General Tips
When You Want a New Pet
The best place to acquire a new pet is at an animal shelter, or from a good breeder. In this case, big is not better.
The small breeder will have lavished attention on his/her puppies. They will know the individual personality of each puppy or kitten,
and will help you choose the one best suited to you. The pet advertised “free to good home” is usually not the best choice, and can
sometimes be an expensive one. However, if the heart rules over the head, those sickly, needy animals can make outstanding pets.
Decide what you want, and what you can realistically afford, before you shop! It does no good, and can be heart wrenching, to “rescue”
a needy animal, only to find you can’t meet its lifelong needs, either.
Tips for the New Kitten
New kittens are such babies! Never, ever take a kitten younger than seven weeks old.
Mom does more with the kittens than just feeding them. Even though they’re eating on their own
there are some “life lessons” that only the mother cat can teach. So do everyone a favor, and
let that mom finish her job before the kitten comes to your house!
Tips for the New Puppy
Never take a puppy away from its mother until it is at least 7 weeks old.
Valuable lessons are learned from the mother dog and siblings that you cannot make up for!
Mom is doing much more than serving meals in those last few weeks. She is doing her part to
make sure that you have a well-behaved, well-adjusted, happy pet. Be patient and let her do her job!
There is no advantage to taking a 4, 5, or 6 weeks old puppy as a pet, even if it is no longer nursing,
it needs its mom until it is seven weeks old!
Tips for Having a Puppy or Kitten in the House
First, baby proof the house! Puppies and kittens were put on earth to have fun.
Playing is a big part of how they learn and develop. The more time you spend with a pet,
the more you get out of the relationship. It is not really difficult to housetrain a pet
if you watch for signs that the puppy has to go outside. Do not “Put him out”...“Take him out”.
And praise him lavishly when he does what he is supposed to do! If he makes a mistake and “goes”
in the house, do not punish him (it is your fault, not the puppy’s) simply say “no”
in a stern voice, and take him out. The kitten’s litterbox should be kept close by, clean,
and readily accessible. Both puppies and kittens should be fed dry commercial kitten or
puppy food that has been prepared to meet the needs of growing animals. Provide plenty of
clean fresh water. Puppies and kittens do not need cow’s milk.
See your veterinarian for a well puppy or well kitten visit as soon as possible. Your veterinarian is a doctor.
He or she can detect problems others might not. Following your veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccination
and preventative care will help keep your new pet healthy. You can give your pet its vaccinations at home,
except for rabies vaccination, which is required by state law, and must be given by a veterinarian.
A sick puppy or kitten needs attention right away. Vomiting and/or diarrhea can be life threatening.
If your new puppy is not eating, or is not drinking water, or is not interested in playing, something is wrong.
Your veterinarian should be contacted. He or she may be able to tell you what to do, but will most likely
want to examine your new pet for a more accurate diagnosis.
First Aid Kit for Pets
You should keep some things in your home to help your pet, under the
advice of your veterinarian, or when your veterinarian is not available.
Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach, and/or diarrhea, aspirin and Tylenol
check with your veterinarian first, hydrogen peroxide for wound care,
or in the event of possible poisoning, to induce vomiting. Neosporin,
or other antibiotic ointment for cuts.
Some accident victims should be seen by a veterinarian even if
everything “looks” ok. Pets hit by cars. Pets that fall from balconies
or other high places. Pets who may have broken bones. Pets with
sticks or other foreign objects stuck in them. Pets that have fallen
through the ice, or who have to struggle to get out of deep mud, all
need a check up by a veterinarian. A veterinarian may diagnose internal injuries that may not be visible.
Infant Puppies or Kittens
Never take an infant animal away from its mother if it can be
avoided. But if you find an orphaned puppy or kitten, or its mother has
been found dead, it is possible to hand feed a puppy or kitten. Visit
your veterinarian for the proper infant formula. Zesbilac for puppies
or KMR for kittens are popular brands that work well. A newborn puppy
or kitten will need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock.
Do not “wake them up to eat”. They will let you know when they are hungry.
You can use a specially made infant pet feeding bottle or a syringe, to
feed puppies or kittens. Give them all they will take each time,
they will not overeat! Puppies and kittens need to be stimulated to
eliminate. A warm moist cotton ball works best to stroke the little
anus until they eliminate. This should be done at each feeding.
Keep the babies warm. If you use a heating pad, make sure it is on low
setting and covered with a towel.
Bird Care
Make sure that you are getting a weaned bird. Hand feeding a bird is
best left to someone who has experience. You can buy a hand fed bird
that is already weaned.
Handle your bird frequently, and talk to him or her a lot. The best
pet birds are the ones that are well socialized and like people. A bird
left in a cage will get territorial, and protect his cage. To you,
it will look like a mean bird. The bigger the bird, the bigger the cage
should be. Get the biggest cage you can afford. A clean cage is
essential for all birds. All birds need toys, just make sure they are
safe toys. A lot of birds enjoy mirrors.
All caged birds require more than just seeds. Most need at least
fruits and vegetables in addition to their seed diet. The largest
parrots may even require meat, nuts, and dairy products. Your bird
should look bright and cheery, have eyes and nose (no discharge), and
look interested in his or her surroundings. They will need to have
their nails trimmed and their wings clipped. They need a dish of water
to bathe in, or you can mist your bird regularly.
Rodents as Pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils can be fun pets that require
less time and money than other pets. A clean cage is key to their good
health. There are many commercial pet bedding brands available. Be
sure its labeled for use with your kind of pet. Pelletted or seed
diets are available, but are not a complete diet. They still need
fruit, vegetables, nuts, and fresh water. Most rodents need wood to
chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. They need attention
and care as much as other pets.
Reptiles as Pets
Reptiles as pets are difficult to care for. Purchase or build a
cage as large as possible. You need to provide a constant heat source
that will not burn the animal. Fresh water is a must; perhaps in a
container that the reptile can get in to bathe. Reptibark or sand is
used as bedding, and climbing branches are necessary for most
reptiles. Commercial foods are available, but you will need to add
fresh fruits and vegetables. Reptiles do carry diseases that are
transmittable to people. Good handwashing and sanitation is essential.
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