Are you thinking about getting a new pet cat or dog? Will this be the first time that you've owned either a cat or a dog? Owning a pet can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But in order to keep your pet safe and healthy, there are a few things that you should do before they arrive in your home. If you already have a baby or a young toddler, some of these things may already be done while others may not be. A few things that you should do or consider doing before your new furry friend comes home include the following.
Move or protect dangling cords: Young cats and dogs will both play with cords that dangle over the edge of a desk or table. Slightly older animals could still barrel through cords without really realizing it, getting tangled up and pulling on the cord. Either of these could result in a delicate lamp or your expensive television crashing to the floor.
Some cats and dogs also enjoy the texture of electrical and USB cords and may chew on them, potentially resulting in an electric shock. In order to prevent needing to use emergency veterinary services, keep as many cords out of reach as possible. Covering a cord with a small amount of hot sauce or orange oil may give the cord a taste that your pet won't like, stopping him or her from chewing on it.
Move or remove plants: One common reason why pets become in need of veterinary services is due to accidental poisoning. Many lovely houseplants and garden plants are poisonous to cats and dogs. Tulips, aloes, and lilies can all cause your furry friend to vomit or worse. Either get rid of these plants or move them to somewhere that your pet can't get to. If it's an outdoor plant that you can't remove, such as an oleander bush planted by your landlord, don't let your pet out in the yard unsupervised.
Set up a safe space: Arriving at a new home can be both exciting and frightening for a new pet. There are a lot of places to explore, but there are also people that they don't know, something that can be scary. In order to make your pet feel safer, it may be a good idea to lock them in a bathroom or in a bedroom until they can get used to some of the smells and sounds of your home. While this may sound cruel to some people, most dogs and cats will feel safer in a confined space where they can see everything and tell that nothing is going to hurt them. Wherever you choose, make sure to have food and water available. For a cat, having a litter box in that space is also essential. After a few hours, or overnight, you can open the door and let your new friend roam the entire house.
Perhaps most importantly, make sure you have the contact information of a vet office like Cats Only Veterinary Hospital when bringing home a new animal.
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