Helpful Tips for First Time Pet Owners

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Apr 25, 2013) - (Family Features) For years, research has shown that having a pet can be very beneficial to a person's health. In addition to warming your heart, a cute and cuddly friend can also help protect it by helping to lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood.

From online websites to local drives, the opportunity to adopt is abundant. Millions of dogs and cats are looking for their forever home. With the many joys associated with pet ownership, there are also many things to consider. Here are several tips to be mindful of regardless of whether you are a first-time or seasoned pet parent:

• Visit the Vet: Get your new buddy checked out at your local veterinarian's office. While many pet adoptions include a complete medical check-up with the adoption fee, it's still important to ensure they are up-to-date on all shots and preventatives. The vet is also a valuable resource to answer any questions you may have about the proper care of your new companion.
  
  
• Get to Grooming: Many people think it's only "for the dogs," but both canines and felines need to be groomed on a regular basis. Though this task may seem uncomfortable for your pet, beginning this routine will make the task more predictable for them. Your vet can help you select the proper brush and bath supplies for your pet. 
  
  
• Avoid Odors and Stains: Accidents happen so be sure that you have a plan to fight stains and odor with the proper household cleaners. For your feline friends, make sure that the litter box is easily accessible. A litter like ARM & HAMMER™ Ultra Last Clumping Cat Litter is long-lasting, with powerful odor destroyers to continuously eliminate even the worst odors and keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
  
  
• Pet-Proof Your Home: Make sure your home is a safe haven for your new furry friend, from the floor to the ceiling. Cats love to scratch and dogs love to chew. Providing them with the proper toys will not only keep them happy, but will also help protect your furniture and personal items.
  
  
• Instill Good Behavior: Begin good behavior habits from the moment you bring your pet home. Though nipping may seem adorable at first, this behavior may become a pattern that could become a big problem later. Use simple words to praise and command, setting boundaries and confirming you are the boss. For more formal training, seek your local animal trainer or enroll your pooch in an obedience class.
  
  

For more information about keeping your home odor-free, visit www.UltraLastLitter.com.

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