12 Things Everyone Should Know Before Acquiring a Pet

Thinking about acquiring a pet? Here are a few things to keep in mind before bringing home that furry bundle of joy.

1. Consider a rescue pet rather than purchasing a pet from a pet shop or breeder.
2. Pet-proof your home, especially with a new puppy. Keep all items that could do harm to your pet away and out-of-mouth reach. Puppies explore with their mouths and some puppy breeds are more power chewers than others. They get into the most unlikely things. Keep trash cans unreachable. Puppy-proofing your house will save you hundreds of dollars in veterinarian bills. Make sure your puppy's toys are safe for your puppy. Power chewers will be active chewers until about 3 years of age and some will continue to chew most of their life. Divert your dog to chew proper things. Kong toys are great when adding peanut butter. They can bring at least an hour of chewing pleasure to your puppy. Cannot stress enough that the chew toys need to be strong and safe. In addition, if you do have a power-chewer, crate training your puppy is advisable. If you don't crate train, when you are away and then return...your house may look like a war zone!
3. Consult a veterinarian for proper immunization of your pet according to its age.
4. Establish a health care plan with your veterinarian for preventative care. With high costs of veterinarian bills these days, you may consider checking out rates for pet insurance, especially if you have a purebred puppy. Just like with people’s health insurance, pet insurance maybe needed when you least expect it. If you love your newly acquired pet, you may want to spend the extra money to gain peace of mind. It’s really a gamble whether you’ll really need it or not. You might investigate the generic health conditions of your dog breed to help you decide.
5. Provide proper containers for your pet to eat and drink from. Offer a reliable collar and leash or harness for your puppy. Purchase nutritional food. Plus feed at appropriate frequencies until your pet reaches proper age. Check with your veterinarian on how often he/she suggests feeding your pet. This may vary depending upon animal.
6. Have patience with your puppy when potty training. Be consistent whether using crate method or training pads. Contact your veterinarian as to the best technique to use for your puppy and its breed.
7. Socialize your puppy whatever its breed. This is especially important with bully breeds to socialize with other dogs and people. Obedience school is a great way to socialize your puppy in an organized and safe environment. Training should begin when a puppy is old enough to concentrate and understand commands. Consult with your veterinarian as to when your puppy maybe ready. Train your pet to be a well-behaved animal at all times.
8. Exercise your puppy all through his healthy years. This will be emphasized during obedience class. However, it is very important to the health and socialization of your dog. And, to stay on the good side of your neighbors, for the handling of doggie business on those walks, take along a pooper scooper or a poop bag!
9. Check your pet for parasites on a regular basis. Use the proper flea/tick medication that is best suited for your pet. Consult your veterinarian before flea/tick season begins (if possible) to find what remedy is best for your pet.
10. Keep your pet safe at all times. Never leave it unattended in a car especially in the summer or harsh winter months.
11. Be a law-abiding dog parent with the proper license and credentials required in your state according to its breed.
12. Have your pet spayed or neutered. This is crucial. Check with your veterinarian as to when it is age appropriate for your pet.

There is one item that should come automatic and that is the love and tenderness that a pet needs. He or she offers unconditional love, so be a kind and assertive pet parent. If all pet parents would abide by these care tips, it would make our Society a much better place for pets and people.

If after acquiring a pet the decision is made to not keep it for whatever reason, please work to find the pet a wonderful home. It is part of the life commitment to the pet in making sure it will have a nice, comfortable residence for its entire life.

Pets Uniting People Society (PUPS) is a 501c3 nonprofit pet protection and humane education network.

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