Getting a new pet is an exciting time for any family. They require plenty of time, love and money but it is all worth it. We quickly fall in love with them and they instantly become important members of our families. It’s a big responsibility, but also a very rewarding one. It’s important that you understand what your new pet will need, before bringing it home. Here is a guide you can follow to get your home pet ready in no time.
Preparing your home for a pet dog
Dog’s make brilliant pets, but they need a lot of looking after. Preparation is key. Firstly you need to make sure that you dog proof your home. Choose a room or space in your home that your dog can initially stay in. This is where you must start your dog proofing. Remove any choking hazards and unstable objects and tape down or hide electrical cables. Anything that your dog can chew through must also be removed. This is essential for keeping your dog safe and also sets some initial basic boundaries.
Buy a decent sized bed. If you are bringing a puppy home, I suggest buying a larger bed for when they get older. It may take some time for them to get used to, so make it as comfortable as you can. Buy plenty of toys to keep your dog entertained. These will stimulate and keep your dog occupied when you are away. Chew toys are a great way of looking after your dog’s teeth and stop them chewing your furniture.
Buy a good quality lead and collar for your dog. All collars must contain your dog’s name and your current contact information. Get your dog microchipped by your local vet or sanctuary as soon as possible.
Check your garden thoroughly for any spaces where your dog could escape and get lost. Take the time to secure these holes properly. Also, check your lawn and flower beds to make sure there is nothing around that they could cut their nose or paws on.
Preparing your home for a pet cat
Whether it’s a kitten or a fully grown cat you need to prepare your home accordingly. To make your cat feel really at home, you need to buy it a bed. All cat’s like a warm, safe place they can sleep in. There are plenty of options, from baskets to igloos to choose from. Make sure you put their bed in a place where they won’t get trodden on.
As well as a bed your cat will need a litter tray. It’s important that your cat is able to get to it and use it when necessary, so put it in a suitable place. By a back door is a popular choice. These also come in an array of shapes and sizes, so choose wisely. Prepare yourself to clean it out frequently and keep it topped up with cat litter.
Create a space for their food and water bowls. Make sure this space is easy for them to access when they need to. Buy bowls that are wide enough for their whiskers to fit into. Also make sure you are stocked up with plenty of treats and food, that are relevant to your cat’s age.
Invest in a scratching post. This will look after their claws and stop them from clawing your furniture. Catnip and toys are also ideal to have and will help you bond with your feline friend.
Remember to also get your cat microchipped, by your local vet or sanctuary as soon as possible.
Preparing your home for a pet bird
Before you even think of buying a pet bird, you need to buy a suitable cage. The size of the cage will depend entirely on what species of bird you wish to keep. You will need to buy a cage that is big enough for your pet to roam freely in. If you’re considering buying a parrot, take a look at these African grey parrot cages. These examples should give you some indication of what size is appropriate. Obviously smaller birds, such as budgies probably won’t need a cage as big as these. It will also depend on how much space you have available. It is also essential that you buy a suitably sized food station and water tank to accommodate your size of bird.
All pet birds need interaction and attention from humans. They need to be in a suitable position and in a room frequently used by your family. Don’t put them in a room where they can be forgotten about. If you have other pets, it may be a good idea to keep the birds somewhere your cat or dog cannot reach. This will cause less stress to your new feathered friend.
Once you have assembled your bird cage it is important that you fill it with items of interest. Try to buy perches that are different sizes for your bird to sit on. They may prefer being up high to see outside of a window or lower to reach their water tank. You will also need interactive toys they can play with. These will keep them amused when you go out. If you feel they will be safe enough, why not buy a large perch they can sit on outside of their cage too. This will encourage more interaction with your family.
Make sure you buy plenty of food that is suitable for your bird. Ask the breeder and do your own research on what this species likes to eat. It will help your bird be more relaxed in the first few days if he has plenty of food that he likes.
Not all vets will treat birds, so ensure you have the details of a qualified Avian vet. You never know when you might need to get your bird medical care. Keep these details somewhere safe, where you can find them quickly.
So whether you want to bring home a four-legged or feathered friend, I think we’ve got you covered. The most important thing is that your pet feels safe and comfortable in their new surroundings.
