Introducing A New Pet To The Family

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Bringing home a new pet is of course an exciting time, but if you already have a pet, there might be some teething issues.

Dr. Lynne Bodell from Lynne Bodell’s Vet Clinic suggests that a slow and deliberate approach is best, and with cat’s in particular caution should be taken.

“Cats tend to need a little bit of space. If a puppy comes bowling up to a cat, you can imagine what the cat’s going to do, it’s going to either run or strike at the puppy and possibly even damage the pups eyes” she said.

Introducing the puppy in a carry crate or behind a closed screen door, allows the other animal to adjust to their scent and is one of the ways you can try and forge a friendship between the two animals.

Having both animals on a lead or controlled is also important because puppies can be a little clueless.

“Puppies don’t have that social interaction, they haven’t learned how to say hello properly and they’ll bowl up and often a big dog or an older dog will suddenly go RUFF!” she said.

When it comes to bringing home a new baby into a home, it’s important to make sure your fur baby doesn’t feel too neglected or threatened by the new addition.

“The dog needs to be included in the family, the worst thing you can do is shove the dog outside and say get away, they need to be introduced in a controlled situation” Dr. Bodell said.

Dr. Bodell did also warn against letting young children get too up close and personal with pets, as it can result in injury and a serious fright for all involved.

Listen to the full chat here for more on how to introduce new additions to the family:  

28 May 2020




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