Losing a pet is heart-breaking. You have to take the time to mourn this loss. Once you start to feel more stable, you might consider bringing a new pet into your household to help fill the gap left behind. This can be a tricky transition and requires careful planning. Follow the tips below to navigate the process of bringing home a new pet after one has died.
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Make sure you're ready for a new furry friend
Before you jump into pet ownership again, make sure you've taken the time to properly grieve the loss of your old furry friend. If you're still mourning them, bonding with a new animal can be tough. Seniors Guide provides tips to help recognize whether you're ready for a new animal, such as making sure everyone in your household is ready, not just you.
Decide what kind of pet is right for you
Just because you used to have a dog doesn't mean you have to get another dog. Consider what animal might be right for you and keep an open mind to new options. Chewy offers a quiz that can help you determine a good fit based on lifestyle factors, like the size of your house and how often you travel.
Prepare your home for the new arrival
When preparing your home for a new pet, you'll have to invest in some basics. For example, a cat will need a kitty litter box, food and water bowls, and scratching posts. Dogs will also need things like leashes and toys. Whatever you do, make sure you set up a private corner for your new pet, where they can relax as they settle into your home.
Find ways to memorialize your old pet
Having a new pet in your home can feel strange at first, like you're trying to "replace" your old pet. One way to get past this feeling is to properly memorialize your former animal. Pet Perennials offers many ways to do this, from memorial candles to memorial garden kits. This kind of memorial is a lovely way to keep the deceased's memory alive.
Make sure to manage your own stress throughout the transition
Integrating an animal into your household can be stressful. Make sure you're taking care of yourself and managing stress. Human stress can negatively impact pets, causing behavioral issues like aggression. To create a soothing space, cleanse your home of negative energy using a smudge stick. Decluttering and cleaning your home can also make it more calming.
Take steps to bond with your new pet
You might also want to take some time off work in the first weeks after your pet comes home, so you don't bring home work-related stress. This also gives you the chance to spend time bonding with your pet. If you can't stay home, have a pet sitter stop by to check on your pet. You can still bond with your new pet outside of work hours, for example by brushing them.
Set up your pet care support network
Bringing home a new pet can be nerve-wracking. However, keep in mind that you don't have to go it alone. There are many pet care professionals who can help ensure your new furry friend is thriving. Make sure to have a veterinarian on call for health issues and checkups, for example. You may also want to enlist the services of groomers, sitters, and walkers.
If you're getting ready to bring home a new pet after an old one has passed, advanced preparation is essential. You need to be emotionally and practically ready. The above guide provides some tips to help.
For more pet care resources,visit the blog.
Cindy Aldridge
Ourdogfriends.org
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