| “There’s a reason puppies and kittens are so cute!”
By Caroline Simard-Swimmer April 25th, 2024 There’s nothing better than getting a new puppy or a new kitten! Even thinking about adopting an adult dog from a local rescue always elicits a huge smile. These are EXCITING TIMES! I remember the feeling of excitement mixed with a little trepidation every time we would grow our family with another furry friend. Our brains race! Love is in the air. ❤️ Are we going to raise a good puppy to their full potential? Will they have accidents in the house? Will they chew the furniture? How are we going to provide the best home for the kittens so they become well balanced adults in a healthy, cat-friendly environment? Are they going to get along with the dogs and vice versa? So many questions. You want answers! In order to keep the anxiety to a minimum it pays to do your research and planning. Knowing what’s ahead will allow you to avoid unwanted surprises. If you’re getting a new puppy or kitten make sure to have a veterinarian at the ready- let them know you’re getting a new furry friend and have the first appointment already scheduled. This is a mistake I see often: new pet owners waiting until they have the new pet at home before finding a veterinarian and making a first appointment. Planning ahead avoids a last minute frantic search for a veterinarian that has an appointment available when you and your new pet are ready for your first visit. These early checkups are important. They will help you get answers to questions you may have in the early days with your new pet. Also it will be very beneficial to the early socialization with your veterinarian and give you time to plan a vaccination schedule tailored to your dog (or cat) and their expected lifestyle. This is also a great time to discuss recommendations from your veterinarian about the ideal age for spay or neuter. The same thing applies if you adopt a rescue animal. Rescue animals often have different demands than a new puppy or kitten. They sometimes come with pre-existing health issues or even behavioral issues that can require support from your veterinary team or at times, trainers and even veterinary behaviorists are required. Even after all your lists, spreadsheets and advice from everyone with a pet, no planning can prepare you fully for the exciting and challenging first 18-24 months with your new family member. Whether I’m at the office during the day or on one of my on call shifts for Pets After Dark at night, I frequently hear pet parents baffled by the number of vet visits required during this most vulnerable time. Yes, young animals are fun but, like a newborn baby, get ready for the countless episodes of upset stomachs, respiratory infections, UTIs, accidents or even a random bite wound from a less than friendly animal, to name a few. Then there’s training questions: ZOOMIES! The puppy is nipping at your children. The kitten is play biting or scratching. Every new pet owner goes through it. You feel helpless , anxious, tired and yet calmer minds always prevail. You’re hesitant to schedule yet another visit at your veterinarian and figure you will wait until your next scheduled appointment. But should I wait for three more months? NO WAY! And this is where Pets After Dark can be your best resource. As a subscriber you can call as many times as you need or want without having to wait for a situation to fester, a condition to worsen, or until you completely lose your mind worrying. We are here for you every step of the way to make sure that the addition of your new family member goes as smoothly as possible. New pets in a new home, while completely rewarding, can be very challenging. During this time you will need the most support. I see it every day at the office, and I’ve lived it myself many times. I’ll admit, even when my own Mabel was a puppy , being a veterinarian helped, but that doesn’t discount the times we thought we were living with Tyrannosaurus rex! The old saying, This too shall pass, couldn’t be any closer to the truth when you have a new pet in your home. There’s a reason puppies and kittens are so cute! Make the most out of this precious time. It’s gone before you know it. Having a great resource like Pets After Dark at your disposal will help! Dr. Caroline Simard-Swimmer is the Medical Director and Co-Founder of |
