Greencross Vets Having a new pet join the family is a rewarding and exciting time. We understand the joy a new pet brings you and your family. We also know that it can be challenging, and you may have many questions. When introducing a new pet to your family, it is important to do so in a slow and positive way. Although everyone is incredibly excited about the arrival of your new family member, it is important to anticipate your pets’ reactions to their new housemate(s). They may be excited, nervous or a little overwhelmed.
Before you introduce a new pet into your family, it is best to set some ground rules and be prepared.
New pet set-up
If you know when your new family member will join the family, it is ideal to have a few things set up for their arrival. Their own bed, food and water bowls, and toys are a great starting point. Having new things for your new pet will prevent existing pets from becoming jealous of toys mistakenly pinched by excited arrivals.
Family rules
Family rules are a great way to ensure that the new addition does not become overwhelmed and will help them settle into your family. Some rules could include:
- Allowing the new addition some time to explore the environment.
- Allotting each family member some time to get to know the new addition.
- If your new pet looks overwhelmed, allow them some alone time in a safe and comfortable area (this may be at a distance from the excitement, in another room, in their kennel, bed or snuggling in a comfy box for a snooze).
- Give lots of love, praise, and rewards.
Sleeping area
- Provide a comfortable personal space where they feel safe and secure.
- Ensure your current pet has their own space, too.
Food
- What food was your new pet previously eating? A sudden change in diet can sometimes cause an upset stomach. (If you wish to change their diet, please do so over a period of 7–10 days).
- Ensure the food you provide is complete and balanced and is in the correct weight range for your pet.
- Provide separate food and water bowls.
New pet wellbeing
We know how tempting it can be to introduce your cute new pet to everyone. However, giving them time to adjust to their new home is a must. Encourage all family members to handle the new arrival quietly and gently. Allow them plenty of time to rest without disturbances (particularly if they’re very young). Young animals should be fed small, frequent meals, preferably of the type of food they have been accustomed to eating in their old home. If vaccination and worming have not been carried out, this should be done immediately. Contact your local Greencross Vets.
Acceptance into the household
When introducing new pets to existing ones, you must consider your older pet’s nature. For instance, a mature female dog who is well-socialised with other animals will usually accept new puppies and kittens quite readily. On the other hand, a territorial and aggressive dog may never be totally trusted with a new kitten in their own yard.
You should consider the possibility of conflict between various types of pets. An example includes introducing a rabbit to a cat (who would normally hunt this type of animal in the wild).
It may also be sensible to choose a new pet that is more likely to remain submissive to the more established member of the family. A less aggressive or smaller breed may be a good choice.
Neutering a male dog may reduce the probability of conflict over dominance as he gets established.
In some cases, you can arrange a meet and greet between existing pets and potential newcomers. Many shelters allow you to bring your dog to the facility to test for compatibility.
Introductions with dogs
It is advisable to first introduce your old and new pets on neutral ground. In this situation, they are more likely to behave cautiously rather than aggressively. For example, a dog who lives in the backyard and chases intruder cats is more likely to accept a new kitten into the household if they meet inside the house. If you are concerned about safety, put your older animal on a leash for better control.
Tips for introducing your dog to a new pet:
- Have your dog on a lead and ask them to sit.
- Give your new pet a big cuddle, and then do the same with your existing dog. Return to cuddle your new pet and repeat. The idea is to familiarise scents with each other before they meet face-to-face.
- Slowly introduce the new pet visually – this may be through a door screen, in a crate or on a lead at a distance. Provide lots of praise and positive reinforcement.
- Continue to positively reinforce both dogs and allow your existing dog to slowly approach the new pet (make sure this is controlled and on a lead). Continue to praise.
- You want your dog to associate the new pet with positive reinforcement. After a few minutes, slowly take the new pet away and continue to positively reinforce your dog.
- Reintroduce the new pet several times in the day, slowly increasing the time spent together and decreasing the distance between them.
- Please ensure all interactions are positive – give lots of love, praise, and rewards.
- Once you are happy that your dog is reacting appropriately, you can introduce them off the lead through a screen.
- For example, an existing dog is outside, and a new pet is inside with a flyscreen between them.
- You will need two people for this exercise: one person to praise the new pet inside and one person to praise the dog outside.
- It is very important at this stage that you do not positively reinforce any unwanted behaviours.
- If the new pet looks overwhelmed or wishes to retreat, let them. You do not want to force the interaction.
- Once this is successful and you are comfortable, you can allow physical, controlled contact.
- Keep these play sessions short and positive.
- Continue to provide love, praise, and rewards.
- With lots of love, praise, and positive play, your dogs will become fast friends.
If you are unsure what positive play between dogs looks like or are uncomfortable introducing your new pet yourself, please contact your local Greencross Vets.
Introductions with cats
Cats love their space and personal time. Cats should be allowed to familiarise themselves with each other over a few days. We advise confining your new cat to a separate part of the house while your existing pets get used to their smell. Allow the pets to familiarise themselves with each other over a few days before allowing full access. Always introduce a new pet slowly, calmly, and positively. Never force the interaction.
When introducing cats it is important to allow them to meet from a distance if they wish. You may find your current cat wants to be high on the bookshelf just to watch over the room. If this happens, allow your cat the time to adjust.
- Allow the new pet some alone time to explore the environment.
- Give your new pet a big, warm hug and then do the same with your existing cat. Return to cuddle your new pet and repeat. The idea is to familiarise them with each other’s scents before they meet face-to-face.
- Provide a safe and comfortable space for your new pet, such as a small bedroom.
- Please use a room that your current cat uses minimally. You may wish to keep this door shut until your new pet is comfortable.
- When your new pet is exploring the house, it may be helpful to have your current cat explore the same room afterwards.
- Please do not lock both cats in a room together. They will want their own space to retreat.
- Feliway may help in providing a calm environment.
- If you would like to use Feliway, it is ideal to have Feliway plugged in 24-48 hours before your new pet’s arrival.
Introductions with children
Encourage children to sit on a chair when first meeting a new pet. The adult should always be in control of the new pet. First interactions can be done by holding the new pet securely in your arms or on a lead, depending on the size and age of your new pet. Lead interaction is not recommended for a young puppy.
Sit next to your child with your new pet securely in your arms. Ask the child to put their hand out and let the new pet say hello. Allow children to softly pat the new pet near the shoulder blades. Give lots of love, praise, and rewards to the new addition and your child for good behaviour.
If you would like more information on how to introduce a new pet to your family, please contact your local team at Greencross Vets.
