Three Things You Need Before You Bring Your Dog Home

There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new dog.  You’ve given careful thought to the kind of pet you want, have gone to countless shelters, and are now finally ready to bring your new friend to their forever home.  You have all of the adoption paperwork in order and have pet food, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to properly care for your pup.  Dogs require more than a leash and some food; they require a lot of care.  Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have these things ready.

A quiet corner

If you think that you’re excited to get your new pet home, just wait until you see how your dog reacts to their new house.  New homes means new people, new routines, and a new life, and while exciting, that can get very tiring and even stressful for your new dog.  That’s why it’s important for you to make sure that your dog will have a quiet area to retreat to when they get too excited.  If you plan on crating your dog, their quiet area could be where their crate will be.  Make it comfortable for them, and maybe have a few toys and a calming blanket for them to snuggle.

A dog proof dwelling

Bringing home a new baby isn’t the only reason people should make sure that their home is safe for new arrivals.  Dogs (especially puppies) can get into things rather easily, so you’re going to want to make sure that your home is safe for them.  Tape loose electrical cords to baseboards to make sure they don’t trip or chew on them.  Have all of your cleaning supplies locked up, and make sure that you have latches on locks for any cabinets your dog could get into.  Move your breakables to high shelves, and remove plants and rugs.

The first vet appointment scheduled

Your dog was most likely checked out at the shelter, but you should still let their regular vet examine them after they’re officially adopted.  It isn’t just important to get your dog used to their vet, it’s also essential for their health.  Ticks and fleas are common in shelters along with other parasites and diseases, and it’s possible that animal doctor at the shelter missed a few things.  Also be sure to talk to your vet about what they recommend for preventative care.  Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention for dogs is a must, along with regular vaccinations.

Medical Supplies Every Cat Owner Should Have

People love their cats, and most pet owners will do whatever they can to make sure that their feline friend is well taken care of.  You’ll only buy them the best food available, give them tons of toys, and shower them with attention.  Some of your friends joke that you treat your cat like a human, and you couldn’t tell them that they’re wrong.  After all, sometimes the best way to care for a pet is to think about the needs you have, and how your pet may have similar requirements. 

You need food and water just like your pets do, and you also sometimes need a little medical help.  Our cats can get bumps and scrapes like we do, and sometimes a first aid kit can come in handy.  You have a medicine cabinet full of things for you, so why shouldn’t your cat have one?  Keep in mind that you should always take your cat to the vet if you’re concerned about their health, but there are things you can do at home to help them.  If you want to make sure that you have something available in case your cat is having a medical problem, make sure that you have these things around your home.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes happen, and with the right tools on hand you can care for any of your cat’s minor injuries.  You don’t need anything elaborate for bandaging material.  Gauze squares and rolls are essential for applying pressure to a wound.  A flexible wrap can also help apply needed pressure to the wound.

Muzzle or towel

Sometimes when a cat is injured, they may get a little agitated and difficult to control.  Remember, you need to keep yourself safe so that you can help your cat.   A towel can easily be used to hold the cat in place in case they start scratching you.

Eyedropper

If you need to administer medication to your cat, an eyedropper will be very helpful.  Getting a cat to take a pill in regular circumstances is difficult enough, but trying to do it while they’re sick or scared is going to be impossible.  Try to get a liquid form of the medicine for cats that you’re administering. 

Eyewash

Cats can get into dirt and dander, and some have a tendency to get things in their eyes.  Eyewash can help flush out any irritants easily.  Make sure that you don’t get anything that’s harsh or could make irritation worse.  The only ingredients should be purified water or saline.