13 Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

Are you introducing a brand new pet into the family? We got you covered! Read more to learn the top tips for first-time pet owners. We cover everything from pet budgeting, diet, getting settled with your new pet, and even hygiene! Get the latest information on pet care from HICC PET™.

By Christine LeBlancSep 22, 20220 comments

Best Tips for First Time Pet Owners

1. Understand Your Lifestyle and How Your Pet Will Fit Into It

Owning an animal is a big responsibility. Before bringing your new companion home, assess if your lifestyle is suitable for a new pet. Are you a traveler who’s always on the go? Do you work long in-office hours for your job, or do you work from home? Understanding the life you live will allow you to find the right pet.

Cats are very independent creatures who do not require walking or lots of attention from their owners. In contrast, dogs are very active pets who love to run around and require proper pet grooming materials like pet cleaning gloves. If you plan on owning a puppy or kitten, they need round-the-clock attention compared to mature pets. Before taking a stroll to your local pet store, consider whether your lifestyle will negatively or positively impact your new pet.

2. What Is the Biggest Mistake Pet Owners Make?

Pet owners’ biggest mistake is misunderstanding how much training it will take to adjust their new pet. Whether your cat or dog is a newborn or an adult, it is up to the owner to train them and make them feel comfortable. Cats must learn to use their litter box, while dogs must learn outside potty training.

If you do not want them to tear up shoes or scratch at furniture, there are ways to modify their behavior accordingly. Another mistake pet owners make is underestimating how often they should socialize their animals. Learning to be around other pets or humans is essential to good behavior.

It’s hard to assume your pet’s personality once you bring them home. To avoid nurturing aggressive, hyper, or shy pets, surround them with other animals. They build trust in their environment and learn good manners through socializing.

best tips for first time pet owners

3. How to Prep Your Home for a New Pet

As a new pet owner you will need bowls, collars, leashes, kitty litter (for cats), toys for chewing and scratching, and more. In addition to these items, stock your home with pet-safe products. Many pet grooming products come with harmful chemicals like pet washes and shampoos.

We recommend pet cleaning gloves or cat skincare glove wipes for busy pet owners with no time to wash their pets regularly. Prep your home with the right skincare products to deeply cleanse your pet without baths. An essential tip of all; don't forget to chip your beloved companion. Emergencies happen all the time, don’t let a lost pet be one of them. Microchipping your pet allows you to track their whereabouts and manage their safety.

4. Vaccinations

Cats and dogs suffer from common pet diseases like heart-worms, cancers, kennel cough, influenza, etc. Schedule a visit with your local veterinarian for a complete body check-up for your pet. Newborns need vaccinations at a young age to protect themselves against fatal infections. Many pets undergo yearly vaccinations to stop diseases from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. If you want your pet to live a long and healthy life, ensure they are up-to-date on all their medical needs.

tips for first time dogs owners

5. Do Your Pet Research

Just like people, pets have different personalities. Some pets are aggressive, while others have friendlier temperaments. Decide on which pet best suits your lifestyle and demeanor. Do you want your pet to be social or more reclusive? Training at a young age allows your pet to bond and understand you better. Speak to an animal rescue shelter if you have a more mature pet. Rescue shelters know the animals very well. If you like to hike and travel often, Huskies and Australian shepherds are perfect hiking buddies. A cat may suit you if you need a more independent pet.

6. Training Tips for New Pet Owners

Some owners believe that bringing a new pet into the house means it will just adjust. Many adopted pets come from the streets, where they have no formal home training. They will tear, jump, chew, and even bite based on their previous experiences. There are different ways to train both cats and dogs. Some of these measures include using treats or playtime as rewards. If you want more advanced training, look into an obedience school. If you’re going to train your dog on your own, look into starting with the basics.

Train them to signal if they need to go outside.
Prevent pets from jumping when they want something.
Start with simple commands
Occasionally use snacks as reward systems.
Practice patience. It will take time to train your pet.
Punish them humanely when they do something wrong
Teach them what they can chew on and what they cannot.

7. How to Make Your Pet Feel at Home

You can do many things to help your pet adjust to its new environment. Some tips for making your pet feel at home include:

Let them explore their new surroundings.
Create a consistent routine.
Reward them with treats and toys.
Use playtime as a way to bond or socialize with others.
Allow them to sleep with you or near you.
Cuddle and make them feel loved.
Use pet grooming brushes time as a way to bond.

8. Take Them to the Vet for Blood Work and Check-Ups

After annual vaccinations, cats and dogs should regularly see the vet for blood work or abnormalities. Some species have sensitive skin and allergies, while others need specific diets and care to prevent illness. If you have a sphynx cat, limiting their skin exposure is essential to avoid acne and hot spots.

If you have pets with fragile skin like bulldogs, sweat can collect in their skin folds and cause seborrhea. If you discover your pet is prone to allergies or has sensitive skin, protect them with over-the-counter solutions to save trips to the vet. We recommended using cat skincare glove wipes to groom away hot spots or rashes for a sphynx or other cat breeds. These disposable pet cleaning gloves also work for all dog types and ages.

9. Create a Budget for Your Pet

Purchasing or adopting a pet is only the beginning. Budgeting for your cat or dog will save you money on upfront expenses and unexpected bills. We break down everyday pet needs and costs for their annual, miscellaneous, and medical expenses.

Common Pet Needs:

Collars: $15-$30
Pet toys: $10-$20
Dog crates: $35-200
Cat carrier: $25-$120
Pet Bed: $30-$80
Litter Box: $16-$90
Dog Food: $50/month
Cat Food: $40/month
Pet Snacks: $10-$40

Medical Pet Expenses:

Pet insurance: $30-$70/month
Neutering: $200
First-year Vaccinations: $100-170
Wellness Services: Varies based on weight

You can offset a few of these costs with a year-long vet insurance premium. If you lose your income, you should save 3-6 months’ worth of pet expenses.

tips for first time cats owners

10. Develop a Proper Skincare Routine for Your Pet

Your pet may need regular or less frequent baths based on their lifestyle and skin condition. Pets with sensitive skin suffer from frequent bathing since pet shampoos can cause skin irritations. Allergies to outside factors like grass or bug bites cause pets discomfort. There are many ways to wash, groom, and care for your pet based on their needs.

With HICC PET™ Disposable Pet Cleaning Gloves, your pet will benefit from a powerful yet safe disinfecting solution free of harmful chemicals. Pet skincare glove wipes allow owners to deeply clean and penetrate dirt buildup in their pet’s fur or paws. You can supplement or completely replace your pet’s skincare routine with these specifically formulated gloves to save time and effort on tedious bathing.

11. Choose the Right Pet Food

Diet plays a significant role in pet health and longevity. High-quality pet foods ensure that your pet receives the top wellness, energy, and strengthening ingredients.

Many processed pet foods cause auto-immune failures, systemic inflammation, allergic reactions, and other health complications. Pet food is not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right food for your pet varies based on weight, age, genetics, and activity level. To determine the right food for your pet, speak to your veterinarian or research pet food companies specializing in organic ingredients.

12. Discipline Your Pet Without Punishment

Discipline helps correct bad pet behavior. Punishment is necessary, but the last thing you want to do is harm your pet or cause fear. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, owners should avoid physical punishments with their hands and use alternatives. Instruments like spray bottles let your pet know the behavior needs to stop without becoming the source of fear. To discipline and train your pet, try objects like shakers and loud horns instead of hitting or yelling.

13. Be Patient

Being a pet owner is a new and exciting venture. There will be many highs and lows, but the key is to be patient and take your time adjusting to your new life. Pets are far from perfect and will do harmful things, but taking the time to bond, love, and understand each other will offer you long-term happiness and cuddles.

HICC Pet™ Delivers Quality Care With Pet Cleaning Gloves

At HICC PET™, we believe your pets deserve the best. Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility, but we are here to make things easier for you. With our high-quality pet wellness products, rest assured, knowing your pet is getting the best care possible. Our pet cleaning gloves remove dirt buildup from travel, excursions, or just daily living.

The bacteria in the dirt can cause illness that may harm your pet over time or cost a hefty vet bill. We saturate our pet cleaning gloves, and cat skincare glove wipes with a potent disinfectant that is non-toxic for pets and safe to use on sensitive areas. Wipe your pet’s face, paws, and private regions, or use the solution to remove plaque buildup in the mouth.

It’s 100% effective for cats and dogs of all breeds and ages. Save time on vet bills and incorporate our glove wipes into your pet’s daily skincare routine. Visit our website to learn more about our pet wellness products.