Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting adventure and a wonderful addition to every pet-owner’s life. However, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your new furry family member. Although Australia is generally pet-friendly, there are a couple of things you need to consider about your home and caring for a new pet. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for your new puppy or kitten.
Preparing your home
Home is where the tail wags! Home adjustment is often overlooked by first-time pet-owners, leading to broken furniture or pet injuries. It’s better to prepare for the worst and prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. Here are five ways to have a ready home for welcoming a new pet or kitten.
1. Customised safe spaces for pets
Creating a safe space is crucial, but let’s take it a step further. Customise this area to suit the personality and needs of your new pet. For puppies, consider a cosy crate with soft bedding and a variety of chew toys. For kittens, a multi-level cat condo with hiding spots, scratching posts, and interactive toys will be ideal.
Creating safe spaces for pets will also help you save time and energy when it comes to cleaning! Ensure these spaces are free from hazards and provide a sense of security. Puppies and kittens are small, fragile, and curious. If you don’t create a safe space for them, they could wander around and get hurt. Because of their small size, someone in the household might accidentally kick or step on them as well.
2. Pet-proofing your home
If you haven’t heard of kitten-proofing or puppy-proofing, it’s the pet version of baby-proofing a home. It’s all about making adjustments to your home to ensure your pet’s safety. Here’s a quick list to help you pet-proof your home when welcoming a new puppy or kitten:
- Cover plugs or unplug appliances and keep the cords out of reach
- Put away sharp objects and breakables when not in use
- Remove tablecloths that can be pulled by your puppy or kitten
- Avoid tall and wobbly furniture like lamps
- Install fireplace screens around hearths
- Place baby gates or small gates by the stairs
- Secure any toxic substance like bleach or even laundry detergents in a closed storage
Beyond the usual pet-proofing, think about sensory experiences. Remove toxic plants and secure loose wires, but also consider the sounds and smells in your home. Soft, calming music can help ease anxiety for your pet during the first few days. Use pet-safe essential oils or sprays with calming scents like lavender to create a soothing environment.
3. Dietary preparations for puppies and kittens
While having food and water bowls ready is essential, think about dietary transitions. If you know what food your puppy or kitten has been eating, buy the same brand to avoid stomach upset. Have the supply ready at home before welcoming a new puppy or kitten. You can gradually transition to your preferred brand over a week. It’s also important to know what you shouldn’t feed your pets. There are a lot of common food at home that can be poisonous for them, such as chocolate.
Remember that, just like people, pets can have a difficult time adjusting to a new home as well as new food. Consider consulting your vet for dietary recommendations tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health status.
4. Family integration
Ensure all family members, including existing pets, are ready for the new arrival. Hold a family meeting to discuss responsibilities and expectations before welcoming a new puppy or kitten. Inform everyone about your new pet’s safe space, pet-proofing methods, and vet reminders.
For homes with other pets, introduce the new puppy or kitten gradually and in a controlled manner. Use baby gates or playpens to allow them to see and smell each other without direct contact initially. This is to avoid aggressive behaviour from jealous pets who can be territorial in the beginning.
5. Pet essentials
While we’ve covered some advanced preparations for welcoming a new puppy or kitten, don’t forget the basics. Here’s a quick checklist of essential items to have ready at home for your new pet:
- Leash and Collar: Ensure a comfortable fit and include ID tags.
- Water and Food Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easy to clean and durable.
- Waste Bags: For puppies, always be prepared for outdoor potty breaks.
- Crate: A secure, coszy space for your puppy or kitten to feel safe.
- Dog Bed: Comfortable and supportive for restful sleep.
- Grooming Supplies: Brushes, combs, nail clippers, and pet-safe shampoos.
- Cleaning Supplies: Pet-safe cleaners for any accidents or messes.
- Training Pads: Essential for housebreaking puppies.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic supplies and any specific items recommended by your vet.
How to care for your new puppy or kitten
Now that your home is ready to welcome new puppies and kittens, it’s time to cover the basics of caring for them. Young pets are vulnerable to injuries and sickness; but if you do it right, they’ll grow up to be strong and healthy companions. The key is knowing what to do during their early stages in life and setting up a plan to manage their health in the long run. Here are top tips to get you started:
1. Vet visit pre-arrival
Book a vet appointment shortly after your pet’s arrival, but also consider a pre-arrival consultation. Discuss vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention. Try to also get advice on breed-specific needs and potential health problems. This proactive approach will ensure you’re fully prepared for any medical needs your new pet might have.
A useful tip for when you’re adopting or buying a pet is to ask them for vet records. Reputable breeders and adoption centres do their best to keep their dogs and cats healthy, offering vaccinations and health check-ups. Take these records and have the vet assess what your puppy or kitten requires, to avoid double vaccinations and treatments.
2. Behavioural enrichment for pets
Mental stimulation is as important as physical safety. For puppies, interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills are great. For kittens, laser pointers, feather wands, and puzzle feeders can keep them entertained and mentally sharp. Setting up a rotation schedule for toys can prevent boredom and keep them engaged.
Watch out for anxious or aggressive behaviours from your pet. This is common for pets with previous trauma or are just having a difficult time adjusting to a new home. That being said, you should know that a scratch or a bite calls for a rabies shot. If negative behaviours persist over a week or two, it’s best to consult a vet.
3. Pet insurance and records
Before your pet arrives, research pet insurance options and consider enrolling them immediately. This can save you from unexpected veterinary costs in the future. Also, create a dedicated folder or digital file for your pet’s health records, adoption papers, and any other important documents. Keeping these organised will make future vet visits and care easier.
Pet insurance ensures the best start in life for your furry friends. The goal of every pet insurance policy is to help pet-owners plan for their pet’s future while alleviating financial burden during pet emergencies. Pet insurance for puppies and kittens is easily customisable to match your needs and that of your pets in Australia.
4. Pet training tools and plans
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home, creating a training plan will be beneficial to both you and your pet. The good news is that puppies and kittens are easier to train than adult cats and dogs. In these early stages of your pet’s life, they’re like sponges in absorbing lessons from their pet-owners.
For puppies, research basic commands, crate training, and housebreaking techniques. For kittens, focus on litter training and scratching behaviour. This way, they can be better housemates for your household.
You can also invest in clickers, treats, and pet training guides. If needed, consider signing up for a puppy or kitten obedience training class to build a stronger foundation.
5. Pet socialisation schedule
Planning a socialisation schedule for your new pet is useful for outgoing pet-owners or big households. Exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals early on can prevent behavioural issues. Social pets also tend to be happier, finding friendship in other pets and humans as well.
You can start by arranging safe playdates with vaccinated pets, and introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences gradually. Positive reinforcement during these experiences is key to building confidence.
6. Pet emergencies
Prepare for pet emergencies by creating a pet-specific first aid kit. Include items like gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. Research emergency vet clinics in your area and keep their contact information handy. Familiarise yourself with basic pet first aid techniques to handle minor injuries or health issues promptly.
You may consider getting a pet insurance policy that will cover all types of emergencies – accidental injuries, illness, emergency vet boarding, and chronic conditions, among others. Emergency costs can be quite hefty depending on the severity of the situation, but having a pet insurance plan in place prevents you from breaking the bank.
Home sweet home: Welcoming a new puppy or kitten
Preparing for your new puppy or kitten goes beyond the basics of food, water, and shelter. By considering these unique and comprehensive strategies, you can create a welcoming and enriching environment for your new pet. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and lay the foundation for a happy, healthy life together.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Sofia Francheska Insua
Sofia is a fulltime mom to her rescue senior dog, Baebae, a 16-year old Japanese Spitz. She learned a lot about pet care through her volunteer work with PETA, assisting in medical missions for pets, stray cats, and stray dogs. While her passion leads her to strongly advocate for volunteering as a way to help animals, she also contributes insights and tips for pet owners seeking to provide proper pet care.
