Every new pet owner could use pet tips. In some ways, getting a dog or a cat for the first time is a lot like having a child. You hear stories of first-time parents briefly losing their minds, calling their parents, and doubting their abilities to take care of their newborn correctly. For some people who have never had a dog or cat before, a similar panic can settle in. Here are some safety, training, and pet grooming tips to help ease the anxiety and help you give the best care to your new pet.
- Pet safety tips.
- Pet training tips.
- Winter pet tips.
As a general rule, you should assume that your pet will get into things it should not. About 44% of emergency calls to poison control are due to a pet ingesting some medicine they should not have, and about 29% are due to a pet ingesting insecticides. Keep a list on your fridge of the certain foods that can be fatal to pets, including chocolate and raisins for dogs, and avocado which can cause “persin” toxicity in both cats and dogs. Did you know that alcohol can cause respiratory failure in both cats and dogs, too?
Pet grooming tips such as keeping nails well trimmed will help keep your pet from getting snagged and hurting their toes. Especially in the first few months of having a new pet, keep anything that they might accidentally swallow or try to ingest out of reach. For cats, this might mean keeping loose strings and ribbons tucked away in cabinets until you can supervise their play.
Generally, with cats there is not much training you can do. Dogs however are highly trainable and should be given strict boundaries, and comprehensive training. Although at times controversial, Cesar Milan sets a very wise rule of thumb that when you first bring home a dog, the discipline should come first, and the affection second until you have established what the rules of the “pack” are. A firm training routine will help you to groom a very well behaved pet, and save you a lot of trouble down the line.
Pet grooming tips in the winter include getting the salt off of the paws of any animal that goes outside. Not only can the salt hurt their tender paws, but if they lick at the salt and ingest it, it could make them very sick. If you use salt in your own driveway or walkway, you can find pet-safe salt alternatives. Treat your animals like children, and do not let them stay outside in the cold for extended periods of time as it could be dangerous.
These pet care tips for winter, safety, and training, are best implemented with some counsel from your vet or trainer. While having a new pet can feel a lot like having a new child, they are definitely not the same. Remember that the health and safety of your pet is in your hands, research what kinds of care are preferred for your cat or dog, and consult the professionals when you have any doubts or concerns.