4 Tips for Bringing Home a Senior Pet
-4 Tips for Bringing Home a Senior Pet-
Celebrate senior pets by spreading the word that November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Pet rescue centers, animal non-profits, and shelters across the Greater Tampa Bay Area and the nation need to find forever homes for many senior pets. If you or someone you know is ready to adopt, check out our tips for bringing a furry friend into your home.
Adopting and Adoring a Senior Pet
Adoption rates are often not as high for senior cats and dogs compared to younger pets. Many assume an older pet will require extra care. In actuality, however, that rambunctious puppy or kitten could be quite a handful for months or even years. With age comes wisdom, and it could be wise to opt for the calmness and predictability of a senior pet.
Here are a few tips for welcoming an older pet into your home:
- Health History and Veterinary Examination: Request your pet’s entire medical history, including diet and medications. Also, find out details about prior home settings before leaving the adoption center. This information could be vital in properly caring for your pet. Promptly set a veterinary appointment for a full examination to get a baseline of current health, update any vaccines, and stock up on appropriate food and medications.
- Safe Space and Bedding: For the initial introduction to your home, have a special area ready just for your new pet — perhaps a quiet spare room or other area with pet bedding or blankets. Creating a designated area in advance is one of the first steps in guaranteeing your new pet is comfortable. Fear or anxiety could result in an accident or a brawl with other pets; therefore, temporarily keep him or her in a safe space away from other household pets to protect you, your pets, your home, and your furniture.
- Toys and Welcoming Efforts: An older, skittish pet may experience anxiety upon arrival, which is why you will also want to clear all debris and loose items from floors to prevent chewing or accidental ingestion. Provide gifts of play toys, which are helpful for anxious pets of all ages. Show them the toys and interact with your pet so he or she is aware it is a safe zone for playtime. Even if your pet lacks interest in running around, he or she might appreciate your welcoming efforts. As everyone settles in and you introduce your pet to other areas of your home, bring their toys or blankets to other rooms to make your pet comfortable.
- Routines and Schedules: It will be important to create a feeding plan for both food and treats. Some older pets may already have a set diet and schedule or may need encouragement with meals. Monitor eating and drinking in a designated area of your home to establish a predictable routine. And obviously, be sure to introduce your pet to designated potty areas and/or create walking schedules to establish a daily routine.
Our real estate team is happy to see customers enjoying beloved cats, dogs, and other pets in their homes. Whether young or old, consult with a veterinarian for comprehensive pet-health instructions.
