Pets and Pet Houses

This feature is all about pets and pet houses, and we kick the page off with this adorable British blue cat lying on a beautiful contrasting white fluffy background.

It is an exciting moment when you finally make that decision to own a pet and you’ve made a choice on what type of pet is suitable for you and your environment. There a number of things that you do need to consider before that day arrives to collect that special animal in your life.

Goldfish in a round aquarium fishbowl with pebbles

One of the more important things to consider is that your new pet will need a lot of your time and you need to consider how that is going to fit into your daily routine. Will you remember to walk your dog twice daily, grooming your cat if required, (if they are the type of cat that needs daily brushing). If you are time poor maybe you need to consider a lower demand pet like a fish or a bird. You want this to be a great relationship. Something you enjoy, so consider carefully what time you have to give to the animal you are getting, so that it works well for both of you.

Choosing a pet because they are trendy at the moment or on how cute they are is without doubt the worst decision people could make in choosing a pet. Unfortunately and tragically most of these pets end up being sold on or taken to animal shelters when they show themselves to be too demanding, high in energy or the cuteness just fades as they mature. There are a number of vital points that need to be considered carefully before making that ultimate choice in pet type and breed.

Black, tan and white colored Guinea pig. This is a popular household pet

When you have made a decision on the type of pet you are going to adopt/purchase, make sure to research thoroughly the breed that you are getting so you really understand all these characteristics and be honest with yourself if it doesn’t fit with your lifestyle.

A green and gold colored wavy parrot stands on a branch in it’s cage.

If you’re lucky enough to meet the breeder of your pet, ask heaps of questions about their temperaments and their likes and dislikes. Chat to your local vet and see what they can tell you about the breed you are considering purchasing. If you have children consider how your chosen pet will tolerate children, are they comfortable around typically noisy children running around. Some animals require a lot more attention and interaction while others are mostly independent. Research, Research and Research and then choose carefully.

Having a good vet is vital in helping you manage your pet’s care as needed. You need to really trust the vet you choose and have a good relationship with them. Don’t just pick them based on how they interact with you, watch them with the animals they treat to see if you are comfortable with how they do this. If you haven’t already got a relationship with a vet, shop around until you find one that suits your needs. Ask for testimonials from the vet and ask friends for their recommendations if they are already pet owners. Having a great vet is invaluable when you need them, which is often in an emergency.

The friendship of pets. Two rabbits and a dog

Bringing your pet home is one of the most exciting times to introduce them to their new home and the people that live in their environment. Before you bring him/her home look around and consider it from your pets point of view in making it safe for them. Will they chew cords lying about, have you got pills left out that they could get into. Check the plants inside and outside your home and make sure none of them are poisonous for animals. Certain foods can’t be left out such as chocolate; dogs will get extremely sick if they eat this. Making your home pet friendly before you bring them home will give you peace of mind.

Adorable French Bulldog relaxing on its cushion bed

Choosing the right food for your pet is crucial and this can change over time as your pet ages and has different needs. Good pet shops will be able to give you advice on all the different types of foods available and I would certainly ask your vet for their advice if you are still not sure. Getting their food right is essential for a happy healthy pet for a good long term healthy life. Always have fresh water put out daily, as all animals need to have a cool regular supply of water to keep them hydrated particularly when it is hot.

A cute dog standing on a brown welcome home mat

When you have finally got your pet home please be prepared for an adjustment period for everyone. Often it can take weeks for your cat/dog to settle into their environment and to feel safe and know their surroundings. If it’s a puppy you are adopting they might cry/whimper for the first few days and don’t be tempted to take them to your bed at night. It is better to make a snuggly warm bed for them in an enclosed space so that they can’t go wandering. During the day your puppy can be free to wander and explore so he/she can smell everything. Kittens usually are easier to settle, put their snuggly warm bed close to their litter tray so it is easy to locate in the first few days of settling in.

Two cats asleep and hugging in their soft cozy bed on a carpet floor

House training your pet is vital from day one if you want a contented happy home. There is nothing worse than stepping on, or discovering puddles or mess’s everywhere. If your chosen pet is a kitten as soon as you get home introduce the litter box and then place them gently in this a few times a day until you can see that they are comfortable at locating it. If it’s a puppy as soon as you get them home, take him/her outside for a walk around the neighbourhood so he can do his toileting and understands this is when he toilets. It doesn’t have to be a long walk just enough to get him used to the idea as this big new environment will seem a little scary at first.

A beautiful black and brown guinea pig taken from in side the cage

We all love to buy our pets treats and toys whether it is balls for our puppies, catnip bird like toys for our kittens or cool aquarium toys for our fish or turtle. There is a vast array of them in any pet shop and it is easy to spend a small fortune and get carried away. Select these toys carefully and make sure just like we would with young children that buttons or other small things won’t come off and potentially lead to choking.

Adorable Labrador dog lying on a messy sofa

Treats are another ‘must have’ especially for puppy’s. They can be used in the aid of training your puppy when used in the right way. Get the treats that have the highest nutritional value. Cats love treats too and again select the treats that have good nutritional value and don’t feed too much as they can sometimes be used too often, which can lead to a weight problem. Kittens will also love tall scratchy poles. They love clambering up and down these and get used to scratching the pole and hopefully not your prized furniture or rugs.

Another thing you may want to consider is getting your dog/cat neutered. Get advice from your chosen vet about when is the best age to get this done for your pet. Most get their pets done between four to six months but get advice on when the time is best for your pet if that’s what you choose to do.

Beautiful guard dog lying near it’s doghouse

There is nothing more devastating than when your pet goes missing. That is why every pet if possible should be microchipped or at least wear some kind of identity tag so if they wander off, you have a very good chance at getting them back as all your contact details are readily available on the collar or tag hanging from the collar. Also take good photos of your pet so he is easily identifiable and keep this up to date as they change through the years. This makes it easier if they are lost for other sets of eyes to help identify them quickly. If you change addresses remember to contact the company that has your details for the microchip so they can easily contact you if required.