#pet guide

Not so long ago I made a post about the benefits of having a pet (link here). Today I want to talk about things you should be ready for before actually getting one.

🐾 There are right and wrong reasons for getting a pet

You should always have reason but not all reasons are good. If you have a bad reason, you might end up neglecting the animal and hurting it in the process. Not to mention you might also get hurt.

Examples of a bad reason:

To teach someone responsibility (especially children) -Don’t teach anyone how to be responsible with something that can actually get hurt

Boredom

“I never had a pet, I might as well try it out.”

Surprise for someone -NEVER EVER. I know it’s a sweet surprise but please don’t. Unless you know the person’s reasons why and you are 100% sure they are ready and they want a pet and even then you should discuss it with them beforehand.

Some good reasons why:

You want something to love, give attention to and that you can focus on

Animals and pets are your passion

You want to give an unhappy animal good home

You know it will be good for your mental health even with all the ups and downs

🐾 Way messier than you could imagine

I’ve never had a dog before but I have plenty of different small pets and trust me, they stink and I mean literally.

You need to be ready for cleaning cages, digging your hands into poop, all kinds of smell and oh boy all the hair/feathers (unless you have a snake... then good for you).

Even the pets that are told to be not smelly will be little stinky balls.

🐾 Happy pets take a lot of work

You definitely want your pet happy and that takes a lot of work.

Examples of things you will have to do very often:

Feeding, changing their water -daily

Giving them enough entertainment and movement -daily

Spending time with them -daily

Cleaning cages/general environment -weekly (depends on the pet)

Shopping for supplies -way too often

Vet check-ups -when necessary but trust me you can’t really avoid it

🐾 It’s really expensive

I’m a highschooler so my income is very low. My parents still pay for most of my stuff but I pay for everything incuding my pets. 50% of my income goes to the usual pet supplies like food and bedding. Then there are toys, vet bills, new cages and all that costs so much more.

🐾 You’ll have to change

Your lifestyle will change

Your priorities will have to shift sometimes, especially when it comes to finances

Your environment will have to be safe for your pet, so for example no matter how much you love your poisonous plant, it has to go

Leaving your home for longer than a day will be a much harder for planning

🐾 Pets have personalities and they might not be what you imagined

Every pet is different, just like people are. Some pets will be cuddly and will show you how much they love you all the time. Some pets will be grumpy and won’t let you touch them. Some pets are lazy and some are energetic. They can be little destroyers, they can be loud and wild.

🐾 They’ll die one day and it will hurt as hell

It’s something you probably don’t want to think about but it’s the harsh truth you have to be in peace with before getting a pet.

🐾 Love is what really matters

Every pet shows love differently, but if you’re patient, you’ll figure out the ways they show you how much they love you back.

I had a little degu, who never let me touch her. One day she gave birth to 7 small babies and when I found out, she brought one out of the nest and showed it to me. She even let me play with them.

My chinchillas won’t let me hold them without making a scene but sometimes they’ll just sit by my side while I’m reading.

Moments like these is what truly matters and why it’s worth to have these little best friends.

9 Essential Tips for First-Time Pet Parents: Your Guide to a Pawsome Journey Hey there, soon-to-be pet parent! Feeling excited and maybe a little nervous about welcoming a furry friend into your life? Don't worry, we've all been there. At Pet Solutions, we're here to help you navigate this amazing adventure. So, let's dive into some tips that'll make your first-time pet ownership a walk in the park (pun intended)!

1. Choose Your Perfect Match

Ever tried on a sweater that just didn't fit right? Well, choosing a pet is kind of like that, but way more important! Think about your lifestyle. Are you a couch potato or a marathon runner? Do you live in a tiny apartment or a sprawling house? 

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a veterinarian with 15 years of experience, says, "The most common mistake I see first-time pet owners make is choosing a pet that doesn't match their lifestyle. An active dog in a small apartment with a busy owner is a recipe for disaster."

What kind of pet do you think would fit best with your lifestyle? Take a moment to imagine your ideal day with your new pet.

2. Pet-Proof Your Palace

Time to channel your inner pet and crawl around your house! Look for potential hazards like loose wires, toxic plants, or small objects that could be swallowed. Remember, curiosity didn't just kill the cat – it can harm dogs, rabbits, and other pets too!

3. Stock Up on Supplies

Shopping for pet supplies can be overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a quick checklist:

- Food and water bowls

- Appropriate food (ask your vet for recommendations)

- Collar and ID tag

- Leash (for dogs)

- Bed or crate

- Toys

- Grooming supplies

Pro tip: Buy a variety of toys to see what your new pet prefers. Some like squeaky toys, others prefer puzzles!

4. Find a Vet You Trust

Your pet's health is a top priority. Find a vet before you bring your pet home. Ask friends for recommendations or check online reviews. A good vet is worth their weight in gold (or should we say, kibble?).

5. Patience is a Virtue

Remember when you started a new job or moved to a new city? It took time to adjust, right? The same goes for your new pet. They're in a new environment with new people, smells, and sounds. 

Did you know? According to a study by the ASPCA, it can take pets anywhere from a few days to several months to fully adjust to a new home.

6. Training Starts Day One

Whether you're bringing home a puppy, kitten, or adult pet, training should start immediately. Consistency is key! Use positive reinforcement – treats and praise work wonders.

7. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize

Expose your pet to different people, animals, and environments early on. This helps them become well-adjusted adults. But remember, always prioritize your pet's comfort and safety.

8. Regular Exercise is Crucial

Just like us humans, pets need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. It's also a great way to bond with your new friend. How about making a fun exercise routine for both you and your pet?

9. Show Lots of Love

Last but definitely not least, shower your new pet with love! Pets thrive on affection and attention. Plus, those cuddles are good for you too! Studies have shown that petting animals can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

Bringing a new pet home is an exciting journey filled with love, laughter, and maybe a chewed-up shoe or two. But with these tips, you're well on your way to becoming a pet parent pro!

We'd love to hear from you! What other questions do you have about first-time pet ownership? Or if you're already a pet parent, what's one piece of advice you'd give to newbies? Share in the comments below!

(My pet chihuahua: Chichi)

Food: Choose high-quality dog food based on your pet's age, size, and activity level, with real meat as the first ingredient. Follow feeding guidelines and adjust portions based on weight, metabolism, and activity. Provide fresh, clean water, keeping the bowl clean and regularly refilling.

Healthcare: Regular vet visits are essential for monitoring your dog's health and vaccinations. Staying updated on vaccinations and using preventatives like flea, tick, and heartworm is crucial. Daily exercise, including walks, runs, playtime, and interactive toys, keeps your dog physically and mentally stimulated. Regular grooming helps maintain cleanliness and coat, while training and socialization help your dog follow basic commands and behave well in various situations. Investing time in these aspects can prevent behavioral issues and ensure your dog's overall well-being.

Safety: To ensure your dog's safety, wear a collar with contact information and consider microchipping. Pet-proof your home by removing hazards like toxic plants and small objects, secure fences, and gates. Supervise your dog, especially in unfamiliar environments or around other animals, and keep them on a leash during walks and public places.

Love and Attention: Spend quality time with your dog through cuddling, playing, and bonding activities. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and affection to reinforce good behavior. Pay attention to your dog's body language, behavior changes, and signs of illness or discomfort. Consult your veterinarian if any concerns arise. This will help build a strong bond with your dog.

Are You Relocating With Pets? Here are some things to consider when moving your furrier family members to a new home!

Image courtesy of Pexels This is a work by a guest blogger, Lance Cody-Valdez. Moving can be a stressful event for even the most seasoned homeowner. Imagine how that stress increases when you add in the additional element of bringing your pet along for the ride! With some planning and preparation, however, you can make sure the transition from one home to another is as smooth as possible for…