Lifestyle Adjustments to Make When Living with a Pet

If you’ve never owned a pet before, the idea of getting a furry friend of your very own is sure to be exciting. You’ve probably already heard about the physical and mental health benefits of living with animals, which include better moods, reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and many more. And maybe you already imagine all the precious memories you’ll make with your new pup. Whether you’re most looking forward to taking them on walks or shopping for customizable dog T-shirts, there’s undeniably plenty to be excited for.

It’s also worth remembering that the decision to welcome a new pet into your home isn’t to be made lightly. You’ll probably have to adjust your lifestyle in specific significant ways to accommodate your new dog’s needs better. Here are just four significant changes that new pet owners can expect to make:

Adjusting to Living with a Pet

Sharing Your Space with Your Pet

Before you bring your new pet home, it’s best to designate a specific area within your living space where they can sleep and play without being disturbed. Having a comfortable spot where they feel safe and secure will help your pet acclimate to their new home more efficiently. Some tips for creating the perfect space include the following:

• Situate your pet’s space out of the way of the rest of your household, so they won’t have people constantly walking through or disturbing them on any given day.
• Ensure that the space is large enough for them to move around. If you decide to crate train your dog, for instance, get a crate that’s big enough for them to stand comfortably inside. They should also be able to turn around inside the crate easily, even with closed doors. If you’re getting a puppy, be prepared to invest in larger crates as they grow.
• Check that the space is neither too hot nor too cold. As a general rule, if you’re comfortable with the temperature, your pet likely will be comfortable with it, too.
• Keep your pet’s space clean, dry, and quiet.
• Fill the space with familiar, comforting things like your pet’s bed, blanket, and favorite toys.

Getting Frequent Exercise

Any seasoned pet parent will tell you that if you had difficulty exercising before getting a dog, having one in your life will make it a mandatory part of your daily routine. Regular exercise is necessary for dogs to keep them in good physical shape and provide them with a healthy amount of mental stimulation each day. On top of these considerable health benefits, taking your dog on walks at your local park or around your neighborhood can also help them socialize better with other humans and their dogs.

Furthermore, giving your dog outlets for their energy also helps reduce or eliminate any destructive habits they might have at home. Regular exercise and play will keep your dog from chewing up items around your house, digging in your front yard, or scratching at doors and floors. Dogs that are adequately tuckered out from playtime will, in turn, be calmer and better behaved throughout the rest of the day.

Visiting the Vet Regularly

Adding periodic vet visits to your schedule is one of the most important things you’ll probably have to do as a new pet owner. Taking your pet in for an annual wellness exam will help your veterinarian detect possible health problems or issues early on, making treating them easier. You should also ensure that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines to protect them from infectious diseases.

In general, it never hurts to contact your vet if you’re concerned about any changes in your dog’s behavior or physical condition or need in-depth advice about their care. Your vet is in the best position to advise you on keeping your pet healthy and what warning signs to watch out for concerning pet illness and injury.

If you are looking for a pet resort in Edmonton, you’ll want to make sure that the facility has a good reputation and provides quality care for your furry friend. It’s also important to check if they offer any additional services such as grooming or training classes.

Taking Charge of Your Pet’s Diet

While it seems like a no-brainer that pets need to eat well to live long and stay healthy, many new pet owners may not precisely know what a good diet looks like for their dog. Before you take your new dog home, decide whether you will feed them commercially produced or homemade food. You may want to research the advantages and disadvantages of each to figure out what kind of food best suits your lifestyle, your financial situation, and your chosen dog.

Whatever dog food you choose, your next step is determining the appropriate food portions. How much you feed your dog per meal depends on size, age, and ideal weight. Do note that puppies will have different nutritional needs from fully grown dogs.

It helps to remember that a pet is a living creature that depends on you to care for it and help it live healthily and happily. Though caring for your new animal companion is a big responsibility, the love and joy living with a pet will bring into your life will make it all worthwhile.