It was drizzling as I got out of my bed. I couldn’t close my eyes for a moment the entire night because I was too excited about Mr Pepper, my new pet dog who would be arriving at my house in just 2 hours. It wouldn’t be entirely accurate if I say I was very excited and a little nervous too! Would Mr Pepper like his new home? Would it be comfortable for him? Am I adequately prepared to look after Mr Pepper?
If you too are adopting a pet and new to pet parenting like me, probably feeling nervous about being prepared, here’s everything you need to know about getting prepared for having a pet.
- A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME!
The first rule is to clean your house from top to bottom and pick out the non-friendly items like cleaning products, chemical solutions, thorny plants, electronic gadgets and quickly swallowable things that must be kept away from your pet’s reach.
Don’t forget that they are your pet children. They play with anything within their reach. It’s up to you to keep the non-pet friendly items afar. Did I tell you to keep your doors and windows latched? Or else your curious bundle of joy might sometimes wander on its own and get lost, the probability of which is high during the early days.
- BUILD A PLACE OF ITS OWN:
It doesn’t matter if it’s simple or decorated. What matters is that the place you have built for your pet has enough space as it sits, stands and lies down. It should neither be too small thrusting a feeling of suffocation nor can it be too huge to let your pet make potty inside. Well, this might happen a lot during the early stages if not careful. Transition to a new life can be hard sometimes, but a cosy little home will make it better.
- WHIP UP A SCHEDULE:
Routine is your magic card! Make a routine for your pet, follow it regularly, and you will see what wonders it can go. Let it be a simple walk time, food or potty time, doing them in a routine gives your pet a little nudge, right in the training path. Your pet will come to understand when to play, poop and eat! While this goes on your pet’s schedule, don’t fail to make your own for taking your pet to regular vet visits.
Relocating to a new place is hard enough. Don’t let your pets become anxious without a routine. Establishing where to roam around and where not to, is essential too! The sooner, the better. Or else your pet might have a hard time adjusting to it.
- DON’T MISS OUT ON THE ENTERTAIN QUOTIENT:
What would you do on a typical day? Work, go out, cook and clean. And the list goes on. But what about the windy furries? Don’t they get bored, staying in while you are out on a regular day? Yes, they do and much for your relief there are so many toys to keep them entertained. A word of caution, though, introduce one toy at a time. If you introduce so many toys, distractions will happen, and soon the playtime will be over.
Do you want to make them happy? Give a treat. Want to incentivize potty training? Give treats as a reward. Treats are your best friends when it comes to the subject of your pet. So stock up with toys and treats along with your pet’s food and harnesses.
As a pet parent, I say this to you in confidence; there is so much you can prepare for your furries. Throw your nervousness out of the window and trust the process. With a lot of love and a little patience, you will make a fantastic pet parent.
