With Christmas just around the corner many of you may be contemplating adding a puppy or kitten to your Christmas wish list. Here at Kelly veterinary clinic we would never advocate buying a new pet for a child just for Christmas. If, however the decision is made to introduce a new cat or dog to the household there will be great excitement around this.
At this very busy time of year there are many visitors, lots of noise and animated toys in a house that can add to the stress for the new pet of moving into a new home and settling in with a new family.
Here are some tips to help your new pet settle in:
- Stock up on essentials – food, toys, bedding, teddy bears(these act as replacement litter mates)
- Provide he/she a warm, quiet place to retreat to once he/she has had enough of playtime and cuddles.
- Begin training as soon as you bring your new pet home. Make sure everyone uses the same commands, so puppy doesn’t get confused and don’t expect too much.
- Give him regular feed and walk times and plenty of chances to go to the toilet outside, to avoid accidents in the house.
- Socialise your new pet, but remember to avoid highly populated areas until fully vaccinated. Expose them to common household noises such as the hoover and hairdryer.
- Be sure to keep all poisons away from your new pet, including chocolate, nuts and plants like holly and poinsettia, which are poisonous to dogs and lilies which are poisonous to cats.
- Most importantly, make friends with your local vet. Choose a clinic that you think suits your needs and go have a chat with them. They can fill you in on all the advice you will need with regards to vaccines, neutering, micro chipping, dental care, parasite control plus lots more. Regular visits to your vet from an early age mean your pet will be relaxed and never have to endure the fear and stress associated with visiting a scary place when sick.
Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh.
Written by Ann-Marie Maguire, Kelly Veterinary Clinic , Old Church St., Athenry
