The perfect age to get a Pet

What’s the perfect age to get a new Puppy or Kitten into your house? This is a question that Pet Parents search for the minute they start thinking about getting a new pet into their lives. There’s a lot of theories & pseudo-facts out there which can get overwhelming. This blog covers everything you need to know about the process of getting a new pet into your house, the right age, the precautions you must take and what happens if you get yours too soon.

Getting a pet is a wonderful, intimate process. But before you get one into your family, pause & rethink these following points.

• Imagine a human baby that doesn’t wear diapers and has the ability to destroy everything it can reach. Yup, that’s your puppy / kitten. Even if you watch them all day, all night, which in today’s urban lifestyle is not pragmatic, even if you crate-train them, be ready for sleep disruptions, poop clean ups, wet carpets, chewed shoes and clothing. The list is endless.
• It is imperative that ALL family members are on-board with the pet. In addition, distribution of pet chores would ease the process.
• The first year of your pet is going to be expensive. Vaccinations, Vet visits, Medicines, Food, Toys, Bedding, Products, Sprays are all part of an expensive package.
• It is very important that you get your pet when you or the primary trainer in the family is free / available. The pet is completely new to his surroundings, hence it is important to train him well; especially Potty Training.

Learn about various dog breeds, here:

If you’re unsure whether to adopt or shop, go through a detailed analysis, here.

“I think the biggest reason and mistake that people make with getting a pet at under month old is that they think if they get a pet at such a young age, it won’t end up with behavioural issues, which is completely nonsense.”

“Research has shown that puppies removed from their litters very early are more likely to display problems in behaviour and temperament when they’re grown, including being fearful, aggressive, or anxious; guarding their food and toys; and being highly reactive and more difficult to train.”

Let’s take a look at the first 18 months of a puppy / kitten’s life: -

0-7 weeks: During the first 7 weeks of their lives, they learn about social behaviour through interacting with their mother & littermates.

7-8 weeks: The best time to bond with humans.

8-10 weeks: During this period, It’s essential to have as many positive experiences as possible. Puppies / kittens are impressionable, need lots of praise and positive reinforcement.

8-16 weeks: By this time, puppies / kittens  are ready to start learning. Basic training can be introduced.

4-6 months: Your pet starts becoming independent. The curiosity meter is on high as he starts to explore the world.

6-12 months: Teenage. This is what we call the “naughty phase”. Your pet needs a lot of stimulation & physical activity during this period.

12-18 months: Your pet reaches emotional maturity sometime within this time frame.

Pets should be kept with their mothers for 12 to 13 weeks of age for them to be properly developed physically and behaviourally. The pet needs to be weaned before being placed in a new home. Staying with their mother for 12-13 weeks helps them receive the necessary nutrients to develop and socialize. They also get to communicate & co-learn from their littermates, so they can easily adapt to their new home situation once adopted or purchased. They also learn rudimentary impulse control and bite inhibition from the feedback of their siblings and mother.

"If you’ve fallen in love with a pet under 8 weeks old, it’s easy to feel tempted to bring them home. But a few weeks of patience will pay off in the long run—and the risks of taking them home too early can affect the rest of your pet’s life. If you get home pets before that really early socialization period is taking place, they may be more aggressive with other cats and with people. They may not feel safe and be more skittish,” Dr. Kornreich explains.

If a puppy / kitten is taken from its mother and sent to a new home too soon, there can be some serious health consequences. The first few weeks of a pet's life are essential for its health and body development. The nutrients in the mother's milk are responsible for strong bone development, eye health, and full organ development, so if a pet is weaned too soon, you could be increasing the risk of your pet developing more health issues later on.

In addition to health issues, behavioural issues can arise in pets who were removed from their mothers too early. Mothers teach their children important lessons and give off calming pheromones. Puppies / Kittens who are removed their mothers too soon may have trouble grooming themselves, play too rough, or may have other behavioural problems.

To sum it all up, ensure with your breeder or shelter that your precious pet is at least 12 weeks old. Discuss everything you need to do & have at your house the moment you introduce a new puppy / kitten to your house & family members. Make sure you have adequate knowledge & the necessary Products to take care of your pet.

Also read: https://www.zoivanepets.com/blogs/tales-of-zoivane/adopt-or-shop-a-zoivane-analysis

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