BeforePet Booklet Issue 1

BeforePet Bringing home a pet?

Here’s what you need to know first Before You Get a Pet

Explore the key factors to consider before bringing home a new pet.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Discover the key aspects of responsible pet ownership.

Preparing for Your Pet

How to prepare yourself for your new furry friend.

Issue No.1

People and animals have enjoyed companionship from time immemorial, a friendship that marked a life together, with such an exclusive character that our cat or dog has actually become part of the family.

Table of contents

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Before You Get a Pet Why should we think twice before getting a pet How to know if you should get a pet with a partner

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Responsible Pet Ownership Guidelines for responsible pet ownership The 5 C’s Of Responsibility The responsible pet owner’s checklist for taking care of a pet

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Preparing for Your Pet Plan Ahead Before You Bring a New Pet Home 7 Things to Consider Before Getting Your First Family Pet

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Before You Get a Pet Explore the key factors to consider before bringing home a new pet, including your living situation, lifestyle, and financial considerations.

Before Pet / Issue 01

Why should we think twice before getting a pet?

By Michele Theil

Bringing a furry friend into your home is a big and important decision.

You have to make sure you’re absolutely certain of your decision, and of your capability to love and care for another living creature before you pick that ‘really cute’ puppy to bring home.

Not only do you have to think practically about your pet’s life, such as whether you live in a flat or a house with a garden, but you also have to be aware that getting a pet comes with a lot of extra responsibilities.

More than just taking them out for walks and giving them a cuddle.

Natasha Homer-Early, founder of pet referencing startup PetsScore, tells Metro.co.uk that there are several things to consider when getting a pet.

“There are many reasons why people want to get a pet, but the first question someone needs to ask is does my landlord allow pets?

Less than 7% of private rental properties allow pets and you should make sure you’re not ‘facing penalties or eviction down the line by bringing a pet into their property,’ as that will also have a negative impact on your pet.

Homer-Early says that it’s important to do your research and ensure whatever animal you’re planning to get will fit your lifestyle.

Ali Smith, the Positive Puppy Expert at Rebarkable saying that there are three main considerations when getting a pet: She says that any pet will need time, maintenance, grooming, and time to be with you, so making sure that you have that time to give them is a really important first consideration.

Several pet owners also shared their own considerations for purchasing a pet, and hope everyone realizes the importance of getting the full picture before venturing out.

“For me, furniture and rugs are scraped — but I still wouldn’t trade my cat for the world. Too many pets are abandoned or stray when vet bills pile up and families can’t afford treatment .”

A third said: “One of the things I think people don’t realise is how much your life will change.

You have to consider every element of your and your pet’s life, from booking travel to working in the office.”

Having a pet can be a good decision, especially if you love animals and feel empowered to care for a pet in question. But make sure you consider all of these factors before bringing your furry friend home, because once you have one, there’s no going back.

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Make sure your pet is allowed

Second, there are many hidden costs to owning a pet, such as training and veterinary fees, none of which will come cheap. Many pet owners are unaware of these costs, says Natasha Homer—Early, founder of pet reference startup PetsScore: “Many first — time pet owners overlook the extra monthly expenses involved in pet ownership.” Pet insurance, veterinary feed, Repeat vaccinations, deworming, food and bedding add up to a considerable amount, so it’s really important to make sure you can afford it.

Before Pet / Issue 01

How to Know If You Should Get a Pet with Your Partner?

By Michele Theil

Getting a pet comes with many considerations — even more so when you’re thinking about doing it with a partner.

If you have been together with someone for a while, have moved in together, and are planning for a future together, getting a pet seems like a logical next move.

But is it really a good idea? Are the foundations of your relationship strong enough to care for a pet mutually? Will you and your partner share the caring of your pet equally?

What happens to the pet if your relationship breaks down? How will the relationship impact your pet’s wellbeing too?

We spoke to some relationship experts for their advice on how to know if it’s the right time to make this commitment:

Founder of dating app POM, Vihan Patel says: ‘A pet is a massive responsibility and I believe people should see a pet in the same way as they would a child. Whether you get a dog or a fish, you now have a living thing dependent on you to take care of it. ‘Similar to having a baby with a partner, when you think about getting a pet, your relationship should be as stable as possible… and living together is the most ideal situation,’ he adds.

Kamal Fernandez, a dog sports and behaviour specialist representing dog food company ProDogRaw, agrees. He specifically emphasises the need for a routine, the same way you would have with a child – as many parents can attest to.

‘You want to have a solid routine, home and work life before getting a pet, whilst ensuring both parties are fully on board. Having someone to assist you and experience the journey together can be incredibly bonding, but a lack of structure and uncertainty can create problems,’ he says.

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A pet is almost like having a child

Before Pet / Issue 01

There is no ‘right time’ While having a pet can bring you closer together, the pet could also lead to more issues in your relationship or heighten to get a pet Vihan says you and your partner should see a future together before considering having a pet, but there is no perfect time for that to happen.

‘Timing is a funny thing, and many people will argue there isn’t a perfect time for anything in life but it’s just when the time is right for you… So, the answer to this is no, there isn’t a ‘right time’ to get a pet with your partner,’ Vihan continues.

Many couples will wait at least a year or two into the relationship before getting a pet to be affirmed that both of you are in it for the long run with each other and with the little dog, cat, or whatever. However, when sharing this responsibility, you are now dependent on one another for so much more.

‘There are so many elements to caring for a pet, therefore, sharing this new workload can sometimes cause issues within some relationships when one partner isn’t pulling their weight.’

existing ones, if the foundation of your relationship is not strong enough for that responsibility and commitment.

Vihan adds: ‘The biggest thing you need to consider is if you’re going to stay together.’

If your relationship doesn’t have effective communication about your true feelings, and one or both of you aren’t sure about staying together, getting a pet won’t fix that and in fact could make it worse.

The pet will be negatively impacted if your relationship cannot withstand the ebbs and flows of life, and you should absolutely wonder what will happen to the pet if and when you break up.

Considerations

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A pet is a huge commitment to anyone

Before Pet / Issue 01

Communication is key

How you talk to each other in a relationship is always substantially important, but even more so if you have a pet together and are sharing the financial and responsibilities.

Vihan says: ‘You should be truthful when it comes to your true feelings in any circumstances, however when it comes to getting a pet and joint responsibility, it’s vital.’

You need to have a prior understanding of your relationship as a whole. ▶ Who your partner is? ▶ What they contribute to pet ownership? ▶ Whether having a pet will cause arguments that may not have arisen before?

Communicating issues like this well ahead of time, and approaching your partner with whatever issues you feel are present in your relationship before getting a pet will pave the way for a healthier relationship for everyone involved.

Pets take a lot of commitment, and this commitment can last a long time depending on the type of pet you get. Making a spontaneous decision to get a pet is not a good idea in the slightest.

Though a pet can be a huge bonding factor, according to Kamal, it is also a major challenge — especially if you adopt a pet that has had previous challenges.

Your pet should be a priority

Heidi Maskelyne, CEO of ProDog Raw highlights that pets, and dogs especially, can live for a long time. She says: ‘Dogs are a 12 — 15 year constant responsibility and they require a high level of dedication. Your dog (or other pet) often relies on you whole-heartedly and that is not something you should take likely.’

In terms of getting a pet with a partner, you need to make sure you can provide that pet with consistency. Pets need and deserve consistency in schedules and in the love the receive.

Vihan agreed, commenting: ‘When you get a pet, you can’t be selfish, as all you do will directly impact it.’

‘If you get a pet together when you’re not ready, your dog may suffer. Pets pick up on our negative emotions and stress which makes them anxious in turn,’ Heidi says.

Heidi added that it is common for pets to be left alone more after an argument or a breakdown of the relationship, and the pet will see either partner less frequently.

On occasion, the pet is re-homed because the financial implications and caring responsibilities become too much to bear for one person, which can negatively impact the pet.

Vihan recommends having a back-up plan if your relationship doesn’t work out before taking this step, as it is important for each partner and for the pet.

‘If you and your partner are thinking about taking this leap, please have an understanding on who will take on the sole responsibility of caring for the pet if this ever does happen, not just for the both of you, but the animal too,’ he says.

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Don’t jump into it lightly

The pet’s overall wellbeing and happiness should be a major priority for you as soon as you get it, so consider whether you can make that your focus when getting a pet with your partner.

Responsible Pet Ownership Discover the key aspects of responsible pet ownership, including providing proper nutrition and healthcare, creating a safe living environment, and ensuring your pet gets the exercise and attention they need.

Before Pet / Issue 01

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership

By American Veterinary Medical Foundation

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Lifelong commitment Lifelong care of the pet. This means committing to the relationship for your pet’s entire life.

Thoughtful pet selection Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions.

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Time and financial investment for pet ownership Recognizing that owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.

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Appropriate and safe pet environment Keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and safe environment.

Exercise and mental stimulation for pets Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

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Adherence to local pet ownership laws Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.

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Pet identification Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their registration information in associated databases is kept up — to — date.

Proper outdoor confinement Outdoor confinement of an animal should include provisions to minimize distress or discomfort to the animal, and assure access to appropriate food, water, and shelter from extreme weather conditions.

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Emergency preparedness Include your pets in your planning for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.

Planning for pet care in owner absence

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Ensure proper waste disposal, noise management, prevent pets from straying or becoming feral.

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Making arrangements for the care of your pet when or if you are unable to do so.

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Socialization and training for pet well-being Socialization and appropriate training for your pet(s) to facilitate their well — being and the well-being of other animals and people.

Consideration for others and the environment

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Responsible pet breeding Helping to manage overpopulation by controlling pet(s)’ reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter.

Preventive and therapeutic health care for pets Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of your pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, your veterinarian.

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Before Pet / Issue 01

The 5 C’s of Responsibility

By Cesar Millan

Commitment

When you adopt a pet, it is for life. Depending on the breed, that’s a time commitment of anywhere from seven to sixteen or more years, so you have to be prepared to adapt as life circumstances change — for example, if you have to move, you’ll need to take the extra time to find a new home that allows pets.

Cost

Pets do cost money. Pet health insurance is an excellent investment that will help keep those costs manageable, and it’s also not a bad idea to set aside an emergency fund in a separate savings account to cover anything unexpected that does come up.

Besides food, water, and the walk, you need to take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a wellness exam, and twice a year once they become a senior — your vet can let you know when that’s the case.

Another aspect of care you might not think of is emergency preparedness, so in addition to your own evacuation kit, you’ll need one for your pet.

Control

Only adopt the number of pets that you can reasonably afford and care for. Also make sure that all of your dogs have ID tags and microchips, and that their license and registration information is always up to date.

Consideration

Our pets can have an impact on people outside of our household, so we should always do our best to make sure they don’t become “that pet” that everyone in the neighborhood dreads. This also means that your pets should be properly socialized and trained.

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Care

Before Pet / Issue 01

Essential Checklist for Responsible Pet Owners

By Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM

Taking care of a pet is more than just making sure their bowl is full.

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry family members. It is important to every pet parent that their fur friends are getting everything they need to be happy and healthy pets.

In honor of Responsible Pet Owner Month, we put together a checklist of pet care musts that pet owners should do in order to be the most responsible pet parents they can be.

Dog training is an ongoing duty for pet owners. “Dogs don’t come already knowing how we would like them to behave, so we need to train them so they know what to do,” says Zazie Todd, PhD, a certified dog trainer and founder of Companion Animal Psychology.

Obedience training not only helps instill healthy doggy manners, but it also plays a big role in keeping your dog happy, healthy and safe.

“Teaching a dog to come when called is especially important and can prevent dogs from getting lost or running out into the road,” says Todd. “You can also train dogs to help them cope with things, like going to the vet, that they might otherwise find scary.”

Dog training also helps provide mental and physical stimulation for your pup. Todd explains, “Training with positive reinforcement is also a fun enrichment activity for dogs and a way to engage their brain.”

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Take the time to train your dog

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Make time for engaging playtime

Playtime is an essential part of building and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. It allows you to establish a fun and positive relationship with your pet while also providing them with a productive outlet for their energy.

“Play helps to stop pets from getting bored, (getting) frustrated and developing behavior problems,” says Shermaine Wilson Cox, DVM, an Atlanta — based veterinarian.

Dr. Jim Carlson, DVM CVA CVTP, owner of Riverside Animal Clinic McHenry and Grove Animal Hospital & Holistic Center in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, says, “Dogs are companion animals so it’s good for their mental well — being to have positive interaction with their human.” He says, “All members of the household, animal or human, should be involved in playtime and walks.”

Not all pets enjoy the same types of play, so you will have to figure out what gets your pet up and moving. This means that you have to experiment with a variety of cat toys or dog toys until you find what they like.

Take your dog on daily walks

Dog walks are an important part of your dog’s exercise and socialization routine. As a responsible pet parent, you must have time to take your pup for daily walks.

Every dog needs regular walks—but how often and how long depends on the dog.

There are dogs that may only enjoy short walks to do their business and then want to head back inside, and there are other dogs that may need to go for longer runs to burn off all their energy.

One thing to keep in mind when planning outdoor walks with your dog is the importance of using a dog leash. It not only keeps your dog safe and under control, but it also allows other pet parents who may have reactive dogs or fearful dogs to walk their pups without worrying about your dog approaching without consent.

— Zazie Todd, PhD, a certified dog trainer and founder of Companion Animal Psychology

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“For those dogs, it can be helpful to include games such as fetch in their daily routine, or other activities such as agility, dock diving or nose work,”

Before Pet / Issue 01

Off — leash time is important too. “It’s really good for dogs to get some off — leash time, both for the exercise and because it gives them the opportunity to choose what they’re doing for a while,” says Todd.

But you need to make sure that this off — leash time takes place in a secure and safe environment. Todd says that because leash rules are different everywhere, you will need to find a place that is suitable and legal for your dog to be running around.

This might mean taking them to a dog park or dog beach or on a hiking trail that allows dogs. Just remember to be respectful of other pet owners and do not just assume that your dog can freely approach other dogs without permission.

You’ll also want to make sure your dog is trained to come back to you and follows cues when off — leash.

When you’re walking your dog, always make sure to have dog poop bags on hand to pick up any mess he leaves behind on the sidewalk or in a neighbor’s lawn. There are plenty of dog poop bag dispensers available that can be attached directly to your dog’s leash, so there is no excuse to not pick up after your pup.

“The litter box should be scooped at least once a day, preferably twice, and cleaned thoroughly and refilled with fresh litter at least once a week,” says Todd, who also holds a certificate in Feline Behavior from International Cat Care.

“When cleaning, use a detergent that is safe for pets and does not have a strong smell, which cats might find off-putting,” says Todd.

Picking up after your dog is an important pet parent responsibility because it not only helps keep walkways clean, but it also prevents the spread of disease.

If you have a cat, a responsible pet owner always makes sure to clean out the cat litter box daily. It is best to use an unscented, natural cat litter to mimic the sand or soil that a cat would naturally use to bury their waste. Dr. Carlson says, “Scented litters were designed to benefit us, not to benefit the cats. Using a more natural litter provides natural deodorizers and can help with

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minimizing bacteria. Bacteria produces odors that are common in the litter box.”

Clean up after your Pet

Before Pet / Issue 01

Make sure your pet is groomed

Ensuring that your pet is properly groomed is a big part of being a responsible pet owner.

From their coat to their nails, a well—groomed pet helps to ensure a healthy pet.

“Pets should be bathed on a regular basis with shampoos and conditioners that are specifically labeled for them. Make sure you follow the labeled directions and rinse the skin and coat thoroughly,” says Dr. Cox. “Ears should be cleaned using ear cleaner that is approved for use in dogs and cats. Regular ear cleaning will prohibit the buildup of dirt and debris that could lead to ear infections.”

Never use cotton swabs to clean your pet’s ears. It’s always good to ask your veterinarian to show you the proper way to do it before trying it at home.

The regularity of bathing for your pet is dependent on their coat and routine activities.

You should talk with veterinarian to decide on the best bathing routine for your pet.

Brushing your pet is also important.

“Brushing the hair coat several times a week will keep your pet’s hair from getting matted and will remove dead hair and potential allergens,” says Dr. Cox.

You should also regularly check your pet’s nails to make sure they are a healthy length.

Dr. Carlson, says, “As a veterinarian, overgrown nails are one of the first things I notice.”

Overgrown nails can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. Dr. Carlson explains, “Overgrown nails can create problems throughout the body, especially in the back and hips. When I see a pet come in with pain symptoms, the feet are the first place I look.

Nail trims should be even and not just look at the nail itself, but the posture of the pet and how the pet moves after the nail trim.”

If your pet does not tolerate getting their nails cut well, reach out to your veterinarian; they are always there to help.

As a pet owner, you should take every step possible to make sure your pet is easily identifiable. From ID tags on their collars to GPS tracking equipment, there are a variety of ways you can help to ensure your pet never gets lost.

It doesn’t matter how responsible you are with pet care—there’s still a chance your pet could get lost. It is alarmingly common — and while collars, tags and GPS tracking devices can be helpful, the best and most permanent way to keep your pet protected if lost is a microchip.

“Unfortunately, one in three pets will get lost during their lifetime,” says Dr. Cox. “Although pets commonly wear collars and tags, these forms of identification are capable of coming off and getting lost. Pet microchips add a second level of protection to bring your pet back home.”

Getting a pet microchip dramatically increases the chance you’ll be reunited if your pet gets lost. “Dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and microchipped cats are 20 times more likely to be returned home,” says Dr. Cox. So, if your dog or cat isn’t already microchipped, do the responsible thing and get it done ASAP.

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Make microchipping your pet nonnegotiable

Before Pet / Issue 01

Take them for routine veterinary checkups As a pet owner, you’re responsible for your pet’s health, which includes regular veterinary care.

“Regular veterinary visits will allow veterinarians to prevent disease or provide early treatment if problems arise,” says Dr. Cox. So, how often is regularly? “Adult dogs and cats should see a veterinarian annually for a full comprehensive examination and bloodwork,” says Dr. Cox.

If you have a senior dog or cat, it is recommended to make appointments with your veterinarian every six months. Dr. Carlson says, “Senior dogs and cats need biannual checkups. Pets can age several years over a six—month period of time compared to humans, so a lot can change quickly.” This will help you catch changes in your pet’s health more efficiently so they can continue to live a healthy life in their golden years.

And while annual visits to the vet are a must, that’s not the only time you may need to schedule face time with your veterinarian.

“Outside of regular physical exams, adult pets may need yearly vaccinations depending on their age and lifestyle, the region you live in, health concerns, disease risk or plans for travel,” says Dr. Cox.

Taking care of a pet’s oral health is a vital part of being a responsible pet owner.

Neglecting your pet’s oral health can lead to periodontal disease — which not only puts their mouth in danger, but their overall health as well.

“Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround the teeth, which ultimately ends up destroying the surrounding soft tissue and bone,” says Dr. Cox. According to Dr. Cox, once the surrounding tissue and bone are compromised, teeth begin to loosen and can start to fall out.

Compromised tissue and bone are also at risk of bacterial infection, which can put your pet at risk for heart, lung, liver and kidney disease.

If you want to keep your pet’s mouth healthy, schedule annual dental cleanings with your vet. “Dental cleanings under general anesthesia are important for several reasons,” says Dr. Cox.

“They allow the veterinarian to perform a full oral examination, which otherwise is difficult to obtain when the pet is fully awake. The veterinarian can check for the presence of oral masses, loose teeth, foreign bodies, gingivitis or tooth fractures. A thorough teeth cleaning will also rid the mouth of tartar buildup and will help prevent gingivitis, bad breath, and periodontal disease,” says Dr. Cox. In between cleanings, regular brushings can keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthier.

“Outside of yearly dental cleanings, owners should brush their pets’ teeth at least three times a week to prevent plaque or tartar buildup using specially formulated dog or cat toothpaste,” says Dr. Cox. Between brushings, Dr. Cox says that you can use dog dental chews or cat dental treats to help fight off dental disease.

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Keep up with your pet’s dental care

Before Pet / Issue 01

Protect them from fleas, ticks and heartworms

Taking care of your pet’s general health is important, as is being aware of some common threats to their health and taking the necessary steps to protect them.

“Fleas and ticks are two of the most common [pests] found on pets. If not prevented, fleas can lead to itching, hair loss, flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction causing redness and inflammation of the skin), secondary skin infections, tapeworms and even severe anemia,” says Dr. Cox. Ticks can be even more problematic. “Ticks are capable of transmitting viral, bacterial and protozoal diseases. Examples of vector— borne tick diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can make your pet very ill if not properly diagnosed and treated,” says Dr. Cox.

Luckily, protecting your pet from fleas and ticks is fairly simple. “For fleas and ticks, there are several products that owners can get over the counter or through a veterinarian, such as shampoos or sprays, topical medications and collars,” says Dr. Cox. If over—the-counter options aren’t working as effectively (or if you live in an area known to have a flea or tick problem), you can ask your veterinarian for suggestions; they may prescribe you a prescription flea and tick option that they recommend.

Talk with your veterinarian to figure out which option suits your pet’s needs best.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that is becoming more and more common within the US. “Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitos. After transmission, the larval worms travel through the blood and get lodged in the heart, lungs and nearby blood vessels. The worms continue to grow in these locations and can cause substantial damage to these organs prior to the pet showing any clinical signs of the disease,” explains Dr. Cox. “Heartworm disease can lead to coughing, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, fainting and even sudden death,” she says.

Your vet can prescribe pet prescription heartworm medicine to protect your pet from heartworms—but in order to get access to the medication, you need to get your pet tested annually.

As a responsible pet parent, you should make sure your vet is testing for heartworms at your annual checkup and prescribing the medication necessary to prevent it as well.

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Heartworms

Preparing for Your Pet Learn how to prepare yourself and your living space for your new furry friend, including purchasing necessary supplies, creating a comfortable living space, and pet-proofing your home.

Before Pet / Issue 01

Planning Ahead Before Bringing a New Pet Home

By Mikkel Becker

Careful planning and assessment are essential prior to adding a new dog or cat to your family.

Assess the cost

It’s important to be aware of the cost of adding a pet to your family — in terms of both money and time.

Pets require a substantial financial commitment; the shelter adoption fee or breeder cost is only the beginning of this investment.

Ongoing costs include veterinary care (one or two wellness exams per year, plus surgery, medication and treatment as necessary), boarding, training, grooming, food, toys, bedding, containment options and other essentials. As you choose your new pet, think carefully about available resources.

Breeds with genetic predispositions to certain health issues, for example, or giant breeds may be more likely to incur significant medical expenses than other breeds.

Pet insurance is one possible way to offset costs over the long run and provide care even if the unexpected does occur, but that is another additional cost.

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Dogs and cats give us far more than we can give them when it comes to love and devotion.

Before Pet / Issue 01

Money isn’t the only issue, though. A pet requires a big time commitment, too.

Cats may be stereotyped as antisocial and independent, but many felines need significant amounts of attention and interaction.

Dogs also require ongoing quality time.

Potential pet owners who work long hours outside the home, travel frequently or are consistently unavailable for long periods of the day or week will need to explore alternative options, like a pet sitter, doggie daycare or a dog walker, before committing to a new pet. If your current schedule makes it difficult to commit to caring for a pet, then it makes sense to postpone bringing a new cat or dog home.

Finally, it is important to be aware that younger animals may require a greater commitment of both time and money than older pets. Puppies and kittens need time — consuming socialization and training; in addition, you will most likely need to pay for initial vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery. Younger animals typically have more energy than older pets and will have more to learn, like house training and good manners (although older pets may need to be reminded, too). These factors should be weighed carefully when you’re deciding if a younger or older pet will best fit into your home.

Adults and children alike will promise to “chip in” and care for a new pet, but often these promises don’t result in real action. Instead, after the initial honeymoon phase, the brunt of the work falls to the adult who spends the most time at home. In many cases, this means that the kids beg for a dog but mom or dad ends up caring for him. To avoid family conflict, everyone’s commitment to care for the animal must be solidified before your pet comes home. Ensure this by being specific about which duties each person will be responsible for (feeding, walking, cleaning the litterbox, etc.). Consider putting it all in writing, so that everyone remembers what they’ve agreed to do.

If you or your family has limited experience with animals, there are ways to get a feel for what having a dog or cat is like before you commit to pet ownership. Volunteering at a shelter can be a good first step in learning to care for a pet. Fostering and pet sitting also allow everyone to experience firsthand the time and effort that go into having a pet.

This also gives adults an opportunity to see if kids are willing — and able — to follow through on assigned pet care chores before making the full commitment.

Adopting a pet as a family should be a group endeavor, but if you’re a single person with roommates, the situation is a little different.

Before you bring a dog or cat into a shared living space, take the time to address potential problems. For instance, if you have a roommate who dislikes or is uncomfortable around dogs or cats, it would be best to wait until you’re in a new living situation before getting an animal. The same is true if you’re living with someone who is allergic to dogs or cats.

In addition, you will need to think about other animals you may already be sharing your house or apartment with. If your current roommate has a pet with a preexisting behavior problem, like reacting on leash, that this can transfer to another dog; your roommate will need to deal with this issue before you bring another pet into the mix. Similarly, if your house mate’s cat potties outside the litterbox, lingering smells may prompt your new cat to do the same. Finally, if the animal being adop

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Divvy up the care

Before Pet / Issue 01

7 Things to Consider Before Getting Your First Family Pet

By Rayanne Morriss

You should take time to figure out if a family pet is indeed a good decision.

Cost

The cost of owning and taking care of a pet can easily reach hundreds of dollars per year. Even if you’ve considered the adoption fee and supplies, the ongoing costs of food, grooming and routine vet bills add up.

Most people agree that the unconditional love of a pet is worth any amount of money. Still, preparing for the true cost of pet ownership can help you plan your budget. Pets become a part of the family, and making sure you can afford one can help you avoid tough decisions down the road.

Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can maintain the health of your pet and your finances.

Americans spend an average of

per month on their pets

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$126

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First-year owing a dog

$1,270

Considerations

First-year owing a cat

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$1,070

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Time

Restrictions

Apart from monetary cost, you’ll also be spending time to raise your pet. Dogs will need to be let out at least twice a day so they can pee and poop. If you adopt a high-energy breed or a puppy, you’ll be doing longer walks or doing visits to a nearby dog park, which can take you an hour or two each visit. For those with limited time on their hands, you can get pets that don’t require as much hands-on attention as a dog. Cats, lizards, and fish are all less time-consuming when it comes to maintenance and care.

Your neighborhood might have legal restrictions when it comes to what animal you bring home. In some apartment buildings, certain dog breeds are not allowed, the most common of which are Akita and American Pit Bull. Health restrictions can also limit what types of pet you can adopt into your family, such as if you have a child who is allergic to fur or has asthma.

Space

As domesticated as they are, pets still have a lot to learn when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. They may track mud inside the house, essentially ruining your tiles and rugs, bring home pests, like ticks and fleas, accidentally pee and poop on your bed, and so on. Dogs and cats naturally shed their fur and can leave it sticking in furniture, clothing, etcetera. Consider investing in the best vacuum for pet hair and other pet cleaning supplies to avoid accumulation indoors.

For smaller critters, like rabbits and hamsters, you’ll need to change the bedding and clean the crate at least once a month.

The larger the animal, the more space/territory he/she will need. A Mastiff or Great Dane, for instance, will struggle to live in a 200-square foot studio apartment. Only adopt big breeds if you have the space to house them. And it’s not just the space meant for the pet. Their bedding, food and water bowl, toys, and supplies will also consume a considerable amount of space in your household.

Cleanliness

Temperament

Different pets have different personalities. Some dogs will be aloof while others are needy.

Knowing what kind of pet behavior your family can handle is important to maintain a safe environment for both your family and the animal. Only take on a problematic pet if you have professional experience in animal behavioral training.

That being said, some behavioral traits in pets develop later on and are unavoidable.

Considerations

Introducing a pet into your family can affect your lifestyle as a whole. Families who travel a lot may find it expensive and a hassle to book flights with their pet or find trustworthy boarding facilities.

On the other hand, those who are homebodies and prefer to stay indoors when they aren’t working could find it difficult to care for a highly active dog who needs to go outside to dog parks and hiking trails every few hours.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first family pet is an exciting time for both you and your children. There are many reasons why you should adopt a pet - it can help teach your kids about responsibility, improve the pet’s quality of life, and create a more enjoyable and less stressful household environment and familial dynamics.

Download To how to prepare yourself for your new furry friend

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American Veterinary Medical Foundation

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Cesar Millan Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM

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