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Adopting A Pet During The Holidays

Cat sitting in wreath

The holiday season is well underway in Northern Colorado, and people are out and about every day, trying to find those perfect gifts for everyone on their list. For some families, the little ones at home have been asking for a puppy or kitten all year long, and the parents may have plans to surprise their kids with a new pet this holiday season. While a dog or cat can be a great present, it’s important to remember that it’s a living creature that needs a lot of care and attention, especially during its first few months in the home. We covered this topic last year, but it’s definitely worth talking about again. At Loveland Veterinary Clinic, we can make sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy!

HELP IT ADJUST

There’s always a lot of excitement during the holiday season, with people coming and going over the next few weeks. Once your pet is home with you, it’s important to help it adjust to its new surroundings. This could mean not inviting the neighbors over for cider and hot chocolate, or delaying having the entire family over for a holiday dinner. You’ll want to introduce your pet to new people slowly so that it doesn’t get too nervous or try to hide somewhere in the house where you can’t find it. While some dogs and cats might love meeting new people, especially if they’re only a few weeks old and still discovering new things, older pets can become afraid and try to bolt.

WATCH WHAT IT EATS

The holidays are also a time when your family makes all types of treats and goodies, both for yourselves and to share with others. As you’re making cookies, cakes, and other things in the kitchen, it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t eat anything that it shouldn’t. You’ll want to establish a good diet for your new dog or cat, and also remind your family that sweets are not good for animals. If you have questions about what type of food to give your pet, then we’ll be more than happy to help.

MAKE THE RIGHT TRAVEL PLANS

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time during the holiday season, then you might want to wait to adopt a new pet until after you return. Bringing home a new pet and then leaving for a week can make things very tough on the animal, especially if they’re not used to their new home yet. Hiring a pet sitter or asking a neighbor to check on the animal can be a solution, but if the pet isn’t comfortable with strangers, then it could end up becoming aggressive, refuse to eat or go outside, or display other unwanted behavior.

MAKE A VET APPOINTMENT

Whenever you bring a new pet into your house, it’s imperative to make an appointment with your veterinarian so that you can make sure the animal is healthy, and that you catch any potential issues before they become major concerns. If you don’t have a vet, and this is your family’s first pet, then contact us today to schedule a time that works for you. We would love to meet you, your family, and your new furry friend.

We can perform a wellness exam, offer dietary advice, and prescribe any medications that your pet needs. Above all, we want your pet to have the best chance at living a full, healthy life. We know that adopting an animal can be a big commitment, which is why we’re here to help every step of the way when it comes to your pet’s health.

Call Us Today At (970) 667-3252 Or Contact Us Online!