Many of us grew up in a home with pets. Whether it’s an adorable canine companion or a feisty feline friend, we treat them with as much love and care as we treat our family members. However, becoming a fur parent yourself is a different role and it certainly comes with its fair share of questions and challenges. For many of us, becoming a fur parent can come easily and naturally. But for some, this can be very difficult.
Especially for beginners, the role can bring out different emotions in you – confusing, unsettling and even worrying – to name a few. If you’re feeling a little lost and need a little help, here are some key tools and tips to ensure your fur baby is well taken care of.
Learn more about your pet
One of the keys to good pet care is knowing and understanding your fur baby. Learn about their innate traits and how to manage them as they grow. This way, you can be better prepared physically, mentally and financially.
Apart from basic knowledge about your pet, compatibility also plays an important role in becoming a fur parent. You and your pet are getting to know each other. Your pet may sense your emotions like purring and therefore may also show anxiety when you are around. Here are some tips to learn more and test your four-legged baby and your compatibility:
- Research their breed – different breeds have different personalities.
- Learn more about your chosen pet’s activity level – Whether you’re an adventurous fur parent who loves walks, exercise, and trips, or a homebody who enjoys walks in the neighborhood and cuddles at home. Finding a pet that complements your activity level is as important as other considerations.
- If you are raising a small pet (kitten or puppy), find out its growth pattern. It is important to know whether a specific breed can be pampered at home or can be let loose in your yard.
Finding a good veterinary clinic
Finding a good veterinarian in your neighborhood and never missing an appointment is vital, especially for young animals. Here are some points to help you find the right veterinarian;
- Ask for recommendations. Besides Google recommendations near you, check your friends for reliable recommendations. Get information from your friends about their trusted veterinarians in the area.
- Visit the clinic. You can visit the clinic in person to observe the environment and how the staff interacts with the animals and their furry parents. This is also a good time to ask your questions and express your concerns.
- Make an appointment. If you feel that one of the veterinary clinics you have visited has met your pet’s needs and you have found the ideal veterinarian to entrust your fur baby to, do not hesitate and make an appointment with them.
Having a reliable veterinarian is essential to keeping your fur baby healthy and happy. Take them to regular vet appointments and check them to make sure your fur baby is healthy. Your veterinarian should be able to help you understand the importance of each vaccination your pet needs and help resolve your concerns as a first-time pet parent.
Take good care of animal hygiene
Animal hygiene is as important as it is for us humans. Poor pet hygiene can lead to irritability, distress and anxiety, even in our pets. In addition to finding a good veterinary clinic for your vaccinations, it is also important to look for good veterinary clinic services. Keeping them clean and making sure they are well cared for can make your fur babies more comfortable and healthier.
Here are some of the benefits of having your fur baby groomed by a professional.
- Early detection of any skin problems. If you regularly take your pet to the groomer, the groomer will be able to easily detect if there are any abnormalities in your fur baby. In addition to your daily or weekly at-home brushing sessions, it is important that you have them checked by qualified professionals to ensure you don’t miss any lumps or bumps. The earlier it is detected, the better to prevent anomalies from spreading or getting worse.
- Care of nails, ears and eyes. Many pet owners find it very difficult to take care of their pet’s nails, ears and eyes. This is mainly because cats and dogs can often be cranky whenever these parts are touched. By leaving it to the experts, our pets feel more comfortable while taking care of excess gunk, earwax and overgrown nails.
- Less loss. Letting your groomer care for your pet’s coat promotes healthier skin and coat, less shedding, and reduces the risk of developing tangles and matting.
Train your pets
Over the first few days, you and your pet adjust to each other’s presence. As a fur parent, you can use these first few days to teach them the rules of the house. This is the time when treats can come in handy. Using positive reinforcement to teach your new pet certain rules is important to allow him to build his routine in your home.
During this period, it is best to observe your pet’s behavior. Pay attention to their body language: the way they wag their tail and the movement of their eyes, ears and paws. Determine their toilet habits, sleeping behaviors and feeding times.
For pet dogs, one of the best benefits of having them is that you can train them. You can start as soon as you have them as a young puppy or any time you want to teach them a new trick. Training dogs can help them be more alert and obedient to various stimuli, provided they have been properly trained. It can also be beneficial for controlling your pet’s unwanted behavior and building their confidence through positive reinforcement.
Conclusion
The path to fur parenting isn’t as easy as it seems. For new fur parents and others, there is a lot to know and understand. Just like welcoming a new member into the family, becoming a fur parent requires a lot of patience and hard work to make it work. Whether you’re a new fur parent or adopting a new pet, it’s a lifelong learning process for all animal lovers.
IIt can be difficult to navigate, but it’s worth it when your pet settles into your home. You will realize that all the effort you have put into meeting your pet’s needs is paying off as you embark on this parenting journey.