Embarking on a journey of pet ownership can be an exciting yet challenging experience for new pet owners. As you welcome a furry companion into your home, there are many considerations to keep in mind and new information to digest in order to give your pet a good life. 

Animals have unique bodies that require special attention and care, and nurturing their physical and emotional wellbeing is vital for their healthy growth and overall happiness. Whether you’re bringing home a loyal canine companion, a purring feline friend, a hoppy rabbit or a small, fuzzy hamster, we are here to help ease the process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to pet health and wellness to help you give your pets a fulfilling and vibrant life.

PREPARING FOR YOUR PET’S ARRIVAL 

In the moments leading up to your new pet’s arrival, proper preparation is key to ensure their smooth transition into a new home. Pets can easily experience stress and fall ill when moving into new environments. Hence, it is important to streamline this process to maintain their overall wellbeing. In this section, we focus on the essential steps you need to take before welcoming your furry friend. 

1.1. Do Your Research

Preparing for your new pet’s arrival is an exciting time. But, it’s also a crucial period of research and learning. Invest ample time and effort into gathering information before your pet’s move-in as this phase can help prepare you to provide the best possible care and environment for your new companion. Here’s a list of what you need to look up:

a. Species and Breed

The internet is a great resource for finding information about your pet. Take the time to research more about your pet’s breed, their behaviour traits, possible health issues, and abilities. Understanding the specific characteristics of the species and breed helps you to better anticipate their needs and provide suitable care tailored to their unique requirements.

b. Care Requirements

Every pet has unique needs related to grooming, exercise, and diets. You’ll want to familiarise yourself with the kind of food and the appropriate portion sizes to feed your pet, the amount of exercise they should be getting to maintain a healthy weight, as well as educate yourself on the telltale signs of health problems so that you can promptly identify any issues and seek veterinary care when necessary.

Additionally, pick up proper grooming skills to keep your pet’s appearance clean and tidy, ensuring overall hygiene and comfort. 

You may also wish to find out more about the potential pet health products, such as  pet immune boosters and pet supplements that your fur friends can benefit from. Some of them offer additional nutrition or preventive care your pets need for better health.

Learn More:  4 Benefits Of Incorporating Immune Boosters Into Your Pet's Life

c. Habitat and Housing

Your furry companion’s living environment is also key to their quality of life and overall wellbeing. For example, a fish needs to live in an aquarium with appropriate water conditions and filtration systems, while a hamster needs a spacious cage with bedding, toys, and hiding spots. 

To ensure that the habitat meets your pet’s needs, consider factors like size, ventilation, safety, and environmental enrichment. Sufficient space lets your pet move, exercise, and exhibit their natural behaviours comfortably. Adequate ventilation helps maintain fresh air and prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in your home. And environmental enrichment helps stimulate your pet’s mind and prevent boredom. 

d. Socialisation and Training

Some pets, such as dogs and cats, require regular socialisation and training to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved and sociable companions. Stimulation of the mind also prevents cognitive decline.

The goal of pet socialisation is to help pets become well-adjusted and confident individuals capable of interacting positively with their surroundings. It is crucial for puppies and kittens as it allows them to develop good behaviour and appropriate responses to different stimuli. It prevents fear, aggression and anxiety-related issues that may arise in their later years. 

Similarly, pet training is essential as it teaches pets boundaries, to follow commands, and exhibit desirable behaviours to ensure their safety, obedience, and well-being. Training also promotes mental stimulation, builds trust, and strengthens the bond between owners and their pets. 

Knowing how to socialise and train your pet allows you to understand their emotions and create a nurturing environment that supports their physical and mental wellbeing. This  ensures a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pet.

e. Veterinary Care

Researching veterinary care is crucial for new pet owners as it equips you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to provide your pets with high-quality care. Find out more about local veterinarians who specialise in the care of your pet, and familiarise yourself with common health issues, vaccination schedules, and preventive care measures your pet should go through.

f. Pet Proofing

Before bringing your new pet home, you’ll want to ensure that your living space is safe and conducive for your pet. Find out more about potential hazards, such as plants or decorations (e.g. himalayan salt lamps) that can be dangerous to your pet, and make necessary adjustments to create a safe environment where your pet can explore and play without risk.

1.2. Prepare Pet Supplies

After learning all you need to know about your pet, it’s time to prepare the house for them. Where will your furry companion sleep when they go home with you? What will you be feeding your pet?

There are many things, such as bedding, pet wellness products and pet supplements, you need to purchase and prepare when awaiting the arrival of a new pet. Having these necessary supplies on hand before their move-in ensures an easy transition. Here’s a list of essentials to have:

Learn More:  Considerations To Keep In Mind Before Purchasing Pet Supplements

a. Housing

First and foremost, your pet needs a comfortable and safe environment to spend their days and nights in. Consider the size of your pet and their specific needs, then choose an appropriate “home” for them. For example, if you’re welcoming a cat, get a cosy cat bed and a cat tower. If a dog is joining your family, a soft dog bed or a well-constructed crate will provide a secure spot for rest. You’ll also need to factor in bags for transportation, equipment for training, and more.

b. Grooming Supplies

Good hygiene is vital for your pet’s well-being, and grooming is a key aspect of pet care that can help ensure that. Invest in grooming supplies such as brushes or combs suitable for your pet’s coat type, nail clippers or a file for trimming their nails, pet-friendly shampoo,  pet dental care products, as well as a towel and hairdryer for bathing. Regular grooming not only keeps your pet clean but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, and gives you an opportunity to train them.

Besides the typical grooming tools and supplies, you may also consider getting  ear cleansers for dogs prone to ear infections, flea and tick sprays for pets that spend long periods of time outdoors, and pet eye drops to keep their eyes clean.

If you’re looking for pet eye drops, the Jean-Paul Nutraceuticals ColloRx  Collagen Eye Drops is an ideal option. It introduces collagen to the eye, which helps to stimulate regeneration processes, improve hydration, as well as deliver antioxidants and antimicrobial properties to protect your pet’s eyes.

c. Feeding Essentials

Many pets feel most vulnerable when they’re eating, which is why you should always ensure that they can enjoy their meals comfortably by feeding them with the appropriate utensils, such as food bowls, automatic feeders, or slow feeder bowls.

Always ensure that your dog’s food bowl is not placed too low or too high as it forces them to strain their joints and neck to eat. If necessary, purchase a food bowl holder to hold your dog’s bowl at a height suitable for them. For cats, it is recommended that they’re fed their meals in flat and wide plates to prevent whisker fatigue, which can cause stress, irritation and pain to them.

Additionally, invest in safe food storage containers that do not contain BPA or other plastic contaminants as they can be dangerous to your pet.

d. Toys

Pets need regular mental and physical stimulation, and toys are perfect for fulfilling this need. Choose toys that are suitable for your pet’s size, age, and breed. Some options to consider include interactive toys, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep your pet engaged and mentally stimulated, or chew toys to satisfy their natural instinct to chew, protecting your furniture and belongings. Chew toys also help to ease any discomfort in teething puppies or kittens.

e. Hygiene

Maintaining cleanliness is not only important for your pet, but also for you and your home. Stock up on pet-friendly cleaning supplies, including stain and odour removers, pet-safe disinfectants, and pet wipes. These items will come in handy when accidents happen or when you need to keep your pet’s living space clean and fresh.

Additionally, you’ll need a list of other hygiene supplies for your pet’s use, such as litter box for cats and pee pads and pee trays for dogs.

f. Nutrition-Related Supplies

In addition to food bowls, you need to ensure that you have food stocked up for your pet, according to their specific dietary requirements. For example, kibbles, vegetables, raw diets, and more. Always check with a veterinarian or the breeder to determine the best type of food for your new pet.

More information on pet nutrition will also be shared in a later section. Keep reading to find out more. 

Learn More:  Debunking 4 Misconceptions About Pet Food

1.3. Source for a Reliable Veterinarian

A veterinarian is not only responsible for the health and well-being of your furry friend but also serves as a trusted advisor for any concerns or issues that may arise. Finding the right veterinarian requires careful consideration and research to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.

Routine veterinary care is essential for your pet’s health. You need to bring your pet for an initial checkup at the vet within two weeks of bringing them home, and once or twice annually subsequently. Going to the same veterinarian ensures that the person caring for your pet understands their body well. Visiting a veterinarian your pet is familiar with can also ease the consultation and treatment process, reducing the amount of stress placed on them.

Here are some key things to take note of when sourcing for a reliable veterinarian.

a. Recommendations and Referrals

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who own pets. Their personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and services offered by different veterinarians. Additionally, consult local pet communities or online forums for recommendations from fellow pet owners.

b. Location and Accessibility

Consider the proximity of the veterinarian’s clinic to your home. In case of emergencies or routine check-ups, having a veterinarian’s clinic nearby can be very convenient. You’ll also need to factor in how you’ll commute to the clinic, as pets are not allowed on public transport in Singapore. Ensure that the clinic’s working hours align with your schedule as well.

c. Range of Services

Check out the range of services offered by the veterinary clinic. Besides regular check-ups and vaccinations, a reliable veterinarian should offer other services, including preventive care, dental care, surgical procedures, tests, and emergency care. Having these services available under one roof can save you time and hassle in the long run.

d. Communication

Pay attention to how the veterinarian communicates with you and your pet. A good veterinarian should be approachable, patient, and compassionate. They should be able to explain complex medical terms in a way that you can understand and be willing to address any concerns or questions you may have.

e. Clinic Facilities and Equipment

Visit the veterinarian’s clinic if possible or browse their website to get a sense of their facilities and equipment. A well-maintained clinic with up-to-date medical equipment demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality care.

PET HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Nutrition is key when it comes to caring for our beloved pets. Most domestic pets need basic nutrients, such as water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and D, as well as minerals like calcium, for their bodies to work. But apart from these, there are other key things to take note of when feeding your pet because some animals cannot produce certain amounts of nutrients in their body or digest specific compounds properly.

From understanding their unique dietary requirements to providing balanced meals, we share with you more about the specific needs of four common domestic pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters, to help you provide your new pet with the nutritious foundation they need to thrive.

Learn More:  The Importance Of Strengthening Your Pet's Immune System

2.1. Dogs

Dogs need moderate to high amounts of protein, fat such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid, and carbohydrates in their diets, depending on their activity levels. They’ll also need vitamin A, D, E, K, B-complex vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for healthy body functions. Vitamin C does not have to be supplemented by food because their bodies are capable of producing it. If your dog leads a relatively active lifestyle, you’ll need to feed more protein, fats, and carbohydrates to replenish their energy.

Water is also an extremely important component of a dog's daily diet. The lack of moisture or dehydration can lead to kidney failure, unconsciousness and even death. So, make sure to always leave a filled water bowl out in the room for your dog to hydrate, and bring along a bottle of water for them to drink when you’re out. If your dog doesn’t like water, consider introducing it through their meals, such as cooking vegetables in a pot of water and serving the broth together with the cooked vegetables and their kibbles or meat.

When designing a nutritious diet for your new pet dog, you need to consider factors such as their breed, the ideal weight they need to grow to, any food intolerances they have, and the life stage they’re at.

Dogs can have their nutritional needs met by eating an omnivorous diet. This means mixing animal and plant-based foods. They can also thrive with a vegetarian diet, but an all-meat diet will not be ideal. In their meals, ensure that at least two-thirds contain meat, and one-third vegetables.

If you’re feeding kibbles, choose those with  real, wholefood ingredients and avoid the ones containing large amounts of ingredients that are unfamiliar to you. For raw diets, ensure that you’re sourcing the meat from reliable suppliers offering human-grade meats. Alternatively, consider serving your dog cooked meats and vegetables.

After deciding what to feed your dog, you’ll need to determine the portion to give them. The ideal method is to find out what your dog’s ultimate lean weight should be, then feed according to that information. There are plenty of  dog food calculators online that can help you with the calculations. Otherwise, consult a veterinarian for more accurate information.

If your dog suffers from multiple food intolerances, consider giving them the Allergy-HS  RX Diet. It contains a nutritious blend of easy-to-digest proteins, carbohydrates, and other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids your dog needs. Its low-allergen formula also keeps it safe for your dog’s gut and health.

2.2. Cats

Unlike dogs, cats are  obligate carnivores that rely heavily on animal-based diets to get their source of nutrients. A vegan or vegetarian diet cannot supply your cats with what they need to keep them strong and healthy. Cats need high amounts of protein, healthy amounts of fat and carbohydrates, other vitamins such as A, D, and B-complex, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride.

Cats also need lots of water for healthy body functions. One easy way to ensure they’re always hydrated is to incorporate wet foods in their diet.

When looking for cat food, look for real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid those with unfamiliar contents or very generic terms such as ‘by-product meal’. You want to ensure that they specify the source, such as ‘chicken by-product’.

To design a diet for your cat, first decide what foods to give them. Cats can consume both wet and dry cat foods. Wet foods provide additional hydration and can be beneficial for cats with urinary tract issues, while dry food is convenient and may help with maintaining dental health.

Then, follow the feeding guidelines provided on the cat food packaging. But keep in mind that individual cats may have different metabolic rates. Lifestyles can also influence the amount of food you should be feeding them. These changes to the portion size and the food chosen can be done after feeding and monitoring your cat’s weight for a period of time.

Avoid making your own cat food at home as it is a complex process and what you make may not contain the appropriate nutrients your cat needs. Instead, purchase nutritionally balanced cat foods unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise for medical reasons.

2.3. Rabbits

Just like any other living creature, rabbits have specific dietary requirements that must be met to support their body functions. The basic nutrients they need to thrive includes protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins such as A, B-complex, C, D E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium. Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient too, but excessive amounts of it can be harmful to them.

During a rabbit’s growth phase, it is important to provide them with alfalfa-based pellets and alfalfa hay. These contain additional nutrients that support your rabbit’s development, and are high in protein, fat, and calcium essential for their health.

When planning your rabbit’s diet, keep in mind that vegetables, fruits, and grass hay should be served fresh because they can lose some of their nutrient content over time. Some suitable options include romaine lettuce, kale in limited amounts, broccoli, and small amounts of carrots, strawberries and pineapple.

Additionally, rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and sudden dietary changes can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Do observe their reaction to different foods and adjust their meals accordingly.

2.4. Hamsters

There are three key components of hamster nutrition that play essential roles in maintaining various bodily functions: protein, fat, and fibre. Hamsters also need specific vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as zinc and copper minerals to support their overall health and vitality.

Younger hamsters need a higher proportion of protein in their diets to aid in muscle development and growth, while older hamsters rely on diets rich in fibre to aid in digestion and prevent constipation. Active hamsters who love to run on wheels need a slightly higher fat content in their meals to fuel their daily runs and activity. However, excessive fat intake can lead to obesity so avoid overfeeding foods high in fat. 

A well-balanced and nutritious hamster diet should consist of approximately 15 to 25% of protein, 35 to 40% of carbohydrates, 4 to 5% fat, and 5% crude fibre. It should not be a primarily pellet or seed-based diet as they often lack essential vitamins and minerals your hamster needs. Do enhance their diet with fresh vegetables and even small amounts of fruits to offer more nutrients such as antioxidants.

In order to provide your pets with an excellent quality of life, it is important to pay attention to the living environment you’re giving them, the activities they’re allowed to engage in, and the diets they're being fed. These contribute to their overall health and wellbeing, and can determine how happy they are and how long they live.

On top of basic survival needs, pet owners can consider getting pet supplements. They can do wonders for your pet’s health, giving their health a boost or providing them with additional protection. 

Pet Health Global is a wholesale pet supplies distributor in Singapore that offers a variety of pet wellness products specially researched and designed to give your pets the best.  Shop our range of products today to better care for your furry friends.