companions: all i want

Companions

All I want for christmas is.....

by gerri reid, dvm

This Holiday Season children will be making their Christmas list while Mom and Dad will be checking it twice. Christmas is the time of the year that many children don't just want toys. All they want for Christmas is a Puppy or a Kitten! Here are a few tips to help you decide if adding 4 paws to your home is for you and your family.

I always tell my clients that when it come to getting a pet, don't just buy the pet for one child or for the children. Because in the end, the parents are going to be taking care of pet. I recommend when considering a new puppy, kitten or any other pet that the adults decide if having a new pet is something they are willing to do. To think a young child is going to wake up and feed the pet or tend to the cage or the litterbox may not be attainable. I suggest to think about the age of the children but decide as a family that we will all contribute to caring for the pet. Young children can come along while walking the pet or your Teenager may be responsible for feeding the pet in the evening. Designating certain duties to each family member will make having a new pet more enjoyable.

How do you surprise the family with the new addition? Maybe the pet is not ready for its new home before Christmas? Maybe you have to pick the pet up after Christmas? Maybe a new pet Christmas Day is too much added excitment. What do you do? No worries! Presenting a new pet to the family can be fun and at times you have to get creative. You can consider giving each child a gift that contains a leash, collar or a dog toy. Buy an ornament for the tree that says "Puppy ' s/Kitten ' s First Christmas " and tell everyone that Santa left an ornament on the tree and have them hunt for it. You can always give them a pet photo book and put pictures of the new pet in it. Then you can sit down and try to think of a new name! The ideas are endless. Just be creative and think outside the Christmas box!

Once you have " let the cat out of the bag" about the new arrival, make sure to setup your pet's first Vet visit. You can Facetime your family so they can be a part of the visit and even have the chance to ask the Veterinarian questions. Involving the family in the veterinary care of the pet is important as it teaches them about keeping the pet happy and of course healthy.

Your new pet needs some Christmas gifts under the tree. Head to our Downtown Fredericksburg Pet store, Dog Krazy and grab some yummy treats and toys or order online. The staff there will help you pick out the proper treats or toys appropriate for your pet.

All I want for Christmas is everyone to be safe and to stay healthy. See you next year!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com ; facebook eVetServices