CHARLOTTE – Welcome to PAWrenthood! Bringing a new pet into your home is exciting and overwhelming, and an adjustment for everyone. Here are some tips to start off on the right paw.

Like humans, pets need time to acclimate to a new environment. Provide a comfortable, safe area for them if they need some space to themselves. It’s also important to keep their environment consistent by setting up their bed, food and water where you plan on having him or her long-term. Keeping their environment calm is also helpful for the first couple of weeks after bringing a new pet home.

Keep a regular routine when possible. Having consistent feeding times, training, outdoor potty breaks, and regular walks is key in helping your pet adapt and learn their new schedule and appropriate behaviors. This may take more time with older animals, as it’s likely a bigger adjustment for them.

Provide plenty of mentally-stimulating toys and activities. Having interactive toys can help your new pets release stress in a pawsitive way! 

Schedule a visit to your vet for essential care and advice on how to keep your fur baby healthy through the years.

Supervision and socialization of your puppy are some other important factors in the first few months of his/her life. This is the time to watch him/her closely, set boundaries as needed, and make a puppy area or room when someone isn’t going to be around for a while. Introducing your puppy to other dogs and people is also very beneficial from a young age.

Passionate Paws Animal Hospital is a proud member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.