Bringing home a new pet can be super fun, but it can easily be overwhelming, for you and your pet. The first few days in a new home are critical for pets to bond with their owners and start forming good habits. Here’s some advice on how to help your new pet settle without any issues.
Gear up before bringing home a new pet
The last thing you want to do when bringing home a new pet is to leave them alone while you run out to go buy bedding and pet food. You’ll need to ensure you’ve got all the necessities at home, ready for your pet, before the newest family member arrives. This includes bedding, water bowls, pet food, and of course, a few cool dog toys!
Give them some space
Your new pet needs some time to explore their new home without interruptions from other animals or people. Sure, he’ll be a little weary at first, but that’s why you need to help him adjust. Give them enough time to take in their new surroundings without any distractions. Once they’re comfy with their home, you can start introducing them to other family members, including your existing pets.
Don’t give them free rein right away
You might be planning on allowing your pet to roam free throughout your house, but it’s best to keep them contained when first bringing home a new pet. Start by restricting them to a single room or a small section of the house, so they don’t get overwhelmed. If need be, use baby gates to section of an area of the house for this purpose. Be sure to provide your pet with everything he needs in this area, including bedding, food, water, and a few toys. As they adjust to their new home, you can gradually expose them to larger areas of the home. In general, the process takes a day or two, so don’t rush into anything.
Don’t forget about the existing furry family members
Yes, it’s amazing to bring home a new puppy, but it’s super important not to neglect your other pets during this time. Your “old” pets need loads of attention right now, and he needs you to keep his routine as uninterrupted as possible. Lavish love on all your animals equally or risk the idea of your existing pet, forming negative associations with the new arrival. The last thing you want to do is create bad blood between what is supposed to be the start of a beautiful, furry friendship.
