How to Properly Care for Your New Family Pet

Getting a new pet is a really exciting time for a family, but it can also be overwhelming. There is a lot of prep work that comes with bringing home a new puppy or kitten and it’s important to be prepared. You’ve probably already taken care of the fun stuff like shopping for collars, beds and toys or picking out your new family member’s name. However, there are some more serious things that you need to take care of before your new addition arrives. If you are a first-time pet owner, here’s a few things to consider. In this regard, you should know that the ESAs are not for service animals, they are for other reasons that you could know here.

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Get Established at a Vet

The first thing you will want to do once you’ve decided to adopt a pet from a whoodle breeder is get them established at your vet. Puppies and kittens will need to see the vet a few times throughout their first year to receive all their necessary vaccinations, so you’ll want to make sure you have a veterinarian that you trust. Ask neighbors or friends that live in the area that have pets for any recommendations on who they trust to take care of their fur baby. A personal reference can often be more accurate and trustworthy than any online reviews.

It is also important to note that The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredits clinics that are up to their highest standard of care. The AAHA’s website will help you find an accredited facility near you.

Pet Insurance 

Along with getting established at a vet, you should also consider getting your pet covered under pet insurance. Pet insurance covers a wide range of routine procedures as well as emergency procedures, medications and more. No pet owner likes to think about their dog or cat becoming sick or injured, but most pet families will experience an emergency vet visit at some point in their life. It tends to be these emergency visits that can really rack up costs beyond what most people can afford. Although it is good news that veterinary care has advanced significantly when it comes to diagnostic and treatment options, but these advancements come with an increase in cost. Because of this many sick or injured pets go without proper medical care, or their families will go into debt over vet bills.

This doesn’t have to be the case with pet insurance. Pet insurance will cover around 90% of your vet bills with an average deductible of around $250. This can save you thousands of dollars on emergency visits as well as annual visits, medications, prescription foods, dental cleanings and more. If you have adopted a puppy or kitten, you can also find plans that will cover the cost of all vaccinations, and exams your pet will need in their first six months of life. Many plans will also cover the cost of microchipping. Monthly rates will typically vary based on the breed and age of your pet as well as the location you reside.

Choosing a Diet

Another important decision you will have to make before or as soon as you bring your new pet home is what you want to feed them. What your pet eats will directly affect your pet’s skin, coat, weight, energy level and gastrointestinal function. Whoever you are adopting your new pet from will already have them on wet or dry food and you will have to decide if you would like to keep them on their current diet or if you will be switching them over to a different option. Some things to consider when choosing a diet for your new pet are breed, activity level, weight, life stage, and state of health. There are many different diet options from simple dry or wet food to home-cooked and raw diets, so if you are feeling overwhelmed don’t hesitate to consult with your vet over which one is right for you. Keep in mind that if you do choose to change their food, this process must be done gradually as our pets have sensitive stomachs. Try slowly mixing in the new food to the old food until they have adapted.

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy! 

Taking care of your new pet’s health and wellness is incredibly important to the quality and length of their life. We want our pets around as long as possible so taking these steps early on in your pet’s life will help significantly. Once that’s out of the way you can bring your fur baby home and immediately start enjoying your long and happy life together!