New Pet Guide - Everything You Need to Know

Bringing a new pet into your home is one of life's most rewarding experiences. Whether you're welcoming a playful puppy, an independent cat, or another companion animal, proper preparation and knowledge are essential for a successful transition. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the exciting journey of pet ownership, from initial preparation through the crucial first weeks and beyond.

Before You Get a Pet: Important Considerations

Lifestyle Assessment

Before committing to pet ownership, honestly evaluate:

Time Commitment:

• Daily care requirements (feeding, exercise, grooming)
• Training time for puppies or young animals
• Playtime and socialization needs
• Long-term commitment (10-20 years for dogs/cats)

Financial Responsibility:

• Initial costs: adoption fees, supplies, initial veterinary care
• Ongoing expenses: food, preventive care, grooming
• Unexpected costs: emergency veterinary care, illness
• Pet insurance considerations
• Estimated annual cost: DKK 10,000-25,000+ depending on species and size

Living Situation:

• Housing restrictions or pet policies
• Space requirements for your chosen pet
• Yard or outdoor access
• Stability of living situation

Family Dynamics:

• Agreement among all household members
• Allergies or health concerns
• Children's ages and ability to help with care
• Other pets in the household

Choosing the Right Pet

Species Selection:

• Dogs: Social, active, require significant time and training
• Cats: Independent, lower maintenance, indoor lifestyle
• Small Mammals: Varies by species (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters)
• Birds: Long-lived, social, require specialized care

Age Considerations:

• Puppies/Kittens: Require extensive training and socialization, multiple veterinary visits
• Adults: Personality established, often already trained, easier to assess temperament
• Seniors: Lower energy, potential health issues, rewarding adoption choice

Source Selection:

• Shelters and Rescues: Save lives, often include initial veterinary care
• Reputable Breeders: Health testing, genetic screening, breed-specific traits
• Avoid: Pet stores, puppy mills, online classifieds without verification

Essential Supplies: Shopping List

For Dogs

Feeding Supplies:

• Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls
• High-quality dog food appropriate for age and size
• Treats for training

Walking Equipment:

• Properly fitted collar with ID tag
• Harness for training or pulling dogs
• 1.8-meter leash for walks
• Long line for training (optional)

Comfort Items:

• Dog bed or crate with bedding
• Blankets or towels
• Toys: chew toys, interactive toys, fetch toys

Grooming Supplies:

• Brush or comb appropriate for coat type
• Dog shampoo
• Nail clippers or grinder
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Training Tools:

• Treats for positive reinforcement
• Clicker (optional)
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents

For Cats

Feeding Supplies:

• Separate food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless steel)
• High-quality cat food (appropriate for age)
• Treats (in moderation)

Litter Box Setup:

• One litter box per cat plus one extra
• Unscented, clumping litter
• Litter scoop
• Litter mat

Comfort and Play:

• Cat bed or sleeping areas
• Cat tree or vertical spaces
• Scratching posts (multiple types)
• Variety of toys: interactive wands, balls, mice

Grooming:

• Brush or comb
• Nail clippers
• Cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste

Carrier:

• Sturdy, well-ventilated carrier
• Essential for veterinary visits

Veterinary Care: First Steps

Initial Veterinary Visit

Schedule within the first week of bringing your pet home:

What to Bring:

• Any medical records from breeder, shelter, or previous owner
• List of questions and concerns
• Current food for discussion
• Stool sample (if requested)

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive physical examination
• Discussion of vaccination schedule
• Parasite screening and prevention
• Microchipping (if not already done)
• Spay/neuter discussion if not already done
• Nutritional counseling
• Behavior and training advice

Vaccination Schedule

For Puppies:

• First vaccination: 6-8 weeks
• Boosters: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
• Core vaccines: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Rabies
• Optional vaccines: Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza

For Kittens:

• First vaccination: 6-8 weeks
• Boosters: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
• Core vaccines: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Rabies
• Optional vaccines: FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

For Adult Pets:

• Depends on vaccination history
• May need full series or just boosters
• Veterinarian will create individualized schedule

Parasite Prevention

Internal Parasites:

• Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms
• Monthly preventives recommended
• Fecal testing 2-4 times in first year, then annually

External Parasites:

• Fleas, ticks, mites
• Year-round prevention in many regions
• Monthly topical or oral preventives

Heartworm:

• Mosquito-borne parasite
• Monthly preventive medication
• Annual testing for dogs

Spay/Neuter Surgery

Benefits:

• Prevents unwanted litters
• Reduces certain health risks (mammary cancer, pyometra, testicular cancer)
• Decreases roaming and marking behaviors
• Reduces aggression in some pets

Timing:

• Traditional: 6 months of age
• Early spay/neuter: 8-16 weeks (varies by veterinarian and species)
• Large breed dogs: May wait until growth plates close
• Discuss optimal timing with your veterinarian

Nutrition Guidelines

Choosing Quality Food

What to Look For:

• AAFCO certification (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
• Named meat protein as first ingredient
• Appropriate for life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior)
• Breed-specific formulas if needed
• No artificial colors or excessive fillers

Types of Food:

• Dry Kibble: Convenient, dental benefits, economical
• Canned/Wet Food: Higher moisture, palatable, higher cost
• Raw Diets: Controversial, requires research and veterinary guidance
• Home-Cooked: Requires veterinary nutritionist formulation

Feeding Guidelines

Puppies and Kittens:

• 3-4 meals daily until 6 months
• Free-choice feeding not recommended
• Follow package guidelines, adjust for body condition
• Transition to adult food at 12 months (varies by breed)

Adult Pets:

• 1-2 meals daily
• Measured portions prevent obesity
• Consistent feeding times
• Fresh water always available

Senior Pets:

• May need senior-specific formulas
• Smaller, more frequent meals if needed
• Monitor body condition closely

Foods to Avoid

Toxic to Dogs:

• Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Macadamia nuts, alcohol
• Cooked bones (can splinter)

Toxic to Cats:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate, caffeine
• Lilies (extremely toxic)
• Alcohol, raw dough

Training and Socialization

Puppy Training Basics

House Training:

• Take outside frequently (every 1-2 hours initially)
• After meals, naps, and play sessions
• Praise and reward for eliminating outside
• Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner
• Be patient and consistent

Basic Commands:

• Sit, stay, come, down, leave it
• Positive reinforcement training
• Short, frequent training sessions
• Puppy training classes recommended

Crate Training:

• Safe space for puppy
• Aids house training
• Prevents destructive behavior
• Never use as punishment

Socialization (Critical Period: 3-16 Weeks)

Expose Puppies to:

• Different people (ages, appearances, uniforms)
• Other vaccinated, friendly dogs
• Various environments (city, park, car rides)
• Different sounds and surfaces
• Gentle handling (paws, ears, mouth)

Important Guidelines:

• Keep experiences positive
• Don't overwhelm
• Avoid dog parks until fully vaccinated
• Puppy socialization classes ideal

Kitten Training

Litter Box Training:

• Usually naturally inclined
• Show kitten litter box location
• Keep box clean
• Use unscented, clumping litter

Scratching Training:

• Provide multiple scratching posts
• Place near sleeping and play areas
• Use catnip to attract
• Praise for using posts

Bite Inhibition:

• Redirect to toys
• Stop play if biting occurs
• Never use hands as toys

Pet-Proofing Your Home

Safety Hazards to Address

Electrical Cords:

• Cover or conceal exposed cords
• Unplug when not in use
• Cord protectors available

Toxic Substances:

• Secure cleaning products
• Lock cabinets containing hazardous materials
• Remove toxic plants
• Store medications safely

Small Objects:

• Remove choking hazards
• Secure trash cans
• Store string, ribbons, rubber bands

Secure Windows and Balconies:

• Install secure screens
• Never leave windows open unsupervised
• Consider balcony netting for cats

Furniture Stability:

• Secure heavy furniture that could tip
• Block access to hazardous areas
• Remove fragile items from low surfaces

The First Days at Home

Creating a Routine

Consistency is Key:

• Establish feeding times
• Create potty/litter box schedule
• Set up play and quiet times
• Maintain regular sleep schedule

Managing Stress

Reduce Anxiety:

• Quiet, calm environment initially
• Gradual introduction to home
• Safe space for retreat
• Limit visitors first few days

Bonding Activities

Build Trust:

• Gentle handling and petting
• Hand-feeding treats
• Calm, positive interactions
• Play appropriate to species
• Respect pet's need for space

Common First-Week Issues

Digestive Upset

Causes:

• Stress of transition
• Dietary changes
• Parasites

Management:

• Gradual food transitions
• Monitor for vomiting or diarrhea
• Veterinary consultation if persistent

Sleep Disruption

Solutions:

• Crate next to bed initially
• Gradual distance increase
• Consistent bedtime routine
• Ignore attention-seeking behaviors

Anxiety Behaviors

Normal Adjustment:

• May be clingy or hiding
• Reduced appetite possible
• Some vocalization normal
• Patience and consistency needed

Copenhagen-Specific Resources

Veterinary Care

MyPeterinarian Copenhagen:

• Comprehensive new pet examinations
• Vaccination and preventive care
• Nutritional counseling
• Behavior consultations
• Emergency services

Local Amenities

Dog-Friendly Areas:

• Copenhagen's many dog parks
• Off-leash areas and beaches
• Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

Pet Supply Stores:

• Multiple locations throughout city
• Online delivery options available

Training Resources:

• Puppy and kitten socialization classes
• Positive reinforcement training schools
• Behavior consultants

Long-Term Care Considerations

Ongoing Veterinary Care

Annual Wellness Exams:

• Physical examination
• Vaccination boosters as needed
• Parasite screening
• Dental evaluation
• Blood work for senior pets

Dental Care:

• Daily tooth brushing ideal
• Dental chews and toys
• Professional cleanings as recommended

Grooming

Regular Maintenance:

• Brushing (frequency varies by coat type)
• Nail trims every 3-4 weeks
• Bathing as needed
• Ear cleaning if prone to issues

Exercise and Enrichment

Dogs:

• Daily walks (2-3 times minimum)
• Mental stimulation through training
• Social interaction with other dogs
• Interactive play sessions

Cats:

• Daily interactive play (15-20 minutes)
• Environmental enrichment (cat trees, window views)
• Puzzle feeders
• Rotating toys to maintain interest

Conclusion

Welcoming a new pet is a significant commitment that brings immense joy and companionship. Proper preparation, education, and veterinary care set the foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life together. Remember that every pet is an individual with unique needs and personality. Patience, consistency, and love will help your new companion adjust and thrive in their forever home.

Ready to welcome your new family member? Contact MyPeterinarian in Copenhagen to schedule your new pet wellness examination and get personalized guidance for a successful start to your pet parenting journey!