Discover Essential Tips for Welcoming Your Adorable Puppy or Kitten into Your Home!
There's nothing quite like the excitement of bringing a new furry friend into your life. As we embark on this delightful journey together, we understand that your new puppy or kitten is more than just a pet—they're your new best friend, and their presence adds an extra layer of joy to the start of the year.
In this edition, we're thrilled to share valuable insights and essentials for caring for your precious companion. From essential puppy and kitten care to growth milestones, we've got you covered.
Puppy Essential Checklist:
Crate: This is important for a couple of reasons. It helps with potty training by teaching them to hold their bladder and not go inside the crate. It also creates a safe and cosy space for them to relax and sleep. Plus, it helps with preventing destructive behaviour when you can’t supervise them
Food: Puppies need a balanced diet to support their development, maintain a healthy weight, and keep their energy levels up. Good nutrition helps to support their immune system, bone growth, and overall well-being. So feeding them a high quality puppy food is key
Bedding: This provides them with a soft and comfortable place to rest and sleep. It helps cushion their joints and keep them cosy. This can also help regulate their body temperature
Toy’s: Toys can serve multiple purposes. They provide mental stimulation, help with teething, and keeps them entertained. Toys can also encourage healthy chewing habits to prevent them from getting bored and resorting to destructive behaviour
Treats: These can be used as rewards during training sessions to reinforce good behaviour. In addition they are a great way of showing love and affection to your puppy
Puppy Pads: They provide a designated spot for your new friend to go potty indoors, especially during the early stages of potty training
Kitten Essential Checklist:
Carrier: Ensure you have a reliable carrier to transport your kitten to their new home and all those essential vet visits. This ensures their safety and comfort during travel.
Food: Provide your kitten with specially formulated food tailored to their age for optimal health and growth during their early stages.
Toileting: Set up a designated litter box for your kitten to ensure they have a proper place to relieve themselves. Don't forget to include the necessary sand for their comfort.
Toys: Make sure to have a variety of toys to create a comfortable and engaging environment for your kitten in their new home. This not only strengthens your bond but also provides valuable mental stimulation for their overall development.
Grooming:
Beginning grooming practices for your puppy at a young age is crucial; it helps them develop a sense of security and confidence with you and the groomer as they grow older.
Paws: It is crucial to start touching and handling your puppies' and kittens' paws at a young age to help them become accustomed to having their nails trimmed.
Teeth:
Begin brushing your pet's teeth as early as possible. The younger they are, the more accepting they tend to be of new experiences.
Purchase a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Pet toothbrushes are available in various shapes and sizes, and finger brushes can be particularly useful for small animals.
Allow your puppy or kitten to explore the toothbrush and toothpaste without any pressure. Let them sniff and lick the toothpaste, making it a positive and enjoyable experience.
Start by touching their lips and gently massaging their gums with your finger. Do this for a short duration initially, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable.
Once your pet is comfortable with your finger, introduce the toothbrush. Let them lick the toothpaste off the brush and get used to the sensation of the bristles.
Hair brushing: Introducing grooming habits early helps your puppy and kitten get accustomed to being handled and brushed. This creates a positive association with grooming activities, making it easier as they grow older. Puppies often have soft and fine fur that can easily become tangled or matted. Regular brushing helps prevent these issues, which can be uncomfortable for your puppy and kitten and may lead to skin problems if left unattended.
At Pet Pavilion, we've got everything you need for your new furry companion. Visit us and chat with our knowledgeable retail assistants who are ready to help with all your pet essentials. What's more, all our stores offer grooming services, so why not schedule your puppy's first grooming appointment with us?
