You’ll likely have some fun and excitement when you bring your new puppy or kitten home, but you need to make sure you’ve prepared everything necessary to provide a safe space for your new little friend and help him/her feel at home. By making sure you are properly prepared, you’ll not only ensure your puppy/kitten will have a safe and welcoming place to live, but you’ll also set your puppy/kitten up for a happy and healthy life by providing your puppy/kitten with the right start in learning good habits. The checklist below is designed to give you ideas on how to prepare your home for your new puppy/kitten based on three main sections: feeding, sleeping, and training areas.
Preparing Your Home
To begin preparing for your new puppy/kitten, you should “puppy-proof” or “kitten-proof” your home. Young pets use their mouths and feet to investigate the world around them; therefore, you should remove all hazardous items or secure them. Some of the most important safety precautions you should take include:
- Remove toxic plants (lily for cats and azalea for dogs), and store household cleaning supplies, medicines, etc., securely stored in closed cabinets.
- Secure electrical cords so they do not get chewed, which may cause injury or electrocution.
- Keep small items (jewellery, buttons, hair clips) off the floor so your puppy/kitten does not swallow something which may cause choking.
- Use baby gates or other barriers to prevent your puppy/kitten from accessing potentially hazardous spaces (stairs, rooms with heavy machinery, etc.).
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or put them in a location where your puppy/kitten can’t get to them.
- Close toilet lids to prevent drowning in water for curious puppies/kittens.
When you view your house from the puppy/kitten’s viewpoint – and crawl around on the ground to see what he/she can reach – you’ll be able to find more things that might be hazards and take steps to create a safe environment for your puppy/kitten to explore and play.
Divide Your Home into Zones: Where They Eat, Sleep, & Train.
You will help your new pet develop habits by dividing your home into zones that teach them boundaries and make them feel safe at home.
Feeding Zone
Feed your young pets in a low-traffic area of your home. Using separate food and water bowls and placing both bowls on non-slip mats will aid in cleaning up after meals. When using a litter box for a cat, be sure to place the litter box away from the feeding zone to support their natural habits.
Sleeping Zone
Provide a soft bed, blankets, or crate in a warm, draft-free location, so your pet has a place they can go and sleep without being disturbed. Crate training is especially helpful for puppies as they learn to mimic a “den” type setting and assist with potty training.
Training/Play Zone
Set up an area with toys suitable for your pet’s age to promote their mental and physical development. For puppies, having easy access to either an outdoor area or puppy pads for potty training will be a huge advantage. For kittens, scratching posts and interactive toys will help you direct their behaviors positively and get them the exercise they need.
Checklist for Essential Supplies Before Your Pet Arrives
Gathering all essential supplies before your pet arrives will make the transition much smoother and establish the routines necessary to keep your pet happy and healthy:
- Age-specific food bowls
- High quality puppy or kitten food specifically formulated based on your pet’s breed and health needs.
- Puppy collar, ID tag, and leash
- Kitten Litter Box, Scoop, and Litter
- Comfortable Bedding and Blankets
- Toys and Chews Age-Specific for your pet
- Grooming Tools (Brushes, Shampoo, Nail Clippers)
- Cleaning Supplies for Accidents
Having these essentials on hand prior to your pet’s arrival will allow your new pet to adjust quickly and you to establish good habits.
When to Call a Vet
You should have your puppy or kitten evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The first visit will help determine the best course of vaccinations for your pet, and provide guidance on what food to feed them. Additionally, this will be an opportunity to address any other health problems that may have been present at birth. According to Dr Sarah Yosry from Modern Veterinary Hospital Dubai, “Your pet’s early veterinary visits not only protect their health, but also establish a baseline for preventative medicine, which allows you to find and treat potential problems before they become serious.” To find a quality veterinarian who can give you the best advice for caring for your pet, try contacting Modern Vet in Dubai.
Preparing Your Family
Before you get a new pet, you need to prepare your whole family for it’s responsibilities as well as teach the kids how to interact safely and gently with the animal. Establish what is going to be expected of each family member regarding the pets daily needs such as feeding, grooming, and walking, so that the animals are consistently cared for. Also, if there are children in the home who will be interacting with the pet, help them learn how to handle and supervise the pet so that a healthy interaction between the pet and family members occurs.
Conclusion
Pet proofing your home, preparing a safe area for eating, sleeping and training, acquiring the necessary supplies, and selecting a vet before bringing your new pet home will create an environment in which your new pet can grow and thrive. A home prepared for pets is the greatest gift you can provide your new pet to help them begin their adventure with you.
For information on the best veterinary care and services for your new pet, go to Modern Vet, the top veterinary clinic in Dubai for quality care and pet love.
