You love animals and already live with some, but for some time now you have been thinking about expanding your furry family. It is an important decision and requires reflection. For our part, we will try to help you with some advice. From the benefits of adopting animals to managing interactions with multiple furry animals. Of course, we will also talk about how to ensure the emotional well-being of your dogs or cats during the transition, we will address the use of natural remedies. Create a happy home for your family.
Benefits of animal adoption
Bringing an animal to live in your home can be one of the most enriching experiences in life. Not only will you gain a loyal friend, but you will also have the opportunity to make a positive difference in an animal's life. One of the main advantages of adopting pets is that you give a child a second chance at life. Unfortunately, many animals end up in shelters due to circumstances beyond their control. In fact, most shelters and municipal animal protection centers (the so-called kennels) are usually overcrowded, so by adopting, you are making room for another animal in need. It can also help reduce demand for puppy mills, in many cases sources of health problems and suffering.
On the other hand, although we are not aware of any studies on the matter, due to our experience of more than nine years in Herbalist for animals, many emotional problems that animals suffer in adulthood such as anxiety, phobias, etc. They are caused by separation from the mother too early and the poor living conditions of the puppies in certain breeders.
Furthermore, if you already live with an adopted dog or cat, you will know the benefits it brings to your mental health. Having an animal companion can reduce stress because it puts you in perspective, and gives you a sense of purpose and camaraderie. In addition, they can also increase your physical activity, since furry dogs need exercise and play time.
For adoption with the Txikas Association of Etxauri
Prepare your home for the arrival of a new dog or cat
Before bringing more animals into your home, it is essential to prepare for their arrival. Allocate an adequate space so that everyone has their own area to rest, feed and play. Make sure that each one has their own food and water bowl, litter box in case of cats, beds... located in separate places to avoid confrontations. Also, make sure there is enough space to play with each animal.
To ensure that all your furry friends are cared for, establish a schedule for feeding, exercise and play.
To separate parts of the house, you can install gates or barriers for animals and also for children if they are small. Also, to avoid scares, put any dangerous products out of reach, such as cleaning supplies or small objects that could be swallowed.
When bringing a new dog or cat home, the introduction process should be done slowly. For the first few days, keep the new family member separate from other animals to give them time to get used to each other's smells. When they are ready, introduce them to a neutral area and carefully observe their interactions. Don't rush them and be patient if they don't feel comfortable.
Lastly, provide everyone with plenty of toys and plan activities. For example, felines need scratching posts, toys to chase, and catnip, while dogs usually love toys for to bite o chew and the balls to search. And all of them are very good at toys where they can express their olfactory capacity, such as olfactory rugs or smell games. All of this will help reduce the risk of boredom and destructive behavior. Of course, always look for natural, toxic-free options.
How to introduce the new member of the family
Introducing a new dog or cat, for example, into a home where others already live can sometimes be a complicated process. For this transition to be a success, it is necessary to go little by little and gradually introduce the new member of the family.
An effective method is to place the new dog or cat in a different room from the others for a few days so that the furry ones that were already in the house get used to its smell. Changing each other's bedding and toys can also help them become familiar with each other's scent before meeting face to face. Then, when the time comes to introduce them, it is important to do so in a large area, away from each other's beds and feeders, and closely supervise the interaction.
In any case, each animal is special and can react differently to the presence of a new animal. While some may be more open and curious, others may become scared or aggressive. It is essential to pay attention to their body language and behavior during the introduction process. If the situation does not look good, it may be necessary to separate them and try again after a few days.
But as always, it is best to prevent. That is why we recommend that you prepare both the animals you already live with and the newcomer with floral therapy so that they adapt more quickly to the changes. For this, at Herbalist for Animals we offer consultation Bach flowers y aromatherapy for cats and dogs, as well as numerous natural products with a calming effect in liquid, powder or capsule format. You can find them in our websites.
We also recommend that if necessary, if you do not know how to manage the situation or notice that it may overwhelm you, contact a professional as soon as possible. ethologist so I can help you resolve the situation.
Management of interactions between animals
During the first weeks or even months, it is essential to maintain constant supervision of all the animals that live in your home. Leaving your dogs and cats unsupervised can be dangerous, you should not leave them alone until you are sure they can trust each other. Even if you seem to get along well, it is important to be present in the first stage in case any problems arise.
It is also important that all animals have clear rules and boundaries. This includes feeding times, designated play areas, areas where they can or cannot be. These guidelines should be applied consistently to reduce the risk of disputes. Also, don't forget to reward them (positive reinforcement) when they interact well can help reinforce good behavior and strengthen your bond.
How to find the right veterinary professional
Adding more animals to your family is an exciting prospect, but it's essential to make sure each one receives proper care, and that includes a proper veterinarian. We recommend that you look for integrative professionals, that is, those who have knowledge of natural nutrition and natural therapies such as phytotherapy, acupuncture, etc. and share your way of educating, treating and caring for your animals. Take your time to search the Internet for holistic veterinarians who can give you natural solutions, alternative therapies... to the specific needs of each of your dogs or cats. Or if not, they can redirect you to other professionals for specific ailments. Of course, if you contact us, at Animal Herbalist we may also be able to recommend an integrative veterinarian.
Hygiene products and accessories
We have already mentioned before that feeders, waterers, sandboxes, beds, toys are necessary... But health and hygiene items are also very important. Grooming items such as shampoos, brushes, combs and nail clippers are essential to keep your furry furry friends' coat and nails healthy and clean. For our part, we advise you to choose natural and certified organic products whenever possible. In Herbalist for animals you can find shampoos, detangling spray y soaps natural.
And something very important, to keep external and internal parasites away, be constant in the application of antiparasitic products. At Herbalist for animals we offer you many natural options for internal antiparasitics based on plants that will help prevent or eliminate intestinal parasites. Likewise, to reduce the risk of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, etc. attack your dog or cat we offer you external antiparasitics natural in the form of pipettes, necklaces, etc. made with essential oils.
Exercise and games for your furry family
Make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention. This means taking your dogs for daily walks and providing opportunities for your cats to climb and investigate. Scheduling sessions of play, cuddles, and attention with each one separately can also help reinforce attachment and relation. Remember that everyone has their own personality and needs, so taking the time to understand and address those needs can make a significant difference in creating a happy home.
Happy multispecies home
In conclusion, living with several animals at home can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. Remember that each one is unique, has a different personality and requires individual attention and care. By adopting responsibly and taking the necessary steps to prepare your home, introduce new members, and manage their interactions well, you can create a happy and harmonious environment for the entire family. Don't forget to consult with a trusted integrative veterinarian, as well as Herbalist for animals to provide them with the natural products necessary for their physical and emotional well-being.
With love, patience and dedication, your multispecies family will brighten your life and harmony will reign.
