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1. Things To Consider BEFORE Getting A Pet
There is a lot to consider BEFORE getting a pet. Most people want to believe that it's as easy as choosing your furbaby and bringing them home (its us... we are most people). But that simply isn't the case. Here are some important things to keep in mind before you bring home a new pet:
 COST - this is a big one. Can you afford everything that comes with pet ownership? (see our previous post about the costs of owning a pet)
Time. Do you have enough of it? Do you work from home? Have time off to train your pet?
Space. What type of home do you live in? Is there a back yard?
The type of pet you want. How is their temperment? Trainability? Activity level? Grooming needs? Food requirements? And SO. MUCH. MORE. Research is required here.
Your personal lifestyle. Are you home every day? Do you travel? Have kids? Work long hours?
Commitment level. A pet is LONG TERM. This can be anywhere from 10-20+ years. So make sure you're taking this into serious consideration.
Adjustment periods take time. Up to 3 months in fact for them to feel comfortable in their new space. Give them that time.
Do you have any allergies? What are they? If fur, dust, dander, grass, trees, other animals, histamine, bug bites, sun, types of food ingredients and fabrics (among others) are any of your allergies, a pet will directly impact them.
Getting a pet is a hige responsibility. Be responsible and do your research before bringing one home. Your (and you) pet will thank you for it.
2. New Pet Rule 3-3-3
When bringing home your new pet it is important to know their adustment times. These of course are different for every dog, but this is something to consider when introducing a new fur baby to your space. After all, this is going to be their new environment, and it will take some time for them to understand and become accustomed to the changes. They will need to get used to their new smells, surroundings and family members.
The rule is:
It takes 3 days for them to decompress and feel less anxious. This is the most overwhelming period for a new pet.
It will take 3 weeks for them to get used to their surroundings, learn your routines, know their place and you will begin to see their personality shine through a little at this point. This is a good time to start basic training.
It will take about 3 months for them to fully feel at home and comfortable in this new space and with their new family. This is when you can truly build a bond with your pet.
Remember, adoption process and adjustment periods take time. If you aren't willing to commit, to wait out the initial trial period and work with your pet in depth to get acclimatized to this new life they are entering, it isn't the time for you to get the pet.
3. Spaying/Neutering Your Pet
Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most widely used suggestions/demands by veterinarians and adoption agencies, and for good reason. It is no secret that overpopulation is a major concern in shelters. Not spaying and neutering is the #1 cause for this.
By spaying/neutering your pet you are helping to curb the homeless pet epidemic. You give all animals a better chance at life by not contributing to the excess population of animals. But did you know there are more pros and cons to spaying and neutering? Sometimes the option to spay/neuter just isn't available.
Here are some stats to consider -
Pros:
Heat/period decrease
No possibility of pregnancy
Reduces risk of cancers and prostate issues
Lower risks associated with some health issues
Reduces unwanted behaviours
Increases trainability
Calmer temperment
Cons:
Anesthesia complications
Risks of other helth issues increase like hip displaysia, incontinence, tumor growth and more
Post surgery pain
Possible weight gain
Sterility before maturity
Increased risk of joint disorders
If your pet has a heart condition, it is best they not be put under anesthesia
As you can see there are many reasons to spay/neuter. However, there can also be some risks, so be informed and make the best choice for your pet.
4. Vaccinations and Shots
Vaccinations and shots are so important, especially in the early years. Maintaining good health through vaccinations keeps your pets safe and protected in numerous ways, from internal health issues to external diseases and even fatalities.
Here are some ways keeping your pets up to date on their shots helps protect them:
They are much more affordable than treating the diseases themselves
They can be life-saving. Shots such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, FPV, FeLV, and more protect your pet from diseases that are life-threatening like Feline Leukemia, Rabies and Respiritory illness.
They also protect your pet from non-life threatening but serious diseases such as Lyme, chlamydia, flu viruses, Bordetella and more.
Your pet will have antibodies from the mother for the first few months of their life. For that reason, your veterinarian will administer a series of vaccines over a few months to give them the best possible protection.
After that, The following vaccines and boosters will need to be administered annually (or bi-annually, depending on the vaccine) to keep their potency and protection strong:
Dogs-
Rabies
Canine distemper
Parvovirus
Hepatitus / Adenovirus
Cats-
Rabies
FVRCP
FeLV
Vaccines are the safest and simplest way to ensure that your pet is protected in the best possible way against illness, disease and life-threatening ailments.
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