Pet Tips
Homecoming
Now back to our discussion on pet ownership -
it is time to take your new addition home. Hopefully, you have
picked up all the necessary items and have them ready at home.
That way you can take Max home without unnecessary stops.
Try to remember that this is a time of great change
for your new pet. If you have a brand new pet, this is his first
time away from mom and littermates. With adult pets it is a move
to a new home, different from their current residence. It is a
good idea to bring your new buddy home in the morning so you have
the better part of the day to spend together. Weekends or the
beginning of holidays are excellent times for homecomings as well.
This will help to make his first few days at home as smooth as
possible.
To help with the transition, please remember to
get all of the pertinent information from the people who know
your pet best. Find out what diet is being fed and the feeding
schedule. Then be sure to get the exact same food and follow the
same feeding routine. A problem we see quite commonly in pets
going to a new home is diarrhea - often due to sudden diet change
or the addition of too many new treats. If you would prefer your
pet be on a different food that what is currently being fed, simply
wait about 2 weeks. Once your pet has had this initial period
to "settle in" you can gradually switch to the new diet.
We also often see intestinal upset when milk is given to puppies
and kittens. Many of these little furry guys are lactose-intolerant.
Once they are weaned, puppies and kittens really need only water
and a good quality diet to meet all of their needs.
Your pet's health record contains vital information
as well. Be sure that you get a copy of this and that you understand
the immunization and deworming status of your pet. Once you get
home, if you are unsure about repeat deworming or booster immunization
date, do not hesitate to call your local veterinarian or your
pet's original home.
On the car ride home, the driver should have an
assistant to hold the new pet even if you are getting an adult
- maybe Fifi will want to be on the driver's lap. If you are going
alone to pick up your new addition, a kennel is a great idea.
If you have a long drive, plan some stops along the way. Regardless
of the length of the drive, have paper towels and bags handy in
case of accidents or vomiting.
Once at home, take your pet immediately to his
new "bathroom" area. Give him ample time to sniff around
and do the necessities. Once in your home, your new pet should
be given the opportunity to explore your pet-proofed home. Give
him some space and time - resist the temptation to crowd around
him. Speaking of crowds, you probably want to keep them to a dull
roar for a few days. New pets draw lots of well-intentioned family
and friends. Try to give your pet time to get familiar with things
before introducing him to the "whole" gang.
Then there is the picking of a name. Try to pick
something short and that doesn't sound like any of the commands
you will teach him later. Oh, you may want to make sure you know
the sex of your pet - Evandyr is probably the most masculine name
I have ever seen for a girl kitty!!
Articles by Dr. Emma Raghavan
Appearing in the Halifax Daily News
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