5 Tips for New Pet Parents

(Family Features) Introducing a new dog to the family can bring plenty of excitement, sweet snuggles and puppy kisses. However, there are also plenty of practical steps to consider to successfully transition a pup into its new environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time puppy parent, these tips can help your newest family member feel right at home:

Purchase the necessities ahead of time. Similar to newborns, new pets require products that fit their size, age and life stage to ensure their safety and good health. This includes chew-proof food and water bowls, an ID tag with name and contact information and a sturdy leash for both walks and training. Many experts discourage retractable leashes because they offer little control. For puppies specifically, some veterinarians recommend harnesses to attach a leash to because their necks are too fragile to attach a leash to a collar. Remember, puppies are going to grow, and items like beds, crates and collars will need to grow as they do, so you may want to hold off on investing in pricier options until they’ve matured.

Offer high-quality food that provides balanced nutrition. Feed new pets the best quality food possible because an investment in your pet’s food is an investment in its health and longevity.

“Quality is a top priority when new pet parents are selecting food, so reading ingredient labels and understanding what nutrients are important for your pet at his or her life stage is key,” said Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, Ph.D., R.D., nutrition manager at Petcurean. “Better quality food will usually equate to fewer vet visits overall. The same goes for treats.”

An option like Petcurean's Now Fresh wet food features novel textures like shredded, stews and pates and is made with 100 percent fresh meats and bone broth gravy, which adds a meaty flavor. All recipes are 100 percent grain- and gluten-free and non-GMO, making for a perfect treat, topper or complete and balanced meal.

Have enough playthings around the house. Keep dogs from destroying furniture, shoes and household items by providing them with fun, safe and entertaining toys. Chew toys and puzzles that combine play and treats are interactive, which can give dogs mental stimulation and help keep them out of mischief.

Pet-proof the house. Dogs are naturally curious and spend time exploring their homes, especially pets eager to get to know their new environment. Items on counters and shelves that could be dangerous to a small child are also dangerous for dogs, including wires, sharp or small objects and fragile items. Store them up and away from your dog or in locked cabinets for safekeeping.

Provide a safe spot to retreat. Moving in to a new home can cause a pet to feel a little disoriented and overwhelmed. Providing a safe place for the dog to retreat from enthusiastic kids, other pets and general household commotion can help the pup feel calmer. A crate or kennel lined with a soft pad or blanket in a quiet area of your home is typically a good choice – it’s a confined space and can also serve a dual-purpose with housetraining, if needed.

Find more tips for proper pet care at petcurean.com.

5 Tips to Successfully Bring a New Pet into Your Home

(Family Features) Bringing home a puppy or kitten can lead to a lot of excitement. However, discussing issues that may arise and preparing in advance for a new pet’s arrival can help make for a smooth transition.

Consider these tips from the pet experts at PetSmart Charities to help make your new pet’s adjustment to its forever home a resounding success.

Know that pet parenting is a lifetime commitment. That oh-so-sweet puppy or kitten stage only lasts so long, so be sure that you’re prepared to give a lifetime of loving care. Nurturing the bond you create during the early months can create a foundation for lifelong companionship.

Consider adoption first. There are literally thousands of animals of all breeds and ages looking for loving homes. Consider adopting a pet that needs a home from a local shelter or adoption event.

“When you consider an option like adoption, you can make sure one less dog or cat is living in a shelter while also providing the gift of unconditional love to a furry friend in need,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities, which helps find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. “As a way to make adoption more accessible, we work with local adoption partners to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores each and every day, and especially during our National Adoption Weekends, which take place in stores nationwide.”

Select an appropriate pet. Integrating a pet into your household, especially for a first-time pet owner, can take some work. It’s important to consider factors like how often you travel, whether your work schedule will allow a visit home during the day for a potty-training puppy and if you’re willing to provide necessary care, such as daily brushing for a long-haired animal. Also consider whether you truly want a puppy or a kitten; an adult pet offers numerous benefits, such as potentially being house-trained already and more resilient for play with small kids.

Provide structure for your pet. In a new family, a pet will often look for where he or she fits in and try to understand the rules of the house. Dogs, especially, crave routine, boundaries and rules. Cats like to know what to expect, too. When pets don’t understand, they can feel uncertain and some pets might hide until they feel more comfortable. Sensible rules can help pets feel secure in their new environments. Being consistent with training, helping pets understand what behavior you want and providing a solid routine can help them feel comfortable and confident.

Prepare for pet parenting. The sweet kisses and cuddles are fun, but a new pet requires some preparation. Stock up on items like age-appropriate food and toys. Look into training classes and find a veterinarian you trust for regular checkups. Also take time to pet-proof your home, removing items that may pose a health threat or create temptations for undesirable behaviors.

Find more advice on introducing a new pet to your home and locate a local adoption event near you at petsmartcharities.org .

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Tips for Welcoming a Feline to the Family

(Family Features) Introducing a feline into the family can be an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that a new home is often a big change for a little cat. Whether it’s a kitten or an adult cat, providing your new pet with proper nutrition, the comforts of a good home and engaging playtime are just a few of the key things to keep in mind.

Try these simple tips from the experts at the TEMPTATIONS™ brand to help ensure a smooth transition for your new four-legged family member.

• Cat-Proof the House – In addition to being constantly curious, cats are also instinctive climbers, meaning no surface is out of reach for your new pet. Make sure any potentially dangerous items – such as wires, cleaning supplies and sharp objects – are behind closed doors and inaccessible to your little climber. You can also provide a scratching post to help prevent your cat from scratching unwanted things, like your furniture.

• Playtime is a Must – As little as 15-30 minutes of exercise and activity per day can help your cat stay energetic and in shape. Encourage your cat’s natural curiosity with engaging toys, such as the TEMPTATIONS™ SNACKY MOUSE™ Toy. Simply fill the mouse-shaped wobble toy with your cat’s favorite TEMPTATIONS treats and watch them entertain themselves by trying to knock the treats out of the toy and gobble them up. Playing together can also help strengthen the bond between owner and pet.

• Create Some Comfort – Make your new friend truly feel like part of the family by giving him or her a personal spot in the house. A simple bed to call his own, a cat tree to view his new surroundings and some soft toys to play with are all it takes to provide the initial comfort to make your pet feel safe and welcome in a new home. For cats that prefer privacy when they’re not playing, a covered or hooded bed is a great option.

• Fuel Your Feline – Taking care of your cat’s health starts with proper nutrition. Be sure to find a high-quality cat food that has recipes that are nutritionally tailored to meet the specialized needs of your cat. A brand like IAMS™ Cat Food fits that bill and has dry and wet cat food options for all stages of life, from kitten to senior, as well as options to aid in oral care, hairball care, high protein, digestion and metabolism.

• Offer Affection – Always remember to show your cat you care. Whether it’s a scratch behind the ear, a nice brushing or a sweet cuddle session, your cat can feel loved and safe, knowing he or she is in good, caring hands.

For more tips on taking care of a new kitten or cat, visit TemptationsTreats.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Health Help for Your Feline Friend

(Family Features) Cats are typically self-sufficient family members, but owners tend to forget that those furry feline friends do need help when it comes to their daily nutrition. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to look for a cat food with high-quality ingredients to help with their nutrition needs from head to tail.

“March is National Nutrition Month, which is the perfect time to re-evaluate what your cat is eating and make necessary changes to ensure you both are on the right path for a happy, healthy life,” said Dr. Jeff Werber, registered veterinarian. “Like humans, cats need a balanced diet to be healthy; look for a premium food that has animal protein as the No. 1 ingredient to help satisfy their nutritional needs and carnivorous appetites.”

Other key elements to look for in your cat’s food include:

• Optimal levels of fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat.
• A fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, for healthy digestion.
• A good mix of premium, high-quality ingredients to contribute to healthy energy levels.

Keeping your cat healthy and happy doesn’t stop with general nutrition. It’s also important to pay close attention to other health concerns, like oral care, which is often overlooked.

“In my experience, one of the most common health concerns I see cats face today is oral care,” Werber said. “That’s why I was happy to see that IAMS released a great-tasting cat food, IAMS Oral Care Complete, specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar while also providing cats with a 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition. It’s a win-win.”

With the proper nutrition from a quality food, your cat can be healthier inside and out, which means more energy and vitality for playing and bonding. Whether you’re starting a kitten on a new eating routine or reassessing your adult or senior cat’s nutrition, remember the importance of supplying them with a premium cat food that includes high-quality ingredients for lifelong health.

For more nutritional information for cats of all sizes and ages, visit IAMS.com.