Easing a Puppy or Kitten into a New Home

Easing a Puppy or Kitten into a New Home

               Many people welcomed new puppies and kittens into their homes around the holidays or are planning to adopt a pet in the new year.  Adjusting to a new household can be a little stressful on new fur babies.  Let’s learn more about how we can ease the transition into a new home and routine.

• Limit access within the house.  A new space, especially a large house, can be overwhelming for a new puppy or kitten.  Limit access to one or two rooms for the first few days, then gradually introduce your new pet to the rest of the house.  Be sure to have food, water and bedding in the area and a litter pan for a new kitten. 
• Designate an area for your pet to use the potty.  Kittens need access to a litter pan and will usually quickly pick up using the box for elimination.  Make sure the box is scooped daily or even multiple times a day if needed.  For most puppies, we want to train them to go to the bathroom outside, so choose a designated area in the yard and take your puppy to it each time.  Pair a phrase such as “go potty” with taking him outside and be sure to praise your pup when he does go outdoors.  If you want your pup to go to the bathroom indoors, again, choose a designated area to put a pee pad and make sure she knows where it is and always has access to the area and place clean pads each time your pup goes. Use of potty pads are not recommended if you want your pup to pee and poop outdoors.
• Minimize stress and excitement—everyone wants to see the new addition but it’s best to limit visits with friends and neighbors until your pet has had a few days to settle in. Don’t invite visitors on the first day your new pet comes home.  Stick to immediate family members
• Create and stick to a schedule for your new pet for feeding, crate time, play time, using the bathroom, etc. and enforce rules right away. Routine will provide structure and comfort for your new pet.  Puppies can learn basic commands like “sit” very early.  Kittens can also be taught to use scratching posts or pads instead of furniture and other basics.  Never physically reprimand or yell at your puppy or kitten.  Use positive reinforcement for training.
• It’s ok if you want your new pet to sleep in bed with you and if you are comfortable doing so, but, if you want them to sleep in a crate or other area of the house, start enforcing this now.  Crate training puppies can take some time, but, keep to a routine, and be consistent. Consider using a special treat or toy that is only available to your pup when in her crate to make it a pleasant area and place the crate.
• Schedule your pet’s first vet visit.  Having your puppy or kitten checked by a veterinarian within the first few weeks of bringing him or her home is very important.  Your vet should be able to make sure your pet is healthy and free from parasites, infectious diseases or underlying problems like a heart murmur.  Your pet may or may not need vaccinations at his first visit, but it is important to stick to a vaccine schedule to ensure your pet develops proper immunity to harmful diseases like parvovirus in dogs or panleukopenia in cats. Also make sure you have all the things your need for your pet BEFORE bringing him home such as a litter pan, crate, toys, food, bowls, etc.  It’s better to be prepared than to try to scramble to assemble needed items for a new pet.

New puppies and kittens are such fun, loving additions to a household. But, being in a new space with new people and pets can be overwhelming for a new pet.  Help make the transition into your home easier for your new pet by following the tips above, and you’ll be able to focus on training and having fun with your new fur baby.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities. 

https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/cats/blog/how-ease-kitten-new-home-stunning-success

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/first-day-new-puppy/