Bringing Home Baby

It amazes me how many people come into my work totally unprepared for the new pet they have brought into their lives. You should never bring home a pet based on the "AWWWWW Isn't he cute" factor. Here are some tips to help you get ready and then introduce your new family member in a way that makes those first exciting days go more smoothly.

1. Do your homework. This can be as easy as a trip to your local library. By reading about your new pet ahead of time you will be better prepared for the unexpected.

2. Ask The Experts Its always good to find others that either sell or own the pet your interested in. A good "Expert" will be able to discuss care and feeding, how long they will live, size, personality and possible health issues. This information will help you decide if in the long run you have picked the right pet.

3. Prepare for his arrival. Purchase all the food and supplies you need before you bring home your new pet. The basics will be different for different pets and your Expert can help you be prepared.

4. Pet-proof your home. If you are picking a pet that will have free range of your home make sure you to thoroughly pet proof his new surroundings. Make sure plants, especially those that may be toxic, are out of his reach. Also, don't let him near medicines, power cords cleaning products or standing water (like bathtubs and toilets).

5. Introduce your family slowly. Your new pet should meet family members one at a time. Some types of pets will be a one person pet and some will just be there for looks think lizards, some birds, spiders etc.

6. Provide regular veterinarian visits. There is a vet out there for every type of pet. A yearly check up will help insure you pet is healthy and you will know who to call if there is an emergency.

7. Groom your pet often. Many pets require regular grooming to look and feel their best, start basic grooming early, preferably on the day you bring her home, so she gets used to you handling her regularly. For the hairy breeds the grooming is much the same.

• Brush and comb her fur weekly to help control mats and hairballs.
• Brush her teeth twice a week to prevent tartar buildup, which can lead to other health problems. Be sure to use a toothpaste made for pets and not humans.
• Trim her claws once a week with clippers designed for your pet, carefully avoiding the sensitive base of the nail.
• Wipe her eyes and the insides of her ears with a damp cloth or cotton ball, looking for any excess grime, which could indicate illness.

8. Play with her daily. This obviously depends on your choice of pets, you will not need to play with some of them at all.

9. Give your pet a Bath Cats and dogs benefit from regular Baths it helps keep their fur smelling nice, gets rid of excess hair that can matte up and gets rid of cat dander to help visitors who might have allergies.

10. Never feed her human food. Avoid giving your pet" people food". Adding human food treats to your pet's diet may cause her to gain too much weight or become ill.

Now that your ready go bring home that new family member and enjoy.