When you adopt a puppy or an older dog as a new pet, care for him or her includes helping them adjust to a new home. Aside from purchasing pet food, chew toys and a comfortable bed on which they can sleep, you should also be prepared for the possibility that he or she won’t warm up to their new environment right away. There may be some crying and whimpering, especially at night.
However, you needn’t worry as your new dog will eventually get used to their new home. Do what you can to help speed up the process and make it easier for them to adjust to the surroundings.
Here are some things you can do when caring for your new pet that will help them feel secure, loved and happy in his or her new environment.
New Pet Care Tip #1: Supply Some Familiar Items
Since the environment is now different from before, your pet might be overwhelmed, confused and even stressed out. It will help him or her to see and smell some of the old, familiar things like the bed where they always slept, a food bowl they love, or favorite toys. If he or she is still a puppy, they will miss their mother and be comforted by having a blanket in the bed that has been rubbed against her and carries her scent.
Use these items from the past before introducing new ones. This will help your pooch understand that the old things are now in the new home and, therefore, this is where he or she belongs.
New Pet Care Tip #2: Take Doggy out for a Walk
If the weather is nice, take your new dog outside for a walk around the neighborhood, not only on the first day but also for the first few days. This will help your new pet get accustomed to both in and out of the new home. Leaving and going back to the house repeatedly will teach him that this is now his new home.
However, if he or she doesn’t want to go out at first, don’t force them. Try taking him or her out in the yard for a while. They’ll eventually want to go for a walk, but it may take a few days to a week.
New Pet Care Tip #3: Follow Your Usual Routine
Don’t make a big fuss over your new dog’s arrival. It’s exciting, but it’s more important to get on with your usual routine so your dog will see how everything runs in a typical day. The sooner they get used to seeing you and your usual routine, the more quickly they will adjust.
New Pet Care Tip #4: Be Consistent
It’s best to maintain a regular schedule for your dog’s activities such as feeding, walking, exercising, playing and sleeping. Following a routine helps make it easier for him or her to feel comfortable; dogs feel more secure when they can anticipate what will happen next. They like to know what time activities will occur—when they will be fed or walked, or are expected to go to sleep.
New Pet Care Tip #5: Be Patient
Things may not run smoothly at first, but that’s all right. Just keep in mind that he or she will soon be happy and feel secure in their new surroundings. Be as patient as possible!
Remember, it may take a while for your dog to adjust to a new home but, if you use these tips for new pet care, your beloved dog will soon realize that their new home is where they belong.
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