How to Introduce a New Pet to Your Home
There is nothing in life as exciting and heartwarming as bringing a new pet home. You might have adopted a curious kitten, a playful puppy, and maybe even a rescued adult animal, but the first days in a new place are crucial to ensure trust is developed and the transition is made rather easy. But it is not that simple as opening the front door and letting a pet into your house, it takes time, preparation and knowledge.
Both new and experienced pet owners will find the following guide useful as it will bring you through every bit you need to know to ensure that your new feathery (or scaly or furry) family member feels safe, welcomed, and loved. With information on what the veterinarians and other reputable resources dealing with pets say is wrong, you will be more at a position to bypass majority of the pitfalls and create a healthy base on which your new pet will reside. Pet Fresh Supplies we provide enough information for the pet owners to be informed about their pets
Is your home safe for a new pet?
You should prepare your space before your pet has set a paw or a claw into your house. It can be considered babyproofing your home, unless it is animals.Board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta cites failure to prepare the home in advance as one of the biggest mistakes people commit. It can make the pet feel overwhelmed or insecure and can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour or even aggression. You can read more about dogs or your pets from our blogs.
The first step is to make a safe place or room where your pet can be. This should include:
- A cozy bed or crate
- Access to fresh water
- Toys or enrichment items
- Litter box or pee pads (where necessary)
- Food and water bowls
In the case of dogs, then a baby gate would be an option to block some areas.In the case of cats, they would feel safe in high places or hiding spots.
You can read the specific dog breeds article for more details on dogs
Have you removed small objects?
Do not be too attentive to your new pet, or give him or her too much freedom, when you take him home. Give them the freedom to emerge out of their carrier or their crate and learn and discover at their own pace. Make the atmosphere as silent and calm as possible: no loud music, no cleaning the vacuum, no friends during the initial days.
The Humane Society of the United States suggests that you should give your pet time to relax, especially when you have a rescue or a shelter pet. Depending on the history and the personality of the pet, this decompression may take a few hours up to a few weeks.
During this time:
- Avoid forcing interaction
- Supervise children closely
- Bring new rooms one by one.
- Keep routines consistent
People are interested in knowing their dog’s good Pet Care Guide
Introducing Your New Pet to Other Pets
Introducing the newcomer to any existing pets in the home is one of the most sensitive parts of integrating the pet. This must be done gradually and with control.
If you’re introducing dogs:
Do it on neutral territory like a backyard or a park.
Keep both dogs on a leash
Follow the body language: tail wagging, sniffing and relaxed posture are some signs that things .Do not engage in face to face fights.
In cats, pet behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado of PetMD recommends a multi-step process of introduction.. Begin with the scent exchange–stroke a piece of cloth on one of the cats and put it where the other is. When they feel comfortable with the scent, then do visual introductions with a baby gate or cracked door.
Do not put animals in a common area until they prove they are comfortable/interested in one another.
Is there a quiet place for your pet to rest?
Eating patterns and dietary regularity are crucial at the beginning stages. When you adopt your pet, which was on a specific diet, then see whether you can continue with the same diet at least within the first week or so before trying to switch to new food, in case of necessity.
Start easy training on day one. In the case of dogs, this can involve leashing, obedience training and crating.In the case of cats, this may include training them to use litter boxes or rewarding them whenever they do something good.
You need to take time to bond with your pet each day; cuddling, brushing or simply sitting with him/her to gain his/her trust.
You may want to read about other Pet Care Guide
- Pet Family
- Small and Large Pets
- Apartment Living?
- Dogs breed
- Pet care essential, Pillar Content
- Cat Breed
- Exotic Pets
Has your pet had a health check?
Within the first week of receiving your new pet, you should take him to the vet. Although they may seem healthy, a professional examination will reveal the underlying problem and will make sure that they are not behind in their vaccinations.
Select a veterinarian who has experience in the breed/species of your pet. Directories and health tips on pets of all kinds can be found on sites such as the PetMD and The American Veterinary Medical Association.
Questions and Answers About Introducing a New Pet to Your Home
How long does it take for a new pet to adjust?
It depends on the animal. Different pets become home within days, weeks or even months. Some factors include the age, background, temperament and presence of other animals. The most important part is being patient; otherwise, it may cause stress or behavioral problems.
What if my existing pet is aggressive toward the new one?
Stress or territorial behavior is often manifested by aggression. Divide the animals as soon as possible and reintroduce them gradually. Swap scents and do gradual exposure. When aggression continues, refer to an animal behaviorist
Can I introduce multiple new pets at once?
It is preferable to add a pet gradually. Various introductions may confuse the pets you already have and your new pets. Allow each pet to settle down and then think of another.
Should I keep my new pet confined at first?
Yes, and the first few days in particular. Keeping the pet in a small room or a crate makes the pet feel safe and gives you more freedom on what goes inside. It also simplifies the process of potty training and eliminates all forms of destructive behavior.
Is it normal for a new pet to hide or act fearful?
Yes. Other common actions in the adjustment period include hiding, shaking or avoiding interaction. Space your pet and encourage him or her softly. Punishment is not to be used because it increases fear and anxiety.
Final Thoughts: A Smooth Transition Takes Time and Love
Yes, mostly in the first days. A small room or a cage does not allow the pet to roam freely and also offers you a larger control on the environment the pet is exposed to. It also simplifies the potty training process and avoids the destructive behavior.Yes. Hiding, shaking, avoiding contact are common at the time of adjustment. All you need is to provide room to your pet and motivate him gently. It should not be punished since it makes it more intimidating and frightening.
A new pet is not an overnight thing to bring home because this is a long journey with small milestones and lessons to be learnt in the process. The level of adaptation and the level of bonding you will experience with your pet will be based on your patience, preparation and dedication.Use those as a guide and refer to such reliable sources as The Humane Society and PetMD. When needed, we can request the help of a veterinarian and behaviorists and there is nothing to fear about calling local trainers or shelters.Remember that your pet is learning not only about his or her new home, but how to trust you. And with that trust once created, in its turn the reward is a faithless, faithful friend, who will enrich your life more than you could have imagined possible.
