Welcoming A New Puppy Into Your Home – Are You Really Ready?

Are you really ready to bring a little furry friend home? I mean, are you really ready? Sure it sounds all wonderful in theory, but before you run out and take home the first puppy who melts your heart, there are some things you'll need to consider carefully. Let's take a look.

Do You Have Time?

 
Puppies need your time and lots of it. If you're constantly rushing to get everything done, you may want to seriously reconsider the idea of taking home a puppy. A puppy is a new creature to this world. They need your time and attention to learn how to properly live in it. Your new puppy is going to need your help learning how to potty train, how to behave properly around other pets and people, as well as lots of your attention for playtime. Do you have that time to give a deserving puppy?

Is Your Family in Agreement?

This new family member is going to affect everyone in the family. That is why it's a good idea to make sure everyone in the family agrees to accepting this new family member. This ensures the puppy comes into a completely welcoming home and that you don't create any unwanted issues and tension between family members and the puppy, too.

Are You Ready For The Work?

Puppies take a lot of work. Are you ready for that? Are you prepared to have mop and paper towels in hand constantly?  Are you ready to get up in the middle of the night to tend to your puppy's needs, to play even when you don't feel like it, to make vet trips, and to make trips to the store to buy pet food? Are you ready to handle emergency situations with your puppy? Are you ready to spend the hours and hours it takes to physically care for your puppy; training, bathing, brushing, feeding, and other care?

Can You Afford a Puppy?

Puppies cost money. Even if you can get a puppy absolutely free, your puppy is not going to be free for long. Or, maybe you're buying a purebred pup from a breeder or adopting from a shelter. Either way, the expenses don't end when you take the puppy home, they just begin. You'll need money for food, bowls, toys, treats, bedding, crates, leashes, collars, grooming, shots, neutering or spaying, licenses, training or obedience classes, routine medical bills, unexpected vet bills, and more. Be prepared for this and honestly decide if you really can afford your furry friend.

Do You Have Support?

We've mentioned that it's hard work taking care of a puppy. Will you have any support to help you when you need a break? Think about this before you take puppy home and you'll save yourself a ton of stress. Support can come in many different forms; from hiring a pet sitter or dog walker, a neighbor who's willing to dog-sit when you go out of town, the friend who can offer puppy potty training advice and help.

If you've honestly answered these questions, then you'll be in a very good place to make a realistic decision about whether you can adopt a puppy or not.

If the answers show you're not quite ready for a puppy, then waiting until the time is right is the proper thing to do. You and your potential puppy will be much better off. If the answers show you are ready, congratulations! It's an exciting time as you venture into a whole new world of pet parenting!

A Spraying Cat

Nothing can be more bothersome than a cat who chooses to spray all over your nice things. This is one of the most common complaints from cat owners. It may seem hopeless but there are solutions to this problem.

One thing to get straight is why they do it. When a cat sprays a fine mist of urine on something there are scent markings that identify the area as belonging to the cat who sprayed. A spraying cat is not doing this because of a litter-box problem, but is instead doing this because of a territory problem. Another reason for scent marking is to help attract mates. The chemicals in a cat’s urine will let any female cats in heat know that there is an eligible bachelor right around the corner. Cats will also spray out of stress or while in a conflict with another cat.

The number one thing you can do for you and your cat o address this problem is to have him fixed. A majority of cats that have been altered cease to spray after their alteration date. If your cat sprays while observing another cat you should try blocking his view in that particular area of the house. You could also try rubbing him with a washcloth and rubbing that on his favorite target areas.

No matter what you choose to do, if your cat continues to spray and you should go see your vet about other possible solutions or underlying medical conditions.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Naming Your Pet

So you have a new pet and now you need to name it. Most pets are given human names and nicknames. But if you need some help choosing the right name, here are some tips for you.

• The name needs to be easily recognized. Animals respond better to names that have either one or two syllables.
• Pick a name that would be fun and easy to call out in an animal park, not something you would be embarrassed to shout if your friend wonders off.
• Avoid names that sound like No, Sit, Stay or other commands. A dog will get confused if their names sounds similar to a command.
• A long name will be shortened so choose one that has a great nickname attached to it.
• Choose a name that matches the breeds heritage, such as a Scottish, French, or Spanish.
• You can also choose to wait a few days so you can pick up on your new pets personality.
• Pick an appropriate name that will go with the pet as it ages. “Puppy” may seem cute now but when the dog is 187 lbs that name won’t be quite as fitting.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding