Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Building a Stable Home

A pet needs a home to develop in. A stressful, intimidating environment that does not provide any comfort or feelings of home can cause a pet to feel uncomfortable. Below are five simple steps to give your new pet a stable home:

Step One: Baby proof the premises. Keep keys, pills, and toxic materials out of puppy or kitty reach! Kittens especially like to climb all over counters and desks. Hide any hazards away. 
Step Two: Slow Integration. Allow your new pet to run around and see and smell your home. Do not pick them up and play just yet. They need to get used to their new environment. 
Step Three: Bond. The relationship between you and your pet within the first few months will make it or break it. If you do not show the pet affection, do not feed him or her, and generally are neglectful, you will never have a good bond with your pet.  
Step Four: Provide Structure. Make a routine for your pet. For example: wake up at seven, morning breakfast, afternoon walk, afternoon treats, nightly dinner, bed at ten. 
Step Five: Pay Attention To His or Her Medical Needs. With pets, it is often difficult to tell if something is wrong just by looking at them. They will not complain and tell you they are sick, so you must be responsible for taking them to the vet if you feel something might be wrong.