Adopting a new pet is an exciting and heartwarming milestone. At Animal Welfare Association (AWA), we’re thrilled to be part of your journey. We want to ensure your new furry friend’s transition is smooth and joyful. If you're welcoming a playful pup, a curious cat, a rabbit, or a guinea pig, this guide is for you. It has expert advice on adjusting, feeding, training, and introductions. It's especially for homes with multiple pets.
The Rule of 3: Understanding Your Pet’s Adjustment Period
Bringing a new pet home can be an emotional experience for both of you. The Rule of 3 outlines the common stages of adjustment:
- First 3 Days: Your pet may feel overwhelmed or unsure of their new surroundings. They might hide, pace, or seem hesitant as they process the change.
- First 3 Weeks: As they learn your routine, you’ll start to see more of their personality emerge.
- After 3 Months: By now, your pet should feel at home. They should be confident and bonded with you.
Patience and understanding now are key. They will build trust and a bond with your pet.
Helping Your Dog Thrive
Food and Nutrition
Healthy eating is the foundation of your dog’s well-being. At AWA, our dogs eat a mix of donated food brands, so transitioning to a specific brand isn’t necessary. Choose high-quality dog food. It should have animal protein as the first ingredient. Feed adult dogs twice daily, combining dry kibble with wet canned food. The amount of food will depend on your dog's weight and the brand you choose - measurements should be found on the back of the kibble bag. For puppies, stick to dry puppy formula until they’re 6-9 months old to meet their growth and calorie needs.
Mental Stimulation
Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Use puzzle feeders, Kong toys with peanut butter or yogurt, and lick mats. They will engage your dog's mind and keep their tail wagging. These activities help prevent boredom and promote a calm, focused demeanor.
Adjusting to a New Home
Establish clear boundaries and routines from the start. For the first two weeks, keep your dog leashed indoors and outdoors. This will guide their exploration and set limits. Supervise them closely as they adjust to their new environment.
Training and Behavior
Training strengthens the bond between you and your dog while ensuring good behavior. Celebrate housetraining successes with immediate praise or treats. Create a cozy retreat with a crate by adding bedding and toys. Use positive reinforcement consistently to reward desired behaviors. It is vital to match their energy levels with playtime and walks. This prevents boredom and keeps them happy.
Helping Your Cat Feel at Home
Food and Nutrition
A balanced diet is vital for your feline friend’s health. Like our dogs, AWA's cats enjoy a mix of donated foods. Choose cat food with animal protein as the top ingredient and avoid brands with Red #40 food dye in the ingredients. At AWA, our cats and kittens free-feed on their dry kibble, meaning they have unrestricted access to it throughout the day. If you notice your newly adopted cat is finishing all their dry food in one sitting, consider scheduled feedings and/or using a slow feeder. Always provide fresh water and consider wet food as a treat for added hydration and enrichment.
Mental Stimulation
Cats benefit from engaging activities to keep their minds sharp. Interactive toys, like wand toys and laser pointers, can entertain for hours. Treat-dispensing puzzles stimulate their problem-solving skills. Simple items, like boxes and bags, can spark joy.
Adjusting to a New Home
Creating a stress-free environment is key for cats, who are more sensitive to changes. Start by setting up a quiet sanctuary room that is frequently visited like a bedroom, office, or bathroom. Include all the essentials: a bed, toys, food, water, and a litter box. Add scratching posts and toys for comfort. Spend time in the sanctuary space to help your cat feel secure without overwhelming them. When they’re ready, let them explore the house gradually, one room at a time. Be patient. Cats take longer than dogs to adjust. They need time to feel safe and confident in their new surroundings.
Helping Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Settle In
Rabbits and guinea pigs are delightful companions, each with their own unique needs. Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition for these small animals:
Creating a Comfortable Habitat
Rabbits and guinea pigs thrive in a well-structured and safe environment. Provide a spacious enclosure with ample room to move, explore, and rest. For rabbits, they can be litter box trained! Use a litter box with paper-based or hay litter. For guinea pigs, use absorbent bedding like fleece liners or paper bedding. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can be harmful to their respiratory health. Small animals should have a crate size that is at least 8 sq. feet in size for singles and at least 10 sq. feet in size for doubles.
Nutrition Essentials
A healthy diet is crucial for their well-being:
Rabbits: Give them unlimited fresh hay, like timothy or orchard grass. It's vital for their digestion. Also, give a small amount of rabbit pellets and fresh greens. Good options are romaine, parsley, or cilantro. Always ensure fresh water is available.
Guinea Pigs: Like rabbits, guinea pigs need unlimited hay and fresh water. They also need daily Vitamin C. It can come from special guinea pig pellets and fresh veggies, like bell peppers and kale.
Mental Stimulation and Socialization
Both species are highly intelligent and social animals that benefit from enrichment. Offer toys like willow balls, tunnels, and chew sticks to keep them engaged. Guinea pigs thrive in the company of other guinea pigs, so consider adopting a pair. Rabbits can bond with other rabbits. But, introductions should be gradual to ensure compatibility.
Adjusting to Their New Home
Give your rabbit or guinea pig time to acclimate to their surroundings. Put their enclosure in a quiet, low-traffic area. It should allow them to observe and adjust to household activities. Spend time sitting near them, speaking softly, and offering treats to build trust. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.
Introducing Dogs and Cats
Preparation
Introducing dogs and cats requires careful planning. Start by scent swapping. Exchange blankets, toys, or bedding between your dog and cat. This will help them get used to each other's scent. Provide your cat with vertical spaces, like cat trees or shelves. This will help them feel secure and have an escape route.
First Steps
Start with barrier introductions. Feed your dog and cat on opposite sides of a closed door, gradually moving their food bowls closer over time. This helps them associate positive experiences with each others' presence. Both pets need individual attention to prevent jealousy. Reward calm behavior with treats for both.
Face-to-Face Meetings
When it’s time for face-to-face interactions, proceed with caution. Keep your dog leashed to maintain control and allow the cat to approach on their terms. Don't force interactions. Reward calm, friendly behavior in both pets with treats and praise.
Ongoing Interactions
As their relationship evolves, continue to supervise their time together. Gradually increase their interaction time. Ensure the cat has safe spaces and/or high perches. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog and cat can form a harmonious bond.
Building a Lifelong Bond
Welcoming a new pet into your home is a journey filled with moments of joy, learning, and growth. These guidelines will help you create a great home for your pets Remember, the AWA is here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or updates about your pet’s progress.
Congratulations on your adoption! You’re embarking on a beautiful adventure filled with love and companionship.