Pets need to become accustomed to being around people and other animals as early as possible. You definitely don’t want your pet to develop a cold personality. Friendly pets tend to be far happier and more enjoyable to be around. Here are some tips for socializing your new kitten or puppy.
Socializing Kittens
Kittens are adorable animals that can grow to become loyal companions. They desire a great deal of love and affection. One of the most important aspects of socializing a kitten is to make it feel comfortable right away. Keeping a relatively quiet home will certainly help your kitten to adjust to its new surroundings. You don’t want to scare it by blasting the television at a loud volume. Like so many other pets, kittens like to be caressed. Softly stroking the kitten’s body will make it feel at ease. If you have kids at home, teach them to be gentle. Roughly handling a kitten is bound to create a sense of fear.
Whitworth Animal Clinic recommends that you begin the process of socializing at an early age. Don’t be afraid to introduce the kitten to new faces. You certainly can’t forget about the importance of play time. According to experts, you should dedicate at least two hours of your day to spending time with the kitten. Most kittens are usually active and ready to have fun. To keep your kitten entertained, give it a few toys to play with.
Socializing Puppies
As you may have heard, it’s often harder to teach an old dog new tricks. The American Kennel Association reveals that the majority of a dog’s personality is formed during its first four months of life. That’s why it’s important to start socializing puppies in a timely manner. An anti-social puppy is far more likely to become annoyed by the presence of other people. When you first bring your puppy home, give them some time to check out the scene. Over time, it will gradually get used to the new environment.
Nervous and skittish dogs are always at risk of suddenly snapping at strangers on the street. For this reason, it’s a good idea to expose them to different kinds of people while they’re young puppies. Set aside some time to take your puppy outdoors on a regular basis. This will help it to become accustomed to various sights, sounds, and smells. You should also gradually start to familiarize your pup with other animals. However, make sure the interaction is positive and non-frightening.
If you need help socializing your pet, don’t hesitate to contact Whitworth Animal Clinic. Our professional staff will always be there to provide a helping hand. Located in Madison, Whitworth Animal Clinic proudly serves all of the surrounding communities of North Alabama. From pet vaccinations to veterinary surgery, we provide a variety of important services.
* This article is not meant to take the place of professional veterinarian advice. If you have any questions, call the staff at Whitworth Animal Clinic or contact a vet in your area.
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