The holiday season of 2015 has come and gone. As is typical every year, the holidays brought new additional family members into some homes, from puppies and older dogs to kittens and older cats. The one thing those pets all have in common is that they went into a new home, a new environment with new smells, new people, maybe other pets, and a host of firsts.

Whether you brought in a new dog or cat to your home, there’s an adjustment period for your beloved pet that is different than it is for humans. The best thing you can do is to get ready: Prepare your new pet and your family. Also remember that patience is key.

To start, make sure to do your research and choose a good veterinarian. It’s also important to start off with a collar, proper tags and ID. A microchip is also a great idea in case your dog or cat gets out and gets lost.

Cat Talk

For cats, the first 24 hours in the new home are very important. Cats are all about territory, so it’s not uncommon for cats to find a place and hide for a while. If you can, start preparing before you bring in your new feline, according to Bringing Home A New Cat. Here’s some other great tips from the article and more:

1. “Choose a room for the litter box” and fill it up with enough litter. A corner is an ideal spot.
2. Safety is important so ensure your cat feels safe by providing “a safe haven for the cat to hide in.” Try a covered cat bed or a box you can turn upside down and cut out two doors. The box should be large enough for your new cat to spread out, stand up, take a nap and pretty much chill.
3. Provide scratching posts in all rooms for your cat’s sake and yours.
4. Cat-proof the rooms in your home and ensure there are raised surfaces for your cat to sit on and observe the world and his or her territory.
5. Until your cat feels at home, your valuable items are best moved out of the way until Miss or Mr. Kitty is more at home.
6. Give your kitty space and time to adjust to the new surroundings.
7. Ensure your cat has a bowl with enough water.
8. When your new cat feels comfortable he or she will approach you so just let that happen.
9. Your cat may take time to eat. It may take a couple days, but be sure to have high-quality cat food available.

Whatever you do, be patient. Cats are not called finicky for nothing! They’re special, each with distinct personalities, so let them figure out their new surroundings. Before you know it, your new feline family member will be calling it home.

Welcome Home, Fido

Dogs are different than cats and bringing them into a new home is different as well. Dogs get stressed very easily, especially in a new environment.  Sometimes any training or positive potty habits get lost during the move due to being unfamiliar and scared. It’s also a time when many people give up on their dogs out of frustration. Again, a little patience goes a long way.

According to Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption, “Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.”

The following advice and tips from the article and beyond can help smooth over this important transition time:

1. Because your new dog will be stressed and uneasy, pick a place where he or she initially will spend most of the time, such as the kitchen, which can help in case of accidents.
2. Dog proof anything and everything you feel your dog could get into that may cause accidents, from electric cords to anything that breaks. This is a great time for baby gates.
3. Have a crate ready if you plan to crate train.
4. Enroll your dog in training classes or one-on-one training. If you plan to train on your own, ensure the entire family is on the same page with commands and direction. Socialization classes are also great to help your dog’s socialization skills with other dogs and people.
5. Give your dog time to adjust to the new home. If you have children, make sure to properly introduce them, and teach your children the correct way to interact with the dog.
6. Talk to your vet and do your research on the best nutrition for your dog’s best health.
7. Keep your dog on a schedule for feeding, play time, socialization, and alone time.
8. Praise your dog for positive behavior.
9. Try to keep things calm and stress free at home so you can try to get to know your dog. This will also help him or her become more comfortable in the home.

Remember, when you bring in a new pet to your home, patience is key, and the more you prepare and learn, the better for you and your new dog or cat as those first few days are crucial. The better prepared, the better for all.

Anyone up for a road trip? Your bags are packed and you are most definitely ready to go, as the song “Leaving on a Jet Plane” said. With suitcase in hand and beloved pet travel companion at your side, the open road awaits. Do you have everything you need for your pet?

• Food and bowl. Check
• Water and bowl. Check
• Check
• Check
• Medicine and first aid kit. Check
• ID tags. Check

It’s time to hit the road, Jack.

But wait. Aren’t you forgetting something? Sure when you get in the driver’s seat, you don’t start your car until you have your seat belt fastened. What about your pet? If by some horrible twist of fate you got into an accident and your pet was not safely secured in the car, he or she easily could be in great danger.

What can you do to ensure your pet is safely secure in your vehicle for the trip? There’s so many ways to prepare your pet for that ride in the car, and safety is among many:

• First things first: Your dog should not ride shotgun. Keep your beloved pet in the back seat. Just as airbags are dangerous for children, they pose great danger for pets. And never keep your pet in your lap. Not only is it dangerous for you and your pet, you can get pulled over by the police.
• Never allow your pet to run loose inside your vehicle. It’s dangerous for your pet, and it’s also a huge distraction for you, which can lead to vehicular accidents.
• Seatbelts have been known to save lives, but when it comes to safety harnesses for dogs, some are better than others. They’ve even done tests. Check the Center for Pet Safety report and the video using crash test dogs so you can make an informed and important decision.
• A barrier fence can prevent your pet from flying into the front seat if you stop short. Couple that with a recommended safety harness for extra security.
• Don’t allow your dog to be loose and hang out an open window. Flying debris can cause eye injuries, and outside distractions can cause your dog to take a leap out the window resulting in serious injury or death.
• Two for the price of one: A car seat and carrier combo attaches to a vehicle’s seat belt. It also doubles as a carrier for your pet when you’re out of the vehicle.
• Use your pet’s very own crate and make sure the crate is secured in the vehicle. Crates can also provide your pet a sense of security.
• Your pet should always wear an ID tag even while traveling. Also keep a pet emergency kit handy in the car in case of injury to you or your pet.
• It is not recommended, but if you must place your pet in the bed of a pickup truck, it is imperative to make sure you use a crate that is securely tethered to the bed of the vehicle. Riding in the back of a pickup is extremely dangerous. One short stop and your pet can go flying out of the bed and into traffic, which can be fatal for your furry family member as well as cause accidents.

Remember, if you stop for potty breaks for your dog or you have reached your destination, be careful when getting out of your vehicle in areas that are unfamiliar. Make sure your pets are either in a crate or carrier. If your dog is on a leash, hold tight. Pets have been known to bolt in strange surroundings.

Keep your pets safe on all your journeys. Your day trips and vacations will be much more enjoyable for all.

Safe travels!

Taking your dog to the dog park can be a great opportunity for socialization, exercise, and playtime in an open environment. There are many factors to consider when taking your dog to a dog park, especially in an off leash area. Dogs have very unique personalities and it is possible to encounter dogs that are more selective about playing with other dogs. It is important to remember that the other dogs may be unpredictable and not all dog owners thoroughly understand dog socialization and dog park etiquette. Always supervise your pet in a dog park environment, especially while they are playing with other dogs. For everyone’s safety, keep your dog on a leash until you are in a designated off leash area, and pay attention to separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.

A change in a dog’s behavior can happen very suddenly, and it is crucial to know the signs of distress or aggression in your dog and in other dogs in order to prevent issues. Positive play signs between dogs include bouncy gestures, open relaxed mouths, play-bow, and relaxed wagging tails. Some warning signs that a dog is not comfortable include ears pinned back, stiff or low wagging tail, hackles raised, anxiety/whining and the dog trying to get away from the situation. If you see a dog who looks extremely tense, is giving hard stares, showing teeth, snarling or raising lips, or trying to dominate another dog forcefully, these are all catalysts to a dog fight and should be stopped immediately. Dogs may also redirect their excitement or aggression so it important to not let your dog get overstimulated while playing. Dogs can become annoyed or uncomfortable at any time and that is why it is so important to watch them constantly and know what to look for.

Always follow the posted rules and regulations of the park, which help ensure the safety and well-being of pets and their owners. All pets should be fully vaccinated before entering a dog park, and puppies should not go to dog parks until they are at least 4 months old and fully vaccinated. If you see any dogs in the park showing signs of illness like coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea, you do not want your dog to play there. Children should not visit dog parks as some dogs are not good with children and they could easily be knocked over or injured by an excited dog. All dog owners should be watching their dogs at all times and should have their leash ready in case they need to leash their dog and remove them. Also, it is a good idea to bring your own waste bags to clean up after your dog, although some parks provide them. Leave the treats, toys and bones at home as these can cause unwanted issues between dogs.

Dog parks can be a lot of fun for your pets and are much safer if everyone follows posted rules and is aware of dog park etiquette. Some dogs may play with all the other dogs while some might enjoy sniffing around or sitting on the sidelines. Remember, if your dog seems very uncomfortable in a dog park situation it is best to remove them. Always pay attention to how your dog acts and do what makes them feel most comfortable.