5 Tips to Help You Introduce a New Pet to Your Home After Losing a Pet
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Written by Aurora James of Dog Etiquette
ogetiquette.info/According to experts, feeling sad, lonely or shocked is a common reaction to losing a pet. Individual responses vary, but for some people, the grieving process may take weeks, months or years. Transitioning a new pet into your home can be a difficult process for some grieving pet owners. These tips can help.
- Take Care of Yourself
When you are stressed, your pet is likely to be stressed also. Managing your stress will make your new pet's introduction to your home easier. Work-related stress can be particularly damaging. Combat this stress by making your home as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Start by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home. If possible, complete this process before you bring your new pet home.
- Give Yourself Time to Grieve
It may be tempting to rush into bringing home a new pet to fill the void in your life. However, if you introduce a new pet before you process the grief of losing your previous pet, you could project your negative emotions onto your new pet. You don't have to wait for your feelings of grief to completely fade, but you should experience a sense of peace about your previous pet's death before you bring home a new furry friend.
- Avoid Isolating Your New Pet
It takes time for most pets to adjust to a new home. Pets that spend too much time alone may become lonely, anxious or depressed. If possible, schedule one or two days per week to work from home. If you can't do your job from home, consider hiring a pet sitter to check in on your pet occasionally.
- Protect Your New Pet
Pets are like our guardian angels and they continue to watch over us once they have passed over the rainbow bridge. Return the favor by keeping your pet safe. If your pet escapes your yard, pulls the leash out of your hand on a walk or otherwise gets loose, a stainless steel pet ID tag from 100% Angel may help him find his way home. Include your name, address and phone number on the tag so that someone who finds your pet can contact you.
- Choose the Right Pet
An impulsive adoption or purchase can result in pain and suffering for everyone involved with a new pet. Before you choose a pet, consider all the relevant factors:
- Are there children or older people in your home?
- How much time do you have for a pet?
- How much space do you have?
- How much exercise will your pet need?
- Are there any allergy concerns?
- What is your budget?
It is important to choose a pet whose size, personality, exercise needs, space needs and maintenance costs are a good match. For example, if you live in a tiny apartment with no yard, a large, energetic dog may not be a good choice. If you work 60 hours per week and no one is at home during the day, a puppy who needs constant attention and training is probably not a good idea.
Do your research before you choose a pet. If you are buying a pet, purchase from a reputable breeder. If you are adopting, talk to the foster parents or shelter workers.
Bringing home a new pet after a pet dies can be a difficult transition. However, with careful planning, it can be a rewarding experience for you and your new friend. Give yourself time to grieve, take steps to reduce stress, protect your pet, and make plenty of time for bonding.
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