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River Ridge Animal Hospital

(815) 288-3394

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  • Adopting a Pet Is Just the Beginning

Adopting a Pet Is Just the Beginning

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Pet Proofing Your House after Pet Adoption
Your Pet's First Wellness Exam

Your veterinarian will perform several services essential to the animal's immediate and long-term well being. A typical evaluation will include blood and fecal tests to check for parasites or diseases that might require immediate treatment. Your pet may also be started on medications to prevent pest and parasite infestations. Core vaccinations will also be administered, and spaying or neutering may be recommended for animals more than a few weeks of age. Make sure to schedule this first appointment as soon as possible.

Adopting a pet brings great joy and excitement to individuals and families, but it also introduces new responsibilities and concerns. Your new family member deserves the same health and safety considerations you would want for the people in your life.

Pet Proofing

Before you even bring your new dog or cat home with you, take steps to "pet-proof" your home. Homeowners may need new strategies for dealing with household objects and situations that never posed to a threat to the home's human residents.

Medicines or household chemicals, for instance, must be put away behind closed and secured doors to prevent the accidental poisoning of curious pets. Even ordinary food items such as citrus fruits, certain nuts, chocolate, garlic, onions, alcoholic drinks and coffee should be kept away from animals, because these products can cause violent illness or other reactions if ingested.

Hide any exposed wires or cables so your new pet won't be tempted to chew on them, or place the cords in PCV pipe, and remove small objects that might pose a hazard if swallowed.  Lilies are very toxic to cats, and ingestion of sago palm or oleander can be very serious for dogs.

Schedule a Health Exam

A visit to the veterinarian should be among the first stops for your newly-adopted animal. Veterinarians not only provide important initial care to check for existing health problems and guard against new ones, but they can also give you a wealth of advice from home dental care to proper nutrition, especially if you've never owned an animal before. Don't put this visit off; your pet may be vulnerable to serious ailments until vaccinations and other wellness services can be administered.

Make Introductions Carefully

If you already have other pets in your home, you may find that you need to introduce your newest addition to the family with discretion and sensitivity. Dogs tend to assume dominant or submissive pack relationships, so your canines may require time to figure out the new pecking order. (Ideally, you have already assumed the role of "top dog.") Cats can be particularly sensitive and stressed when their routine is disrupted by another feline presence. Keep your new cat in an isolated room at first, with his own food bowl and litter box, gradually letting him explore more and more of the home while both cats gets used to each other's smells and company.

Enroll in Training

Training is a great next step for a newly-adopted dog -- not just for housebreaking but also for simple commands such as "Sit," "Stay" and "Down." Obedience training helps you enjoy a peaceful, happy, well-socialized pet.

Sources:

American Humane Association, "Pet-Proofing Your Home." 2013.

American Veterinary Medical Association, "Importance of Wellness Exams."

The Humane Society of the United States, "Introducing Your New Cat to Other Pets." July 3, 2013.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Fabio wasn’t eating the food I was giving him and I didn’t feel he was getting the nutrition he needed. Thanks to Dr. Anderson, he evaluated Fabio and his current diet to make some recommendations and now Fabio has gone from barely eating to finishing his meals and he looks healthier than ever. You clearly are an expert in your field...thanks so much!"
    Tara Brown / Kansas City, MO

Featured Articles

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    March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

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    Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

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