Once you have decided you want to get a pet, you need to carefully plan it and be prepared to make the necessary alterations to your home environment and indeed your daily routine. Before you commit to bringing your new 'baby' home, it is important to consider the following:
Type of pet
It is important to know exactly what you are looking for in your pet. Is it an independent (mostly) sweet furry cat or is it a joyful and very dependent on you dog or a cuddly rabbit or any other type of animal? What is it that you are expecting from your pet? Cuddles, companionship and/or long walk in the nature (dogs)? This is very important to determine prior to your obtaining a pet, as knowing exactly what you want in advance ensures, that you select a pet that is right for you and your lifestyle, which in turn secures a loving and long-term home for your chosen pet.
Environment
Where will you keep your pet? Outside or inside? If outside, it is important to ensure that your pet lives in a controlled outdoor environment without the possibility of escaping into the neighbourhood. If inside, you need to alter your home to accommodate the new arrival, make arrangements for your new pet's sleeping area, including providing a comfortable bedding and feeding area. Indoor pets also require more stimulation and exercise, therefore it is important to provide them with toys, games and activity feeders to keep them busy. The same goes for outdoor pets - sleeping, feeding and playing arrangements need to be completed before you bring them home. If bringing home a dog, you need to decide how much time you can dedicate to walking them, as some breeds require a lot of walking to get rid of their energy.
Naturally, both outdoor and indoor pets need to be vaccinated, neutered and microchipped, as being allowed outside introduces them to all sorts of parasites and possibilities of getting infections.
Nutrition
At our Centre, our nurses can explain a programme of balanced nutrition and diet, and offer sensible tips and advice on how to keep your pet's weight under control, to ensure their long and healthy life. Furthermore, correct nutrition and diet can treat many health issues and conditions. Your pet's diet should also reflect its lifestyle, as indoor pets require less and a different kind of nutrition from outdoor pets.
Socialisation
Pets learn a great deal at a very young age. Their socialisation period begins at 4-5 weeks and generally lasts until they are around 16 weeks. During this time, pets learn what is safe and what is scary – so it’s important to get your pet used to different people, noises, objects etc. Use this time to teach them as much as possible; this will help avoid them being fearful in adult life.
Grooming
All pets require regular grooming. Long-haired pets in particular need brushing daily to prevent the build-up of matted fur. We also recommend that you examine their paws regularly, get their claws clipped and their ears and eyes checked and clean when necessary.
Healthcare and insurance
All pets require regular veterinary checks to ensure they are healthy and comfortable. This includes keeping up with annual vaccination boosters and for older pets 6 monthly check-ups to eliminate the onset of any potentially serious illnesses.
When it comes to pet healthcare and financial management and balance, pet insurance is really useful. As well as covering your vets' bills, it gives you peace of mind, should your pet get ill or injured, you do not need to worry about money in such a distressing time.
Finally, pets are the most effective stress relief for us humans, as long we they are healthy and happy. Look after your pet, enjoy their company and they will give you back twice the amount of love and attention.
For more information, please contact our friendly team.
