Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your First Pet

Most pet parents will tell you that one of the happiest days of their lives includes when they met their beloved animal friend. Not only does it mean you'll have a new best friend, but it means you'll be responsible for them. While adopting a dog or cat might seem like something anyone can and should do, being a pet parent isn't for everyone. Here's what you need to know before you bring home a new pet.

If You Can Commit

Having a pet is a commitment, which means before you get your first pet, you'll need to take a look at your schedule. For example, if you can't commit to taking your dog outside at least three times per day, then you should not become a dog parent. Cats, on the other hand, use litter boxes, so you won't have to worry about taking them potty.

There are thousands of dogs and cats in your local animal shelters because someone purchased them and then realized they didn't have the time or energy to care for them. Instead of putting one more dog in a shelter, take the time to think about your priorities and your lifestyle before you get a pet.

Determining Which Type of Pet

Most people love dogs, but that doesn't mean you should get one. As mentioned earlier, dogs require a lot more time and energy than other pets. However, you'll need to remember to feed and give water to any pet that you have. Even goldfish require responsibility from you in the form of cleaning out their tank and regular feedings. If you're someone who doesn't have the daily time to walk a dog, then consider getting a cat instead.

Being Prepared for Anything

You'll never know your pet's personality until you've spent a few days together. If you've adopted your pet from a shelter, you'll need to be prepared for anything. Many animals in shelters have problems with anxiety and even aggression and reactivity, which means you'll need to spend time getting to know them and working on training.

In some cases, you may even have to change your lifestyle. For example, if you're someone who always enjoys having friends and family over, that might all change when you get a pet. Remember, as soon as you welcome a living animal into your home, nothing will be the same.

If your dog or cat has anxiety or reactivity, it's best not to keep them around tons of people. Instead, you'll need to introduce your pet to your friends and family slowly and let them learn that your friends aren't there to harm them or take them away.

Finding a Veterinarian

Your vet will become your main resource for everything involving your pet, including their diet and exercise routine. Your vet will also help you keep your pet healthy and avoid behavioral problems due to pain or irritation. Not only that, but they'll be able to help you deal with common pet health issues. For example, if you notice your dog scratching a lot, your vet can provide you with pet itch relief after diagnosing the cause.

Before you bring a pet home, ask family and friends which vet they use so you can start learning more about the vets in your area. There are many vet horror stories, so if you want to take care of your pet to the best of your ability, make sure you find a vet who is kind and gentle during exams.

You may also want to look into finding a behaviorist or trainer for your pet, especially if you're bringing home a dog from an animal shelter. Behaviorists are different from vets because they can help you understand your pet's behavior and give them medication for behavioral problems, such as anxiety.

Some regular vets can also give your pet medication for behavioral issues, but it's best to work with a specialist who focuses on animal behavior rather than one that focuses on physical health.

Making Your Home Pet-Friendly

Whether you're bringing home a cat, dog, or bird, you'll need to make sure your home is safe for them. Remember, most pets will try to eat just about anything, so you'll need to make sure there's nothing they can get into. For example, chewing gum is toxic to dogs, and ibuprofen is toxic to other types of pets. Before you bring your new pet home, clean and vacuum your home so you know it's safe for them.

You should also ensure you don't leave anything lying around. Before you got your pet, you may have left candy wrappers or chapstick on your table. However, you'll soon find out that your dog or cat can and will try to eat anything.

Choosing the Right Food

Not all pet foods are the same, and many vets will tell you that some brands are better than others. As a general rule of thumb, try to avoid pet food that you can buy at the grocery store because those are typically considered lower quality.

You can do your research to find out the best food for your pet based on their age and other health factors, or you can talk to your vet. Some cats and dogs require special diets, so you must find one that's gentle on their stomach and healthy for their bodies and minds. There are tons of options to choose from on Amazon and many pet products brands use Amazon to showcase their products.

Training

Most people don't need to train their cats because they stay indoors and away from people most of the time. However, dogs are a different story altogether. Some dogs are easy to train, and simple tricks will be quickly learned.

However, other dogs, especially those with high energy, are typically more difficult to train. If you've never trained a dog before, consider working with a local trainer that can teach you tips and tricks for training your pet so you don't become overwhelmed.

Training your dog incorrectly comes with consequences. The best way to train your pet is using a rewards-based training methodology in which you reward your dog with a treat after they've followed a command. Your pet may also benefit from clicker training.

Remember, training takes time and dedication. If you don't continue to spend time working with your pet, you can't expect them to learn the desired behavior.

Getting Your First Pet

As a new pet parent, you have lots to learn. One of the most important things you can do with your new pet is spend time with them so they can learn how they should behave. Some animals will require more of your time than others, so make sure you can commit before you bring home any animal.

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