Congratulations! Your decision to adopt a new puppy or kitten will enrich your life for many years to come. Caring for a new pet is like caring for a newborn child-except that newborns typically won’t chew through your furniture legs. Before introducing your new puppy or kitten into your home, you’ll want to have a solid plan.
If you’re still searching for your perfect companion, PETCO encourages you to Think Adoption First. Consider visiting local animal shelters. They’re full of knowledgeable staff that will help you find a puppy or kitten that will appreciate a good home. If you’ve always wanted a purebred, be sure to pick only from reputable breeders or adopt from local rescue groups. Good breeders are just as concerned with raising healthy animals as they are with finding them good homes.
Before bringing your puppy or kitten home, your house should be pet-proof. This means removing small objects that could be swallowed and anything else you would prefer to remain unchewed.
Designate an area to keep your pet’s crate, food, water and toys. Puppies and kittens eat a lot, so you’ll want to have a supply of high-quality pet food on hand before your puppy or kitten arrives. Because your new puppy or kitten will experience the most growth during this stage, a high-quality puppy or kitten formula is critical. Adult pet food won’t hurt, but you’ll be denying your pet the nutrition he needs to grow into a healthy adult.
Puppies have different nutritional requirements depending on their stage of development and breed. Remember that your puppy is growing and will nearly quadruple in size depending on the breed.
Like puppies, kittens require specialized nutrition to facilitate growth and development of muscles and tissue. Iams makes a high-quality kitten food loaded with protein and nutrients to help your kitten develop strong bones, teeth and a healthy heart.
Like any child, your new furry friend is young and impressionable. Establishing appropriate behavioral patterns at an early age will ensure that your puppy or kitten knows his boundaries. A regular schedule of feedings, potty breaks and bedtimes will help your puppy or kitten transition to your home.
Unless you decide to purchase doggie or kitty diapers, be prepared for some accidents during house training. Because puppies and kittens have short attention spans, they respond better to praise than punishment. You’ll house-train your pet faster by rewarding him when he relieves himself outdoors or in the litter box than by scolding him if he uses the carpet.
When your puppy or kitten becomes used to your home, introduce him to new surroundings and people. When his vaccinations are up to date, training and socialization classes are great ways to introduce your puppy or kitten to new people and animals.
If you’re still searching for your perfect companion, PETCO encourages you to Think Adoption First. Consider visiting local animal shelters. They’re full of knowledgeable staff that will help you find a puppy or kitten that will appreciate a good home. If you’ve always wanted a purebred, be sure to pick only from reputable breeders or adopt from local rescue groups. Good breeders are just as concerned with raising healthy animals as they are with finding them good homes.
Before bringing your puppy or kitten home, your house should be pet-proof. This means removing small objects that could be swallowed and anything else you would prefer to remain unchewed.
Designate an area to keep your pet’s crate, food, water and toys. Puppies and kittens eat a lot, so you’ll want to have a supply of high-quality pet food on hand before your puppy or kitten arrives. Because your new puppy or kitten will experience the most growth during this stage, a high-quality puppy or kitten formula is critical. Adult pet food won’t hurt, but you’ll be denying your pet the nutrition he needs to grow into a healthy adult.
Puppies have different nutritional requirements depending on their stage of development and breed. Remember that your puppy is growing and will nearly quadruple in size depending on the breed.
Like puppies, kittens require specialized nutrition to facilitate growth and development of muscles and tissue. Iams makes a high-quality kitten food loaded with protein and nutrients to help your kitten develop strong bones, teeth and a healthy heart.
Like any child, your new furry friend is young and impressionable. Establishing appropriate behavioral patterns at an early age will ensure that your puppy or kitten knows his boundaries. A regular schedule of feedings, potty breaks and bedtimes will help your puppy or kitten transition to your home.
Unless you decide to purchase doggie or kitty diapers, be prepared for some accidents during house training. Because puppies and kittens have short attention spans, they respond better to praise than punishment. You’ll house-train your pet faster by rewarding him when he relieves himself outdoors or in the litter box than by scolding him if he uses the carpet.
When your puppy or kitten becomes used to your home, introduce him to new surroundings and people. When his vaccinations are up to date, training and socialization classes are great ways to introduce your puppy or kitten to new people and animals.
