|
|
|
Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NUI) - "Fighting like cats and dogs" is not the catchphrase most pet owners want to use when describing their pets. So are you ready to have more than one pet in your home?
Fortunately, most pets will learn to live together peacefully and, over time, even become the best of friends. At the beginning, however, it takes some patience, persistence, and lots of love and praise from you, the owner.
"Pets provide family members with comfort and companionship, but it's also important to recognize the value of making all pets feel safe, secure and loved," said Dr. Jennifer Berg, a veterinarian.
Here are some tips for bringing a new pet into a multipet home:
* Allow the animal to adjust to its new home before introducing it to your other pets. Then, introduce your pets in a supervised, controlled environment. Praise them if they are getting along, but do not punish them if they don't. Simply separate them and try again later. With time, hopefully, everyone will learn to get along.
* Love all pets equally. Demonstrating an equal amount of love and affection toward all of your pets will not only strengthen the personal bond between you and your new pet, but will also prevent aggressive behavior from pets that may be feeling less loved now that a new family member is in the picture.
* Prevent transmittable diseases. All pets have the potential to bring unwanted pests, such as fleas and ticks, indoors which can easily spread to other pets and infest your home. Use preventive products on cats and dogs to control infestations and prevent potential disease.
When selecting a flea control product, check the label to ensure it is safe for both dogs and cats. Permethrins, which are common in many flea and tick preventives, can cause seizures and death in cats, even when not applied directly on them. Products like Frontline Plus (a monthly, fast acting, waterproof flea and tick control product) are available from your veterinarian and are safe for both cats and dogs.
* Visit the veterinarian. It is a good idea for pet owners to consult with a veterinarian before introducing a new pet to the house.
"Before bringing the new pet home, pet owners should visit the veterinarian to have the dog or cat tested for infectious conditions," Berg said.
|
© Copyright by Eveningsnews.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
