Owning a pet is a wonderful experience. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, they bring you happiness, but also come with responsibility. If you already own a pet and are considering adopting a second one, there are a few things you should be aware of before taking the plunge. This article will outline everything you need to know before adopting a second pet.
1. Make Sure Your Current Pets Are Well Trained and Get Along With Others
A common mistake many people make is adopting a pet without first knowing how their current dog/cat is with others. Some animals just don't like other animals. If you have a cat that likes to be the queen of the household, you may find it incredibly tricky creating a peaceful environment with a second cat. If you have a dog that tends to be aggressive towards other dogs, you could be setting yourself up for a dangerous mixture if you're not careful.
2. Be Prepared For More Cleaning
This may seem obvious, but it’s something that many people tend not to think much about. When you adopt a second pet, you're going to notice an increase in pet hair on your floors and your furniture. If you have a heavy shedding dog and intend on adding a second pooch to your life, you may want to consider investing in a good robot vacuum, like the Roomba 960 or 980 to help you with the cleaning. This will take the edge off of how much pet hair is left behind and will help maintain a clean home.
3. Pair with the Right Age-Group
If you have a senior pet, they often don't get along well with younger animals. Like we mentioned before, you need to be sure that your current pets will be okay with the new addition. If you have a senior pet, you may want to opt for adopting another older animal rather than a high energy puppy/kitten.
4. Your Expenses Grow
Expenses such as food, medical costs, and pet toys will go up with the addition of a new pet. You need to be prepared for unexpected medical issues with your new pet. If you cannot afford an emergency vet bill, you should wait before adopting a new pet. If you adopt from an animal shelter, your new pet will likely come with its vaccinations, but the previous medical history of the animal may be hazy. Make sure you are financially stable enough to care for a second animal.
5. Adopting a Second Animal Will Not Cure Separation Anxiety
If you're considering a second pet to keep your current pet company while you're gone at work all day, keep in mind that a new pet does not replace you. If you have a dog with separation anxiety, they will likely have separation anxiety even with the addition of another dog. In fact, if your pet is not confident now, adding a second pet into the equation could worsen existing problems. Make sure you're adopting for the right reasons.
Conclusion
Adopting a pet is a beautiful experience. There are many reasons why you may be considering adopting a second pet, but be sure you know what you're getting yourself into. With these tips to keep in mind, you may be ready to add another fur-baby to your home.
