The Essential Guide for New Pet Parents

 

A smiling white dog

New Pet Parenting Tips Courtesy of Texas Ruff House

If you’re reading this, chances are that you or someone in your life has gotten a new pet in the last 18 months. In fact, pet ownership in the U.S. rose from 67% of households to an all-time high of 70% last year, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s over 11 million households that brought home a furry companion in 2020. If you are a first-time pet parent or haven’t had a puppy or a kitten in a long time, it’s likely you did a lot of research online and asked questions on Facebook to troubleshoot along the way.

 

Our team of pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House are experts in pet care and get a lot of great questions from our clients about health, nutrition, product recommendations, and services. We’re sharing essential things that new pet parents need to know and our favorite resources to help you care for your pet!

A dog smiling next to a basket of toys
Health Care for Pets

Pet health is a top priority. It’s important that your dog or cat gets routine examinations by a veterinarian and stays current on vaccinations. Don’t hesitate to call your vet in case of a medical emergency instead of trying to troubleshoot a problem yourself. If your veterinary clinic does not have emergency services available outside of normal business hours, ask them for a referral as a back up.

 

There are also alternative methods of health care that you can explore. We recommend Susan Lowery of All Creatures Hyperbaric Care, who uses a non-invasive, peaceful and pain free method of natural healing. Check out her practice here, Susan can also be reached at (254) 913-7476.

Keeping Your Pet Safe 

Pet identification is also top of mind. In addition to your pet wearing a collar with up to date and legible contact information, microchip identification can make a critical difference in finding them if your pet ever gets lost. Veterinary clinics offer pet microchipping – just be sure to register and renew your pet’s microchip annually. You can learn more about our tips for pet loss prevention here.

A cat looking up
Choosing a Nutritional Pet Diet

These days, the marketplace is flooded with pet food options, which can be overwhelming for new pet parents. Your vet is a good place to start, and they can recommend a few diet options. Some varieties to explore are kibble or dry food, canned or wet food, home cooked, or raw.

 

Whichever diet you choose, pay attention to the food’s nutritional value. For example, canned food tends to be about 75% water, so be sure to look for ones labeled "100% nutritionally complete". Or home cooking, which does not suffice as protein and starch like chicken and rice; important nutrients must be added either as whole ingredients or in the form of nutritional supplements. 

 

For canine nutrition, we recommend Lucie’s Legacy, which specializes in raw food and locally sourced ingredients for fresh cooked dog food. You can get more information here or by calling (773) 230-0694.

Two dogs enjoying water from a fountain

Important Supplies for Pets 

Animals always need access to hydration, whether it’s a bowl of fresh water or a pet water fountain. If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure that they have a clean water source available to them.

 

Understandably, you may be keeping your pet indoors for the summer to keep them cool. You can help your dog or cat beat boredom by playing fun interactive games or doing enrichment exercises.

 

To find the products we mentioned, we recommend our local Natural Pawz Pet Store for all essential pet supplies for dogs and cats; they are located at 4810 Gattis School Rd #115 Hutto, TX 78634 and you can check them out online here or call (512)599-5939.

Pampering Your Pet is Actually Essential

Your pet deserves to be well taken care of, and that includes being groomed regularly. Dental care is as important for pets as humans, and not brushing your dog or cat’s teeth can lead to gum and/or dental disease. To be successful, make it a positive experience and introduce it into their routine early on. The same applies to brushing your dog or cat’s fur regularly. It not only removes dead hair, dirt, and grease, but also helps to remove dead skin flakes and stimulates blood circulation, improving the overall condition of your pet’s skin.

 

If you’d like professional help with essential care like baths, haircuts, ear cleaning, and nail trims, we recommend K & A Grooming, which provides services for both dogs and cats. The salon is located at 616 FM 685 Suite A 107 Pflugerville, TX 78660 and can be reached at (512) 551-2025. You can also learn more about their grooming packages here.

Two dogs playing in the sun
Giving Your Pet Love and Care

Finally, both dogs and cats need daily exercise and interaction at every age, especially when left home alone for long hours. Our pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House take great pride in providing high quality professional pet care in Pflugerville, TX and the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and North Austin. 

 

Because we are locally-owned, pet parents can get direct support regarding any of our services, which include cat sitting, dog walking, and pet sitting in your home. Additionally, we are insured for your protection. With Texas Ruff House you can rest easy knowing that your dog, cat, bird, fish, ferret, reptile and/or other cherished pet will get the love, attention, and personalized care from our devoted sitters and staff. You can book our services here!

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Location: Pflugerville, TX, USA

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