Welcome Home: Must-Have Essentials for First-Time Pet Parents
Planning on welcoming a new addition to your household? If a new pet is in your plans, Pangel™ is here to help you create an inviting, safe space for your new pet's forever home.
Owning a pet is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. As a first-time pet owner, it's helpful to be prepared and know what to expect.
At Pangel™, we are proud to be pet experts, ready to advise and support you through the thrill that is owning a pet. Here's our guide for creating the best possible environment for your new pet companion.
Before You Bring Home Your Furry (Fuzzy or Feathered) Friend
A big part of becoming a pet parent who raises happy and healthy pets is being prepared. This includes taking care of a few things before your new pet ever makes its way into your home.
You can ensure a smooth introduction to their new life right from day one with some advanced planning.
Here are our suggestions for preparing before your pet's arrival.
Research
Before bringing your pet home, do thorough research about the breed or species you've chosen. Understanding your pet's temperament, exercise needs, and health issues will help you provide better care. Learn about their dietary requirements, grooming needs, and training.
Home Setup
Make your home pet-friendly by removing any hazardous items, such as toxic plants, (1) chemicals, or small items that can be swallowed. Providing a comfortable space will help your pet feel safe and secure. Set up a designated area for food and water, and consider getting a crate or playpen for when you're not home.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Plan to take your pet to the vet for a thorough check-up and vaccinations and to learn about preventative care. If you're not already, get established with a local, trusted veterinarian. Search for a convenient location and get recommendations from fellow pet owners. During your first visit, discuss the best food options, parasite prevention, and any potential health concerns.
Acquainting and Adjusting With Your New Friend
Once your pet has a safe environment conducive to health and happiness, start acclimating your pet to behavior expectations and interacting with others.
Establish a Routine
Pets thrive on routine, so it's essential to establish a consistent feeding and exercise schedule. This will help your pet feel secure and reduce anxiety. Determine the best time for walks, exercise, and playtime. Remember to be consistent with their feeding schedule to avoid any digestive issues.
Socialize Your Pet
Socialization is critical for your pet's mental and emotional health. Introduce your pet to other animals and housemates in a safe and controlled environment. Start with short visits and gradually increase the duration. This will help your pet feel comfortable around new people and other animals they're now living with.
Provide Plenty of Love and Attention
Pets crave attention and love. Make sure to spend quality time with your pet each day to establish a strong bond. Playtime, grooming, and training are great ways to bond with your pet. Remember to reward good behavior with treats and positive reinforcement and then gradually decrease the frequency of reward.
According to The Humane Society, "When your pet is learning a new behavior, reward them every time they demonstrate that behavior. This is called continuous reinforcement. Once your pet has reliably learned the behavior, you want to switch to intermittent reinforcement." (2)
Other Important Tips
Here are some other things to keep in mind when bringing home a new pet.
New Visitors
It is important to give your new pet some time to adjust to its new surroundings and those who live in the home before introducing it to visitors. We recommend waiting at least a week or two, depending on the type and personality of the pet. This will give your pet time to get comfortable with you and its new home and minimize stress and anxiety.
When you eventually introduce your pet to visitors, make sure to inform the visitor about proper handling and the best way to interact with your pet. Also, supervise the interaction closely and take measures to keep your pet feeling calm and secure.
Be Patient
Remember that it takes time for your pet to adjust to its new home. Be patient and understanding as your pet learns the rules and routines of your household. Provide lots of love and positive reinforcement to help your pet feel safe and secure.
Essential Pet Products
If you're a new pet owner, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the products available for your furry friend. However, there are a few pet essentials that you should consider a vital investment in your pet's care.
Of course, these items will vary depending on the type of pet you have, but these tend to be the necessities for most.
Here are the most common basics:
1. Food and Water Containers: Your pet will need a bowl or container for food and one for water. Consider getting bowls that are easy to clean and won't tip over easily.
2. Collar and Leash: If you have a dog, you'll need a collar and leash for walking and identification purposes.
3. Bed or dedicated sleeping space: Your pet needs a comfortable place to sleep. A bed that is easy to clean and the right size for your pet is ideal. Some pets might not require a type of bed, but they'll need a spot of their own for rest.
4. Toys: Pets need mental stimulation, especially when they're young. Invest in toys that are safe and appropriate for your pet's age and size.
5. Grooming Supplies: Depending on your pet's breed or species, you may need grooming supplies.
6. Litter Box: If you have a cat, you'll need a litter box and litter.
Remember, every pet is different, so it's important to do your research and decide what products are right for them!
Safety and Protection
As mentioned, ridding your home of toxic elements is a first step toward safety; however, there are extra measures you can take to always have a safe and secure situation.
Cameras
Pet cameras are an excellent way to keep an eye on your furry friends when you're not at home. They offer a range of features that can help enhance the safety of your pet, such as motion detection, night vision, and two-way communication.
Microchip
Microchipping your pet is a safe and effective way to ensure they can be identified if they ever get lost. Unlike collars or ID tags, microchips can't fall off or be removed. If your pet is found by a veterinarian or animal shelter, they can scan for the microchip and contact you using the information in the registry.
The Pangel™ App
A common struggle for pet parents is ensuring protection and care for pets when they, as owners, aren't available. At times, we all face unforeseen circumstances that may prolong or prevent a return to our pets. That's where Pangel™ becomes your greatest ally.
Pangel™ is a guardian for your pets while you're away. It's a simple, user-friendly app that allows you to alert chosen guardians in the event you're unable to return home as planned.
Pangel™: An Essential for New Pet Parents
New pet parents! We're here for you! We couldn't be happier that you've chosen to invite a precious pet into your life. As your pet care partner, Pangel™ wants to help you make the most of your experience as an owner while ensuring the best life possible for your pet.
Our app delivers consistent and reliable pet care if you can't be there. We think it's one of the best ways to protect your new pet! It's also the best way for you to experience the comfort and security of knowing that there's always a guardian supporting you and ready to help.
Set up a Pangel™ account for your new pet with our 14-day trial. Get acquainted with our app while you acclimate your new pet!
"Poisonous Plants." ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.
"Positive reinforcement training." The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/positive-reinforcement-training.
