality. To keep your new puppy or kitten safe from parasites, it’s important to start deworming sessions at the age of two weeks. Monthly preventative treatments can help control the risk as your pet ages. You can read more information about parasite control on the internet.
5. Socialization
Puppies and kittens need socialization at an early stage so they can learn to live in harmony with people and other pets. Minimal socialization can lead to abnormal responses in a puppy or kitten, including shyness, aggressiveness, or fear.
Plan to begin socializing your puppy or kitten at three weeks and keep doing so until they are 20 weeks old. This can be simplified and facilitated by signing up for socialization courses or hiring a personal trainer. Incorporating daily walks into your socializing routine might be beneficial.
