Adding a new dog member is very exciting for the whole family. However, whether you choose to rescue, adopt or buy the animal, you need to make sure that your house is ready to welcome the new member.
If you choose to buy a dog, cat, or any other animal, do not only check the pet store. Contact the breeder, visit and check that the location the animals for sale are kept is in good condition, clean and should look sanitary.
Before you bring in another species like a cat or a dog, you need to get your house ready to welcome the new member. You will either have to cat proof or dog proof your house depending on the new member you have chosen. If you are bringing in a fish, a tortoise or a snake, you do not have to do any kind of proofing. These animals mostly stay confined in specific places.
However, if your choice of animal is a cat or a dog, you need to get your house ready to welcome the new member. Remove any food from the floor. Do not let anything be on the floor unless you wanted it to be shredded. If you are getting a dog, you will need lots of pee pads for the initial days till your dog is housetrained. If you’re getting a cat, you will need a litter box and scratch posts where your cat can climb up and sit. Cats are very independent animals. They love to explore the house, get up on counters and climb up on almirahs. Therefore, do not keep glass vases or breakable items on kitchen tops or counters to avoid accidents.
If you’re getting a dog, get a crate that is suitable for the size of your dog. The crate should not be too small. It should have enough space for the dog to get up and turn around. It is best if you start crate training at an early age itself. The crate is in a safe place for your dog where your dog can retreat if something is bothering him or her. You will also have to focus on getting your dog house trained so that you can avoid accidents around the house.
Whichever animal you decide to bring into your life and your house, make sure that you are ready for a lifelong commitment.
