Choosing a pet… Dog or Cat or …? Don't Forget About Pet Supplies

You decided to get a pet at last?
There are several basic supplies that you’ll need before getting a new pet. You should make all necessary preparation of your home for pet just as you would if you were about to bring home your first child.

Definitely, something to feed your pet will be needed. These don't have to be made just for cats or dogs, but it is a good idea to reserve certain dishes for them.

Bowls made for pets do have some advantages. Many have rounded bottoms, and very often these are the easiest for pets to eat from, especially if they are eating canned dog or cat food.

Some pet dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to make them "skid-proof", which is good. Bowls with round bottoms can not be tipped over by over-excited puppies.

When you are choosing pet bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are more preferable to plastic. Plastic can leach toxic chemicals as they age. They are also harder to disinfect, as bacteria can invade the plastic as it wears. Plastic also scratches easily and cracks, and soft plastic can be chewed up.

A collar and leash is a necessity for dogs, and an option for cats. Cats can also be taught to walk on a leash if you wish to do so. While I don't recommend that cats be allowed to wander outdoors, if yours will be going outside then it should wear a collar.

Identification of some kind should be firmly attached to collars of both dogs and cats. Be sure to include at least your phone number and the name of the pet.

Another item that you’ll want to get is a bed. This may mean a place on your bed, or a bed made specifically for them. Older dogs and cats might benefit from orthopedic bedding. This is usually made from "egg-crate" foam. You also can buy a premium bed, or make your own from a piece of the foam and an old sheet or blanket.

Cats will often ignore any bed you buy for them and choose their own spot - usually your favorite chair or the middle of your bed. However, there are several cat beds available that made for the way cats like to sleep. They provide tent-like spaces, offering a nice place to hide.

Most dogs will benefit from having some toys, and for puppies they are a must. Interactive pet toys allow you to spend "quality time" with your dog or cat while providing the animal with some exercise. These would include balls for dogs and wand-type toys for cats.

Chew toys are very important for puppies. They need something to ease the inconvenience of teething and to satisfy the natural instinct to chew. It is one which buying new is preferred. It is not a god idea to give the puppy an old shoe, for instance, to chew on, as that would imply that all shoes are puppy chew toys.

Squeaky toys can make owners crazy, but they are good toys to leave for dog when you go out. Many dogs enjoy throwing these toys up in the air and then pouncing on them. Just be sure that your dog cannot easily chew the toy up and swallow the whistle. Always observe your dog when you give them any kind of new toy, and make sure that it is appropriate for that dog.

If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, it is necessary to have all the pet supplies on hand before you bring the animal home. And your pastime with pet will become favorite. Love your pet and it will love you.

Picking A New Puppy: How To Make Right Decision

Choosing the new puppy is the most important part of the new puppy getting process. You should do a check of all the breeds that you are interested in and then select a couple from there. There are several important things which need to be remembered:

• How much maintenance will be needed to have a small puppy
  
• How often will grooming need to be done
• Will this be a outside, inside or a combination of both
• Will this puppy be a family pet or hunting dog

When you have decided on a breed and found a kennel or business that you want to purchase from, you should be taking a close look at the conditions that puppies are living in, if the pen is dirty or not well kept you can be sure that the puppies are not being kept in the best conditions for their health. You also should take a look at the mother of and make a valuation of the kind of nourishment she is being provided.

When you begin to look for the puppy which you want, do the step back and let all the puppies interact with each other, see which ones seem to be the too shy or aggressive these puppies should be approached with slight caution as you may get a dog that will cower at the slightest loud sound or a dog that will be so aggressive and out of control. You should be looking for a puppy that interacts well with all his siblings. I would call this a "wide soul puppy" and this is the one which you want. After you have found a couple puppies that you like pull them away from the litter one at a time and interact with them. Set the puppy down and walk away a few steps and call to it, if it comes to you this is a good sign this means that the puppy should be easily trained and if the puppy ignores you this could mean that it is stubborn and may be hard to train. The next test is to pick the puppy up and cradle it like a baby if the puppy wiggles or resists this it may be the sign that it's going to be stubborn. If it reacts with signs of being scared or anxious this could mean that it will need a little extra attention. The puppy that relaxes would be the best new puppy to choose.
Learn all of these things and you will be rewarded with a fine family pet.