Caring for a new pet
Did your child get a pet for Christmas? Here are some tips from experts to help a new pet settle into its new home. Advice comes from: Kim Thornton, author of The ’I Have a Life’ Dog Owner’s Guide: All You Need to Be a Fabulous Puppy Parent; Amy Robinson of Vero Beach, Fla., a dog trainer who specializes in children/dog relationships; and Dr. Melinda Merck, a forensic veterinarian in Roswell, Georgia.
All new pets are stressed. They’re in a strange place with people and often other animals they don’t know. Try to make them feel safe.
Kittens and puppies are babies, and like all babies, they need a lot of sleep. Make sure they get plenty of rest. A half-hour of romping might mean a two-hour nap is needed.
Take all new pets to your vet within a week for a checkup and to start their puppy or kitten shots.
Acclimate new pets slowly. Try keeping them in one room for the first few days, then slowly widen the areas they can explore.
Pet-proof your house. Pick up string, yarn, small toys, rubber bands and anything else an inquisitive pet might be tempted to eat. Make sure the plants in your home aren’t toxic (check online at www.aspca.org/toxicplants).
Supervise children and pets. Young children should never be left alone with pets. Teach children the correct way to hold a pet, to stroke them (most animals prefer under the chin, the chest or shoulders, but not the top of the head) and to feed them. Don’t let children tease, hit or annoy pets, especially when they are eating.
Cox News Service