With the holidays approaching, you could be thinking of adding a new pet to your household. Pets make great companions, but you must be prepared to provide the level of pet care your new friend deserves before you get one. Learn more about caring for a new animal by reading the guide below.

Preparing the Home

A crucial part of new pet care is preparing the home before the animal arrives. Buy and set up their food and water bowls, bedding, cage, toys, and collar in a section of the house that will be their own. Animal proof the house as well, such as by locking cabinets they don’t need to get in, moving items they shouldn’t eat out of reach (like rat poison and plastics), and blocking off parts of the house you don’t want them in.

If you have existing pets, make sure they’ll be friendly towards a new animal, and have their veterinarian check them for contagious illnesses, infections, and pests before the new pet arrives. You should also discuss rules for the pet with your children if you have any, so they know how to treat the new pet and what their responsibilities will be.

Providing Quality Care Once They’ve Arrived

Schedule a vet appointment for the new pet as soon as possible, as they’ll need to be given appropriate pet vaccines, checked for disease and illness, receive dewormer if necessary, have teeth checked, be given flea and heartworm prevention, and schedule a spay or neuter. They’ll need annual exams and regular vaccines even after the initial visit, and the first visit helps them bond with the vet.

You should also start training the animal immediately, as anything you let them do while young, they will do when they’re old -- and puppy habits like nipping while playing or chasing the cat may be cute when they’re young, but can be problematic when they grow to full size. Use treats as positive reinforcement for good behavior, and firmly say no and spray them with a water spray bottle when they misbehave, which will deter them. You can also sign dogs up for obedience classes as pups.

Your new pet will need quality examinations and pet care from experienced veterinarians. The team at Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Sauk County, WI, has over 20 years of experience, and their comprehensive care includes pet vaccines, preventive care, and more. Whether you choose a cat or dog, to add to your home this holiday season, they’ll give you the information, guidance, and attentive care they deserve. Learn more about their services online, and call (608) 355-2882 to schedule the initial appointment.