Bringing a new pet home to the family can be a very special and exciting time. However, it can also be overwhelming for everyone concerned. A bit of pre-planning, supervision and patience can help to minimise stress and make sure everyone settles in together feeling comfortable and safe.
Planning
Before bringing your new pet home you should spend some time getting your home and existing pets ready for their arrival.
Get new pet ready - set up a place for your new pet to sleep and establish where they will eat, drink, play and go to the toilet. For cats, you will need to think of a few high places that they can retreat to away from other pets. Having their own personal items and special toys can prevent existing pets becoming jealous or anxious.
Think of existing pets - if you need to move existing pets items, do this ahead of time so they have time to adjust before the new pet arrives. This helps reduce stress and avoid problems with existing pets being too afraid to use their litter tray, eat or drink when their new furry family member arrives.
Healthy, happy pets - make sure all pets are up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. Very young pets may not be fully vaccinated yet so it is vital that they only come in contact with other pets that are friendly, healthy and up to date with their vaccinations.
Establishing house rules
Before your new pet comes home, determine the rules that they will need to abide by to help them settle in and to ensure there is no confusion for everyone. Here are some examples to get you started:
No & go zones - will they be allowed on the bed, couches or other furniture? Are there parts of the house that are off limits?
Time for everyone - each family member needs time to get to know their new furry addition so make sure everyone gets a chance.
Time out - if your new pet looks overwhelmed, make sure they have a safe and comfortable area to go to for a break.
Exploring & meeting - give the new pet time to explore their new home and environment. Have a plan in place for introducing them to any existing pets.
Love & attention – keep it positive and offer lots of praise and positive encouragement for good behaviour.
Introducing new pets to existing pets
Personal items - don’t take your dog or cats favourite things to give to the newcomer. Make sure all pets (both existing and new) have their own personal items. This includes bed, food bowl, water bowl, litter tray and favourite toy.
A place to escape - cats need a high place to escape and watch from above when they feel overwhelmed and dogs need a nest style bed to do the same. All pets need their own quiet place to retreat to when they want some time out.
Introduce by scent first – to animals, smells are far more important than appearances, so you want your pets to get used to each other’s scents before meeting face to face. To do this, place your pets in separate rooms and give your new pet a cuddle. Return the cuddle to your existing pet and repeat. You can also allow your new pet to explore the house while your existing pet is secure in their own comfortable room. Then switch pets. Reassure each pet as they become familiar with the each other’s scent.
Visual introduction – slowly introduce the new pet visually. This can be through a screen door, in a crate, on a lead or by holding your pet at a distance. Offer lots of praise and encouragement to them both.
Short, controlled meetings – it is best to have someone in charge of each pet for their physical meeting, so recruit help if needed. Dogs should be on a lead initially to maintain control. Allow your pets to slowly approach each other. Let them interact naturally, don’t force them to meet. After a few minutes slowly separate them to give them a break, then repeat. Keep your tone positive and watch each pet’s body language. If negative body language is observed separate and distract them with other activities. Wait a little, then try again. Gradually increase the exposure over time until they are comfortable together without constraint.
Tip for dogs: Choose a neutral setting for dogs to prevent territorial issues becoming a problem such as the next door neighbours house or open park.
Tip for cats: ensure the existing cat has vertical spaces they can go to for privacy and to get away from the new pet if needed.
Supervise until settled – continue to supervise your pets together until you feel comfortable that they have settled in and are getting along.
Be patient & positive – a slow introduction process will increase your chances of success so take your time, don’t force your pets to meet and always observe their body language, offering time out when needed. Also you want this experience to be positive for all pets and family members so give lots of love, praise and positive attention along the way.
Introducing children to your new pet
Teach about pet safety - first you need to teach your children how to gently pat and interact with your new pet. Help them practice on a soft toy. Children can get excited and not realise they are squeezing their pet too hard or pulling on their fur. Teach children not to interrupt a pet that is sleeping or eating. This is time to give pets their space.
Adult in control - adults always need to have control when introducing a new pet. Have your child sit on a chair for the introduction. Then hold your new pet securely in your arms or have them on a lead depending on the size of your new pet. Sit next to your child with your new pet.
Introduce by scent first - let the pet sniff before petting. Ask the child to sit still and allow your new pet to sniff around you and your child. Have your child curl in their fingers and gently hold out their hand so your pet can sniff their hand too. Then allow your child to gently pat your new pet near the shoulder blades. Give lots of praise and attention to both the child and pet for good behaviour.
Quietly, softly - avoid loud sounds and sudden movements to prevent frightening your new pet. Kids can get excited about meeting their new pet but try to encourage them to remain calm, talk softly and be gentle in their touch and movements.
Supervise - always supervise children and pets for the protection of everyone’s safety and comfort.
If you have any concerns or would like information on how to introduce a new pet into the family, give us a call on 03 8784 4444.
