13 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Pet

Pets, whether a dog or a cat, can bring a lot of joy into your life but there are some things you should know before you get your first pet. Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but if you're prepared for it, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. We've been there and we want to share some crucial things we learned along the way! So before you take the plunge into pet ownership, these are a few things you should know: 

Here are 13 things we wish we knew before we got our first pet:

One thing we wish we knew was how to properly prepare our houses when we first brought in our own fur babies! We learned that you'll want to make sure your home is pet-friendly and pet-proofed!  Make sure to pick up any loose items off the floor that could be potential hazards, like small toys or coins. Any cleaning products or chemicals should be stored safely out of reach. Put away any food that you don't want your pet getting into, like chocolate or candy. Block off any areas of the house that you don't want your pet to have access to, like the garbage can or certain rooms in your home.

You can also get some pet-friendly furniture covers for your sofa and chairs, if you want, and set up a comfy bed or crate for your pet to sleep in. Stock up on pet-safe cleaning supplies, like pet-friendly shampoo and Stain & Odor remover, in case of any accidents since they're still getting used to a new place.

One myth a lot of pet owners tend to believe in is pets whether dogs or cats of the same breed have almost the same personalities. Remember that just like us humans, we can be very different compared to our other family members! Plus, we all have different kinds of lifestyle that we must consider so we can make sure we can take care of our pet. If you're an active person who likes to go on walks or hikes, a dog may be a good fit for you. If you're someone who enjoys cuddling on the couch, a cat might be a better choice. Consider what kind of pet will best fit into your lifestyle before making a commitment. Do your research especially on the breed you plan to get.

This one is very crucial so your precious pets don't end up just being locked inside your house and to be able to socialize with other pets/people as well! Introduce your new pet slowly and carefully to other pets to other pets and new places. Don't force them to interact if they seem uncomfortable or scared. Start with short, positive interactions in safe environments like a park or pet-friendly beach.

Help your new pet learn how to read other animals' body language by watching their own body language closely. Reward them when they show signs of socializing appropriately, such as approaching another animal calmly and with their tail wagging. Don't forget to be patient and consistent with your efforts to socialize your new pet. It may take some time for them to feel comfortable around other animals, but eventually they'll get there with your help!

There are a lot of things you need to consider when budgeting for your precious pets. The first thing you need to think about is the cost of food. You also need to think about the cost of vet bills. Your pet will also need a place to sleep, and you will need to buy toys and supplies for them to play with. Your pet also needs to be groomed and don't forget about their bathroom business which can vary whether you're getting a dog or a cat. The costs of owning a pet can really add up, so make sure you are prepared before you get one.

To learn about the estimated cost of owning a pet in Singapore, you can check out How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pet in Singapore?

Not only does obedience training help to keep your pet safe and out of trouble, but it can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet, and help to keep them healthy and happy. For example, by teaching your pet basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down, you can help to prevent them from running into traffic or getting lost. In addition, obedience training can also help to protect your pet from other animals that may pose a threat. Many pets benefit from obedience training, which can help them learn appropriate behavior and manners.

Here are 13 Common Mistakes When Training a Puppy so you can avoid them & Top 5 Best Dog Training Schools In Singapore you can check out!

You can also teach these fun tricks for cats: 5 Basic Cat Tricks Even New Pet Owners Can Easily Teach & for dogs: 5 Basic Dog Tricks Even New Pet Owners Can Easily Teach

You need to make sure you are prepared to take on the responsibilities and the time commitment that comes with pet ownership for owning a pet is more than feeding and providing a place for them to sleep. As a pet owner, you need to be prepared to provide food, go to veterinary check ups, and pet toys/supplies. You can check these 5 Tips on How To Choose The Right Toy For Your Pets! You also need to keep in mind your pet's bathroom needs. For dogs, you need to make to take them outside to relieve themselves and for cats, you might need to provide a cat litter box for them to use especially if they stay indoors. You also need to have enough time to care for your pet and give them the attention they need. Here are 5 Simple Steps on How to Litter Train Your Cat to get your started! You can also use Automatic Cat Litter Box which is great for busy fur parents! Check out these 10 Reasons Why You Should Use an Automatic Cat Litter Box as your household might need one!

Don't forget your fur babies' health needs which includes helping them to be clean everyday! Here are 4 Pet Gadgets That Will Help You Groom Your Pet Much Easier to help you groom your precious pets on your own as taking them to pet salons can be expensive!  Taking them to a vet from time t time is crucial too! This will be discussed in the next pointers!

Choosing a the right vet is one of the most crucial things when it comes to having a pet because besides your pet's health being on the line, it can also affect you as well. Doing your research is definitely important. You can also ask about the veterinarian's experience and specialty. You'll want to choose a vet who has experience treating animals like yours and who is comfortable with the type of care your pet needs. Find out what services the clinic offers. Does the clinic offer routine wellness care, such as vaccinations and check-ups? Or does it only provide emergency care? What about the clinic's hours? How far is the clinic? And of course, make sure you can afford their services.

Make sure the clinic can meet your pet's needs. But don't worry, there are vet clinics who gives advices on how you can afford your pet's expenses. You can check out these7 Tips You Can Do If You Can't Afford Vet Care in Singapore!

Here are 5 Best 24-hour Vet Clinics in Singapore you can also check out!

Spaying or neutering your pet can help to reduce the number of homeless animals. Every year, there are millions of animals that are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. By spaying or neutering your pet, you can help to reduce this number. They will also have a reduced risk of cancer and other health problems. It can also help to improve their behavior and make them more calm for they will less likely to mark their territory, roam, fight with other animals, and become pregnant (if female).  They will also have a reduced risk of developing health problems later in life. This can save you money on potential vet bills down the road.

You can check out these Top 9 Reasons Why You Should Have Your Pets Spayed or Neutered to learn more and How to Care for Your Pets After Spaying to prepare!

Some pet owners believe that as long as their pet appears healthy, there is no need for a vet visit. Pets age much faster than humans, so it is important to have them seen by a vet at least once a year. This allows the vet to catch any problems early and treat them before they become serious. Vaccinations are also an important part of preventative care for your pet. They help protect against deadly diseases such as rabies and distemper. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are essential to keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Here are 5 Important Reasons Why You Should Bring Your Pet to the Veterinarian to learn more & 7 Questions Every Pet Owner Should Ask Their Veterinarian to help you prepare!

We must remember that even if a dog or a cat is of the same breed, they still have a lot of differences! Each pet has its own personality, and each owner develops a special bond with their pet. Pets come in all shapes and sizes. And because they are all unique, they all require different care, routine, diet, etc. Not to mention if the pet came from a different environment. Which is why you must do your research first and consult your vet for them to help you determine what is best for your precious pets from the food they must eat and the care they should get from you! 

Pets can cause us allergies because of the dander they produce. Dander is a type of protein that is found in animal skin, saliva, and urine. When these proteins become airborne, they can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. The symptoms of pet allergies can vary from person to person, but may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma. If you think you may be allergic to your pet, there are a few things you can do to try and reduce your symptoms. You can try to keep your pet out of your bedroom, use an air purifier, and talk to your doctor about possible allergy medications that can help relieve your symptoms.

These 5 Cleaning Tips that Pet Owner Wish They Knew Earlier can surely help you keep your household clean for you and for your precious pets as well!

Like what's said earlier, pets need more than just food and a place to sleep, they need proper care and training. This is one way to also avoid bad behaviors from developing and at worst case scenario, your pet can end getting sick or hurting others! This is why you must know everything you can know about your precious pet especially if they are not adopted in an early age because they most likely already developed a habit of their own along the years. Just make sure you watch over them carefully and of course, do your research according to what you've learned and consult a vet as much as needed. 

You must remember that even though pets age faster than us and have a short life span, you will have them for years everyday and it requires commitment to keep taking care of them daily! It's not just a phase you go through. Pets require time, energy, and money as it is said in the early pointers. They can also get sick or injured, and they will age over time. All of this requires a significant investment of your time and resources. If you're not prepared to make that commitment, then you're not ready for a pet.

Pets are a big responsibility, but they can also be a lot of fun. Now that you know the things we wished we knew before we got our first pet, keep this in mind and start preparing!

You can also check out these 7 Important Things New Pet Owners Need to Know  and  7 Common Pet Owners Mistakes You Should Avoid Doing to learn more!

Share this with your fellow pet owners and you can also leave a comment down below about the things you wished you knew before getting your fur baby, we would also love to read them!

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