Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting milestone, but the transition period requires patience and a structured approach. Whether you are bringing a pet home for the first time or introducing a new kitten or puppy to your other pets, the goal is to create a safe, low-stress environment from day one.
Consider the tips below as part of your plan to expand your family of fur babies.
Controlled Introductions
The golden rule for multi-pet households is to never force an interaction. In fact, some experts recommend starting by keeping the new dog separated from the current pets with a tall baby gate, which allows them to see and hear each other (more here). Good, calm behaviour should be reinforced and rewarded with treats. You can find an excellent selection of treats from The Queen Pet Shop in store or online.
Cats should ideally have a separate room they can feel secure in until they feel safe enough to venture into the rest of the house. Feline Behaviour Solutions recommends using a ‘scent swap’ method, which involves exposing cats to each other’s scents before introducing them to each other.
Create a "Safe Zone"
Every new pet needs a quiet corner where they won't be disturbed by children or other animals. This "den" helps them decompress and process the sounds and smells of their new home at their own pace. Even established animals in your home can benefit from the option of their own quiet space, especially when guests visit.
Limit Visits and Visitors
While we can’t wait to meet your new family member in store at The Queen Pet Shop, it’s best to keep your new pets at home until they are comfortable with their new life. Avoid dog parks until they have had the relevant inoculations and to keep them from feeling overwhelmed.
Introduce your new pet over a weekend or when you can be home for a few days and try to limit visitors until the pet has established confidence in their new home. Never leave small children alone with puppies or kittens and when visitors do arrive, ask them to let the pet come to you.
When you need to leave the house, provide an enrichment toy to keep your pet occupied. The LickiMat range helps calm and soothe pets as they enjoy a sticky treat, which is ideal for stressful situations.
The Right Nutrition
A new environment can be stressful for a young animal's digestive system. Consistency is vital so if you must change brands from what the puppy or kitten was eating before, make it a gradual change and keep an eye out for reactions.
If you’ve brought home a new puppy, consider a high-quality food like Amigo Integrity Puppy Food, which offers a balanced foundation for growth. For the feline side of the family, Brit Premium Chicken Chunks for Kitten offers the high-protein intake necessary for their rapid development, in a highly palatable format.
Managing the Teething Phase
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which can lead to destructive chewing if they aren't provided with appropriate outlets. To protect your belongings and soothe your pup’s gums, provide a dedicated toy like the Gigwi Suppa Puppa Bear. It is specifically designed for teething, offering a safe texture for young jaws.
Remember that kittens can suffer from teething frustration too so consider a few soft toys for them to chew on, just like you would with puppies.
Prioritize Preventative Health
New pets are particularly vulnerable to parasites. In our climate, ticks and fleas are a constant threat that can lead to serious illnesses. Starting a preventative routine immediately is essential. Revolution Puppy and Kitten is a highly effective, easy-to-apply spot-on treatment that protects against fleas, heartworm, and ear mites.
We hope your new pet brings you many years of joy and we can’t wait to help you treat him/her like royalty! Visit The Queen Pet Shop for everything you need.