A new pet joining the house is a time of great excitement. Not only is an animal a pet, it’s a new member of the family, one you will all love and cherish, call an assortment of cute nicknames (His Royal Furriness etc. etc.) and spend an awful lot of time snuggling up with.
 
So it’s important to think ahead and bear in mind a few things to do so the new family member glides easily into their new home.
 
Here are our top tips for making that transition as smooth as possible:
 
1. First impressions
 
 
How you introduce your new pet to the rest of the family is SO important. Remember, it’s a completely new home so don’t overwhelm them with loud noises and too many squeezes (that can all come later!) Letting your pet integrate at their own pace will help them settle in much quicker.
 
2. Introduction to other pets
 
 
“These humans are MY family!” Uh-oh, this is tricky territory, but nothing that can’t be ironed out with a few clever tricks. If you’ve got a new dog, start by bringing them all for a stroll together – this will give them time to bond outside the home. And initially hide all toys and food bowls – fighting over these could start a full blown territorial war.
 
3. Cats and dogs
 
 
Dogs and cats CAN live together peacefully. So if you’re introducing a new dog to a previously ‘cat only’ family or vice versa, remember it takes a little patience. Firstly, make sure your dog is a suitable breed to play with a cat – some are just too big and strong and it mightn’t be the best idea. Organize a ‘safe place’ for your cat where they can go if they feel threatened, and until they’re both comfortable around each other don’t let them alone. Find more detailed info here.
 
4. Think safety
 
 
Before your pet joins the family ensure the house is completely set up to keep them safe. So whether that’s making sure you have sufficient fencing, or putting barriers in place so they can’t get to things that may harm them, it’s important your house is pet-proofed.
 
5. Prepare nervous kids
 
 
While many kids go a bit mad with excitement at the thought of getting a new pet, some – especially those who’ve never had a pet before – can be a little nervous at the prospect. So where possible, introduce nervous kids to family members’ or friends’ pets so they won’t feel quite so overwhelmed. You’ll soon find your gorgeous new furry friend will have nuzzled their way into your child’s heart!
 
6. Teach pet care
 
 
It makes sense to teach your kids how to look after their new pet before they arrive. So physical needs-wise, school them on feeding, exercise, grooming and clean up; and as well as this, instil in them the importance of showing their new pet love, compassion and emotional care. Before their pet comes home they need a grasp of the responsibility of owning and looking after a pet, particularly if they’re a little older.
 
7. Watch The Secret Life of Pets
 
 
Well how else are we supposed to know what makes our pets tick? Ahm, aside from of course, actual ticks. This animated movie from the guys behind Despicable Me is about what our pets get up to when we leave the house for work and school every day. And if the absolutely hilarious trailer is anything to go by, it’s going to be brilliant. Pets, we’re onto you!
 
The Secret Life of Pets will bound onto Irish cinema screens on June 24th. And we think you’d be barking mad to miss it.
 
Okay, okay, but we couldn’t resist!

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