Getting a pet feels like welcoming a new family member, and it certainly comes with some responsibilities that should be taken. Pets are not so carefree as you may consider at the very beginning, they demand a great deal of care and love, otherwise, they will reciprocate it with bad energy and disobedience, and these are not the things that can be pleasant, especially around guests and people coming to your home occasionally. In order to be prepared for your pet, here are four top-tier things you should know before welcoming them to your life.
Will the Pet Even Fit Your Lifestyle?
Choosing to have a pet because of its cute appearance is one of the worst things you can do. A pet is not chosen based on how cute and adorable it is, but on how ready you are to commit to the creature that is willing to give you its undivided love. Animals are sometimes abandoned once the owners realize how much these pets can be needy, energetic, too intolerant… and the list just keeps growing. Before you decide to adopt a pet, you should ask yourself if you are willing to commit and if the pet fits your lifestyle. The first step is to do thorough research on the breed you want to adopt and see how much you are able to adapt to their temperament. If you are considering adopting a small dog like a Yorkie, for instance, and you are working long hours, then that is not the right pick since Yorkies suffer separation anxiety in most cases. On the other hand, some breeds of cats demand loads of attention and will make a complete disaster of your curtains if they do not receive it, while some other breeds are mostly independent. Dogs like Chihuahuas are impeccable cuties but will not tolerate any children around them, so if you have children, this breed is not the right pick. Hence, these are just some examples of how much a pet depends on your lifestyle.
Talk To Vets Before Adopting a Pet
No one is going to give you useful pieces of advice like specialists. Talk to a professional vet before you decide to adopt a pet. They will help you decide on the breed of pet that will best suit your lifestyle and understand some behaviors such as the tendency of an excited dog to huff and puff, or nervous cats who tend to be way too aggressive, and how they switch to absolute cuties once they are not hungry anymore. However, do not ask for a single opinion, and try to find a vet that is most similar to your character. You can also read some online vet reviews and make an appointment in a nearby grooming salon. This may come off as too much hassle over adopting a pet, but it is not if you want to be a considerate pet owner and commit to your responsibilities fully.
Adjustment Period
You cannot expect your newly adopted pet to behave naturally around you and be domestic in the new environment. It will take some time before they feel complete freedom. However, this period is reciprocal in that you will need time to adjust to the fact that you now have a pet to care for. For instance, dogs tend to cry during the night until they are completely used to their new home, and it is not a good idea to take them in your bed to make them feel better, otherwise, it will become a habit. The best thing you can do before bringing a pet home is to create a comfortable and defined place where they will spend most of their time.
Make Your Home Pet Friendly
Making your home pet-friendly is one of the essential things you need to do before you even bring them home. Your new pet will consider your home their new territory, and sniffing around can expose them to some hazards you are not even aware of. Did you know that chewing gum is fatal for dogs, and painkillers like ibuprofen are toxic to cats? Before you get your pet home, make sure that all hazards are out of their way, and that environment is safe for them.
Getting a pet is quite a decision, and you need to be well-prepared. You need to educate yourself and realistically evaluate if you are prepared to commit to your pet since they are basically becoming a part of your family, and see if the space they are going to spend most of their time in is safe for their well-being.
