To all you new pet parents out there, congratulations! Welcoming a new addition to the family is an incredibly exciting adventure. Pets have a way of bringing tons of pleasure and joy into our lives. Along with those joys also comes major responsibilities. Some turn to Google immediately by searching “veterinarian near me.” Our hope with this article is to provide new pet owners with a few things you need to plan for in order to make the transition to pet parent as easy as possible.
Find a Veterinarian Near You
Finding a local and reliable veterinarian near you for wellness checkups, vaccines, emergency services, dental care, and general pet advice is a major step in making sure your pet stays happy and healthy. Nowadays with so much technology, a simple online search of “vet near me” or “veterinarian near me” can get you plenty of results.
Here are a few tips for selecting a great vet:
- Check out your veterinarian’s online reviews through sites like Google and Yelp
- Make sure they have a good website that lists the various services they specialize in
- Look for a vet that you find easy to talk to and whose philosophy is similar to yours.
- Tour the facility and ask questions that are important to you so that you feel comfortable taking your pet there.
Veterinarians Suggest Making Your Home Pet-Friendly
Adding a pet to the family is a big deal and has implications for your home, as well. Be sure to carve out space in your home for your pet to relax, take naps, and decompress. Get your pet a comfortable bed, toys, and easy access to water and food. If you want to prevent any accidents from happening in specific parts of the home, then use gates to close off those sections from your pet.
Develop a Daily Bathroom and Playtime Routine
Find a daily cadence for bathroom breaks and playtime. It’s better to assume your pet is not potty trained and therefore may not let you know in advance if they need to go to the bathroom. To prevent accidents, keep a regular bathroom schedule that suits your pet. Additionally, pets want to play with you and with other pets as well. Set aside time every day to play with your pet or schedule play dates with other furry friends. Remember, a tired pet is a happy pet!
Understand Your Pet’s Dietary Requirements
Dietary requirements can vary based on the type and breed of your pet. Furthermore, if your pet has any health conditions or pet allergies, then this could affect what types of food your pet can consume. Get a consultation from a vet near you to find out the right mix of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that your pet needs on a daily basis. Know what foods to avoid giving your pet (for example avoid giving your pet onions, garlic, and chocolate). As your pet grows older, their dietary requirements may change, so getting regular consultations regarding your pet’s changing dietary requirements is important.
Getting a new pet is a life-changing event. Be prepared ahead of time by finding a vet near you. One easy way is simply Googling the phrase “vet near me” or “veterinarian near me.” Don’t forget to use the tips above to choose the veterinarian that is the best fit for you and your pet. In addition, it’s important to create a pet-friendly environment at home, develop a daily bathroom routine, playtime routine, and understand your pet’s dietary requirements.
Although it may seem overwhelming at first, owning a pet can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life!
P.S., if you see your new dog scooting you may want to check out this article.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and is based on factual evidence and information.
