Adopting A Pet

Many of us adopt a pet after they have been weaned, given their shots, and are somewhat older. Adopting can be the most rewarding and fun experience. They are only young once, and they grow up so quickly so treasure the moments with your pets. Many of these infants are found by good Samaritans who will either immediately adopt them or take them to the nearest shelter. Most of these adoptive “parents” rely upon milk replacement food such as PetAg’s Esbilac or KMR to nourish these little ones in lieu of their mother’s milk. Just like human infants, animals rely upon the nutrients and vitamins in this easily digestible food to help them grow and become healthy, happy and fit as adults.

If you are one of the good Samaritans we mention above, we applaud you and support you in your endeavors. For those that have not yet had the opportunity and privilege of adopting a rescue animal, we offer the following tips for doing so.

• Preparation: Preparation is key. Ensuring that you have all of the appropriate gear for a pet is important, even after they are weaned from milk replacers. (When on milk replacement food such as KMR or Esbilac, it is best to feed this food through bottles, which often come in nursing kits. These simulate a mother’s teat.) At the minimum, you should have food, bowls for water and food, a leash, collar, and bedding.
• Food: If you are adopting a new pet from the shelter, rescue operation or even a breeder, try to find out what food they have been on and gradually wean them from that food onto the food you have chosen. This will avoid any upset tummies or outright refusal of a new food, especially in a new environment.
• Adult Pets: If you are adopting an adult pet, please remember that it will take a longer period for them to become adjusted to their new home and companions. This is especially important when adopting a rescue pet, as they’ve typically led less than comfortable lies, and will likely be very skittish. Keeping tones of voice low and friendly, even when correcting your pet will go a long way towards earning their trust.
• Consistency: Be consistent with your new pet, whether young or old, so that they become acquainted with and accustomed to the new rules that will govern their behavior. If possible, ask what rules were in place before you adopted them, and try to absorb those rules into your home so that there is an easier transition for your new pet.
• Children: If you have children and especially if this is their first pet, it is important to ensure that they know that pulling a tail is not fun, and petting should be done softly. Asking your child to help with the feedings, watering, and playing with the animal in a gentle manner will help both your new pet and your child learn how to behave around one another.

These are only a couple of the most basic tips, and we are sure to delve into this deeper in a later blog. In the meantime, we hope that you enjoy bringing your new pet into your home, as they are such incredible joys. Pets offer unconditional love, and we should definitely offer them the same!