40 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JANUARY 2020
PRESS 101
PETS
CARE TIPS FOR NEW PET OWNERS
BY ALLISON MATOS
Bringing home a new furry friend
can be overwhelming, but experts
agree that there are some basic rules
that when followed, will create a happy
and healthy environment for both
you and your new family member.
The No. 1 tip for anyone bringing
home a new furry friend is to be
patient, according to Sean Patrick
Malloy, operations manager at North
Shore Animal League America.
“All animals need sufficient time to
adjust to an unfamiliar setting,” he
says. “Some will be more fearful and
nervous than others, so it’s crucial to
allow them time to get to know their
new surroundings and new family.”
Remember that animals come from
different backgrounds and have
different pasts, so acclimation can
take anywhere from a few weeks to
several months.
If a dog you brought home is chewing
on your shoes or demonstrating
other behavioral issues, don’t panic.
Dogs don’t automatically know the
difference between right and wrong.
Malloy says one of the best ways to
redirect a dog’s attention is to keep
it busy.
“Engaging a dog with a toy and meeting
its energy needs is the best way to
curb destructive behavior,” he says.
“This creates habits and routines so
they know when it’s time to play vs.
when it’s time to rest.”
For new cat owners, remember
that less is more in terms of space.
“Do not give a cat immediate
free reign of the house,” he
says. “Going from a small
kennel to a large home overwhelms
them and they will likely choose to
hide from you. Start them off in a
bedroom or bathroom then slowly
give them space … Try letting them
explore a hallway with doors closed
and if they start to paw at the door, let
them into the room.”
If you’ve brought a new pet home
to meet an
existing pet, remember that animals
don’t become friends right
away. When animals first meet,
they often communicate with
each other in ways you may not
understand.
“Cats may hiss and dogs may
growl,” Molloy says. “It’s
important to monitor the
situation, watch and listen
to see how they interact with
each other. They will likely make
small progress every time they
interact with each other.”
Many experts suggest following
the rule of three: It takes three
days for your new pet to figure
out its new home, three weeks to
figure out the new routine, and
three months to become a part of
your family.
So don’t be too quick to throw in the
towel. You’ll be glad you didn’t!
Bringing a new pet home can be
both challenging and rewarding.
(Pexels)
Start the
New Year with
a new member
of the family!
A D O P T A P E T T O D A Y !
North Shore Animal League America has hundreds
of puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats to choose from.
Mixed-breeds, purebreds, and small breeds too!
OPEN FOR ADOPTIONS:
Thursday - Sunday
12 PM - 8 PM
25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050 • animalleague.org
516.883.7575 • RR006 FOLLOW US ON:
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