Adding a new furry addition to the family is incredibly exciting and rewarding. After all, what could be better than one pet? Multiple pets!
While the humans in the household may be jumping for joy at the arrival of a new puppy or kitten, the other pets in the household may not feel quite the same way. Whether you are adopting a puppy, kitten, or older dog or cat, your current animals might have something to say about it.
But don’t worry, it’s totally normal. Dogs are pack animals and, when someone new enters the pack, they go through an inevitable adjustment period in which everyone has to reevaluate where they stand in the pecking order. And cats, while a little less overt, tend to be territorial and may need some time to adjust to another cat in their space.
Just like with human beings, first impressions are important. There is a science to introducing a new animal into the family, and simply tossing them all together in the living room isn’t it. Green Dog Dental has some tips to help you get it right!
With dogs, it is always a good idea to have them meet on ‘neutral territory’. In a neighbor’s driveway or at the local park, for example, as opposed to your front lawn or kitchen. Once introductions are made, it is important to supervise your pups when they’re together, at least initially, so you can intervene if any scuffles get out of hand. Luckily, most dogs are happy to welcome newcomers after a period of adjustment.
Cats are a little trickier, because having them meet outside isn’t often feasible. In these cases, it’s best to keep the newcomer in their carrier for a bit so the other cats can get used to their smell. Supervise their first interactions carefully to make sure everyone is getting along, but rest assured that most cats will grow to love their new friend.
If you need a little help, you may want to check out Purrfect Calm for cats and quietTIME for dogs, Green Dog products that can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for settling nerves and keeping everyone calm when adding a new pet to the home. Both products are specially formulated with calming hydrosols and essential oils and are a safe and natural way to help your pet relax and put their best paw forward.