Pet ownership can reduce blood pressure, aid in weight loss, lessen a pet’s loneliness, and provide an opportunity to connect. This is why it’s such a happy and memorable occasion when a new pet comes into your home. However, as they adjust to their new environment, the kitten or puppy will need lots of TLC from you.
You’ll need to consider and prepare for some elements before you welcome your brand-new kitten or puppy. You’ll have to purchase the right equipment, set the ground rules, plan introductions, and schedule necessary appointments with your vet.
Proper Pet Care
There’s plenty to consider when bringing home your newborn pet. From the perfect home to regular health checks for your baby. Caring for a puppy or kitten can be tricky, so planning and creating an inventory is a great idea.
Fortunately, we’ve outlined some of the essential needs for taking care of the puppy or kitten:
1. Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens can “temporarily” avoid many diseases due to the antibodies they get from their parents. These maternal antibodies diminish during the first few months of their lives, so boosting their immunity is vital.
The vaccination of your kitten or puppy safeguards them against potentially fatal diseases. Three vaccines, all in total, are administered at 4-week intervals starting from 6-8 weeks old. After that, booster shots are needed every 1 to 3 years, based on the vaccination.
You can ask a reputable vet facility like Mt. Yonah Animal Hospital for vaccination and other types of veterinary maintenance needed by your pet.
2. Parasite Protection
Intestinal worms, such as hookworms or whipworms, are transmitted from the mother or the environment. Your pet will receive multiple doses of dewormer to eliminate worms starting at six weeks old.
After being worm-free, your pet needs long-term parasite prevention. Ensure your cat is protected from heartworm disease and other parasites that can cause intestinal discomfort by giving them a monthly preventative treatment. Also, regular prevention against ticks and fleas can keep your cat safe from external parasites that can cause tapeworms to spread and Lyme disease.
3. Diet
The proper diet for your pet can be difficult because many options are available. A diet designed for your pet’s breed is recommended to make up most of its diet. Animal and human food will not nourish your pet’s growing needs. Different puppy foods for small and large breeds are prepared with different ingredients to help promote the development of healthy joints, bones, and muscles.
Consulting your veterinarian if you need help figuring out where to begin is recommended. Your pet’s age and size will be considered before they recommend a complete and balanced diet.
4. Dental Care
Brushing your pet’s teeth is a proven method to encourage good oral hygiene. It’s recommended to begin cleaning your pet’s teeth more frequently from an early age to ensure that it becomes a regular part of your cat teeth cleaning.
Care for your pet’s dental health is vital to keeping them healthy overall. Animals with healthy diets and well-cared-for teeth have a lower chance of developing oral illnesses, which can cause tooth loss and painful infections if not cared for.
5. Spaying and Neutering
Removing ovaries from female cats or dogs stops the onset of heat cycles. It also helps to reduce unwanted litter and undesirable behavior, which can irritate owners. The urge to breed is diminished by taking the testes out of male dogs and cats. This makes them less likely to wander and more content staying at the house.
When female cats and dogs are spayed young, they are less likely to contract uterine infections and breast cancer. The risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer in male pets can be diminished by a dog neuter procedure.
The vet’s clinic suggests that the cats are spayed or neutered before five months, but as early as eight weeks is considered safe. On the other hand, dogs should be spayed and neutered before six months old or as early as eight weeks in some instances if they’re in good health.
Conclusion
The responsibility of having a pet is enormous. It is essential to provide your pet with food, preventative dental care, and much more. Visit your vet often is recommended so you and the vet can create a care plan.