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| PET GAZETTE | HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
food, water and mite or lice spray. Birds
must be given a few days to adjust without
the interference of the owner and it is best if
keepers set the cage up before the bird’s arrival
so other occupants get used to its placement so
ensure minimal disturbance.
ENSURING
A PET’S
COMFORT
AND
WELLBEING
REPTILES
Similar to birds, reptiles will be kept in an
enclosed space for the majority if not all of
the time. A basic glass aquarium tank will be
befitting for most reptiles, the size will depend
on how big the animal is. Advise owners to
consider what the best lining would be as this
will affect how easy it is to maintain and clean
the enclosement. Reptiles are cold-blooded
so remind owners to keep them somewhere
with warm temperatures with ample access to
natural sunlight.
AQUATIC
A pet’s surroundings should consist of a little more than love,
food and shelter. All pets have individual personalities, likes
and dislikes as well as fears, health concerns and limitations.
Here’s how your customers can ensure their pets are content
A
ny responsible owner
knows that preparing for
the arrival of a pet in the
home requires adjustments
to be sure the pet is
comforts and adapts to its
new surroundings. Whether the pet has come
from a shelter, a pet shop, domestic setting or
a professional breeder, the animal will need to
become acquainted with the new environment
which is now their home.
With a recent survey by PDSA finding that
one in four prospective pet owners did no
research before committing to the long term
responsibility, it is essential that the pet trade
prepares people for the reality and life changes
that come with animal companionship.
Housing and environment is just one, but a very
important, part of that change.
DOGS
Depending on the age or domestic training
of a pooch, some puppy proofing may be
required while the dog gets to grips with its
surroundings. This may require anything from
simply making sure the owner has all the
necessary toys and equipment to cover all
circumstances to keeping potentially harmful
objects and substances out of the dog’s reach.
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Some dogs will be coming from environments
which are noisy, messy or even have multiple
dogs or other animals. The transition between
that setting and a new one will need to be as
calm and smooth as possible as this can cause
stress. A bathroom area will also need to be
established by the owner - whether that is a
garden or the surrounding area - the dog will
need to quickly be introduced to the outdoor
setting where they will be expected to relieve
themselves to lessen the likelihood of accidents.
With fish being Britain’s favourite ‘starter pet’,
they are considered the ‘easy’ gateway into
further pet owning but it is still essential that
required arrangements are made before they
are introduced into a home. As fish will only
ever be kept in their aquariums except when
cleaning, the preparation needed will be
confined to that space only. Owners will need
the appropriate equipment to keep the tank
clean, provide oxygen and generally keep
the water healthy. Tanks will also need to be
kept away from noisy electrical equipment
or any area of the house which may alter the
temperature of the water. They should also
be placed on level surfaces and out of direct
sunlight.
SMALL ANIMALS
Again, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and the like
will generally be kept within the confines of
their cages so this is where owners will need
to pay the most attention when it comes to
getting ready for the arrival of a small animal.
The right cage needs to be selected; for a rabbit
this may be a standard hutch or cage whereas
CATS
smaller animals may need multi level cages
Preparing for a cat is similar to preparing for a
dog in many ways, as cats are as free to roam to accommodate exercise. As bunnies will be
as dogs are and usually kept in relatively similar allowed to roam more freely, the house will
need to be proofed to avoid incidents.
or even identical settings. Cats are known for
being relatively independent, so advise owners
to provide their new kitty with established hiding
places and a litter box they are already used to
so they can feel at home quicker.
AVIAN
A bird will of course need a cage but the
placement of this cage is important; advise
clients to put it somewhere which isn’t in the
direct line of sunlight, draft and not easily
disturbed by other potential pets. Ensure that
owners fully equip the cage with toys, perches,
October 2018