Pets as Gifts

What could be more fun than coming down on Christmas morning and finding a cute squirming puppy or kitten under the tree? Perhaps instead it is a rabbit, guinea pig, or gerbil. While this scene sounds wonderful the holidays may not be the best time to purchase a pet.

As most of us know the time around the holiday season tends to be filled with family dinners, travel, out of town guests, and parties. Many times the normal routine of the household is much more frenzied than at other times of the year. These factors create an environment that is not ideal for a smooth transition of your new pet into your family.

Young animals especially need a great deal of sleep to ensure health and normal growth. Dogs and cats quickly learn the household “schedule” and adapt their eating and elimination behaviors to it. When an animal arrives at a time when the routine is not normal they have trouble setting up their own routine. This can result in problems with litter box training and housebreaking. Some individuals or species may be shy and need time to become comfortable in their environment. When company is coming and going the house is noisier and has more activity for more hours of the day. Failure to maintain some degree of consistency with your new pet from the very beginning may result in long term behavioral problems. These can include inappropriate elimination, constant barking, destructive behavior, or other signs of anxiety.

New owners should be familiar with the feeding, exercising, grooming, costs, training and medical care of a prospective pet, so they should never be given as a surprise! Children should not be responsible for the care of even a small rodent with out supervision.

It is important when introducing a new pet that routines be established and adhered to as much as possible. Feeding should be done as close to the same time as possible each day as well as walking and exercise periods. All needed supplies, housing material and food should be obtained prior to the pet’s arrival. As the holidays approach and a pet is being considered as a gift, be certain the family is well prepared for its arrival. And if you want a happy holiday scene on Christmas morning consider wrapping a food bowl, litter box, leash, or IOU for a pet, and actually obtaining it a few weeks later when the hustle and bustle has died down.

If you are considering which the right pet is for you, please feel free to call our office and consult with one of our health care team members. Remember those unfortunate animals in shelters who desperately need homes. Let’s spread the holiday cheer!