Many Canadian households happily welcome different types of animals into their home and raise their four-legged friends with utmost care. The most common pets owned by Canadians are cats and dogs.
As of 2020, there were about 8.1 million cats and approximately 7.7 million dogs in Canadian households. Pet ownership is common in many households, but it comes with a significant responsibility. You must ensure that your pet has access to everything they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life, which can be overwhelming for first-time pet owners.
Before bringing home a new pet, it’s important to equip your home with essential items to make the pet’s transition to the unfamiliar environment simpler. Add the following items to your list when creating a list of items to purchase for your new furry friend.
Food & Water Bowls
Purchasing food and water bowls may seem like the most obvious task, but it requires some planning. Plastic bowls are the most common choice for pet owners due to their low cost, but some dogs tend to chew on the bowl, and digestion of the plastic can harbour bacteria and result in health problems. Ceramic bowls are a great alternative, but if your pets run around the bowl or move it frequently, they can break and injure your pets or others in the household.
The best type of bowl that’s least likely to cause problems is stainless steel bowls, which are sturdy and easy to clean. Choose the bowl size based on your pet’s body size, as larger animals may need bigger raised bowls to consume food and water comfortably. If you plan to take your furry friend on long walks or other adventures frequently, consider investing in a collapsible bowl for accessible water and food consumption.
Appropriate Food
It’s important to feed your pet the right food based on age, size, energy levels, breed, and appearance. However, choosing the right food can be one of the most challenging aspects of pet ownership. Thorough research can help you make informed decisions when shopping for pet food.
One of the most important factors is the pet’s life stage, which can determine its energy level, size, and age. Puppy food needs to be filled with the proper nutrients, as the food your cat or dog consumes will significantly influence their growth and development.
Some pet owners prefer to feed their pets dry food or kibble, while others choose raw food. The information presented on labels and resources online can help you choose a meal with proper nutrients. If you’re looking for raw food, look for one that allows you to personalize your pet’s raw plan based on their needs, such as Bold By Nature raw pet food. One of the greatest benefits of Bold By Nature raw food is that their recipes use meats and fresh vegetables without added processes, allowing your pet to consume food that is unproblematic to their digestive system while enjoying their meals.
Bathroom Essentials
You will need to stock up on a few bathroom essentials when you are house-training your cat or dog. This involves pee pads for dogs not used to doing their business outside and a litter box with a scooper for cats.
Until your new furry friend is house-trained, they will tend to have accidents inside. The best way to clean up after their mess is by using a strong stain and odour remover. This is particularly helpful in letting dogs know they cannot return to that spot and use it regularly during their training.
Collar, Leash & Harness
Every pet should have a collar with a name around its neck which contains its name and the owner’s contact information. If your pet gets lost, it will help the person who finds them return your pet to you.
A leash and harness are particularly important for dogs, as their lifestyle requires them to be taken out on frequent walks. It’s important to find a harness that fits your dog comfortably, offers security, and lets them move easily. A leash is one of the most important items dog owners must have as they are required by law to keep their dogs on a leash in Toronto, except in designated dog off-leash areas throughout the city.
It’s important to gear up for the big responsibility and purchase all the essential pet items to keep your pet safe and healthy. Do your research to make informed decisions when purchasing bowls, food, and other essentials while welcoming your furry friend into your home!
