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10 Things First Time Pet Owners Need To Know

Modified on February 8, 2023 at 11:34 PM

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It can be quite exciting to become a pet owner for the first time. It is the start of an adventure that includes care, companionship, and love. If you are thinking of getting a pet, there are a few things you need to know. But one should not rush into adopting a new pet without making sure that you will able to provide what the animal needs to live a happy life when you bring it home.

Choose a pet that will fit your lifestyle. Remember they need to be exercised, fed and groomed too. Always consider your own physical activity and the size of your living space. Mismatched owner and pet circumstances can lead to a troubled household. Do your research before you buy and adopt so that you can be sure to handle all the obligations that come with your new pet.  It is also important that you keep them healthy so they have many happy years with you and your family.

Seek a veterinarian

A veterinarian plays a critical role in keeping a dog safe and healthy from the beginning to the end of their life. From the moment a new puppy is brought home, a veterinarian can provide necessary guidance on proper nutrition, socialization, and preventive care, such as vaccinations and parasite control. As the dog grows, regular check-ups and screenings can help catch any potential health issues early and allow for prompt treatment. Throughout a dog’s life, a veterinarian can also advise on managing chronic conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, and ensuring the dog stays healthy and happy. In the later stages of a dog’s life, a veterinarian can also help pet owners navigate end-of-life decisions and provide guidance on end-of-life care options, such as euthanasia for dogs. In this way, a veterinarian is a valuable partner in providing comprehensive care for a dog from puppyhood to old age.

Your new pet will need a veterinarian who will help look out for their overall health. But not everyone has the time to put their own health needs first, including their beloved pets.  In this fast-paced world, telemedicine has become a reliable option. Online veterinarian centers can provide you a veterinarian who can give a quick assessment of your pet’s health, their nutrition, and get a prescription ordered with ease.

Get supplies

One of the things that first time pet owners need to do is make a list of the essentials they need like water bowls, leash, toys, pee pads, and travel crates. Veterinarian visits are more frequent during the first year of adoption, so a crate or cage is necessary.

Designate a living space

If you are adopting a puppy or a non-house trained adult pet, you’ll need to pet-proof your home. Designate a living space for your new pet so they can get acclimatized to their new home. For the first few months tape loose electrical cords, plants, store toxic chemicals, and breakables far from reach. 

Exercise

Exercising your pet is beneficial for both you and your pet to maintain a healthy weight and not be susceptible to illness. It helps them burn off stored energy and gives you a chance to bond with your special friend.  Pets need to be out in the fresh air and get out of the house to break the monotony. It helps train them on how they react and socialize with other people and animals. Whether it is walking with them, teasing them with their favorite toy, or playing catch with a ball in a park. One thing that first time pet owners need to know is that exercising is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy.

Prioritize their food

Feeding them healthy quality food shows them that you care.  Provide them with a proper diet that contains all the right nutrients and minerals to keep your pet playful all the time. Be careful in selecting food or treats that are best for the breed of animal that you have in your home. Do not buy cheap alternatives. Seek out specific pet stores and consult with your veterinarian on healthy portion sizes. Although most human foods are not dangerous to pets, some can cause problems. Make sure to read and research before deciding to share your table scraps that could lead to severe allergic reactions. Ultimately, we want the best for our pets and it would be better to give food that are suitable for them. You can check out Well Pet treats selection where they have a variety of recommended treats for your precious pet.

Read this guide for first-time dog parents to sift through product labels and popular beliefs about dog nutrition. Combine it with expert advice from your trusted vet to get only the best dog food and treats. 

Maintain a regular schedule

Keeping a regular schedule is one of the best things you can do for your pet as a first time pet owners. Your pet will know when it needs to eat, get some exercise and go to sleep. This helps manage their temperament and will lead to a better relationship.

Grooming

Clipping their nails will prevent problems with walking and scratching you when they shower you with affection. Also, make sure to keep their teeth healthy by brushing. Bathing reduces itchiness and unwanted odors. Brushing an animal’s coat can minimize hair loss.

Go for vaccinations and regular check-ups

One thing first time pet owners might not know is if they should get their pets vaccinated. There’s nothing worse than having your pet rushed to a hospital for life-threatening infection or allergy that could have been prevented by a simple vaccine. Pet vaccines vary on the size and breed of your pet. This means that each pet has varying amounts of shots it needs throughout its life. Consult your vet about the necessary shots your pet needs. While you are at the vet’s office, use it as an opportunity for a quick check-up, because early detection of an illness saves lives. 

There are homeopathic remedies that work if you’d like to opt for a more natural way of keeping your pet healthy. But always proceed with caution after consulting with a veterinarian.

Clean their environment

Keep their sleeping and living space clean to prevent any germs from spreading around your house. Pets are more prone to infections if their environment is dirty and unkempt. Be aware of the cleaning products you use and make sure they are not harmful to you and your pet.

Don’t leave them alone

If you need to be away for work or an emergency, leave your pet with someone who loves animals and can take responsibility while you are gone to feed and care for it.

Any pet in a new living situation can be uneasy in the beginning. They can be fearful of certain noises or objects. The best way is to be calm. If you show your pet that you are tense, then it will pick up on that feeling. Let them see what is going on around the house. Isolating them in a cordoned area will make them more tense and anxious. Don’t be afraid to shower them with treats at first in exchange good behavior.

Remember that pets rely on you to live. Have patience when disciplining your pet. Being forceful and harsh will just lead them to snarl and biting, which can be avoided. Understand their habits and personalities. Give them love, show that you care and you will be amply rewarded with a loyal companion.

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on January 16, 2020 at 7:41 PM
Filed Under: Pets
Tagged With: cats, dogs, pet, pets, veterinarian, veterinary

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

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What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

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Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

The grief from losing a child is unbearable. 
It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
It is relentless.
It is all-consuming.
And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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