Everything New Pet Parents Need To Know

One of the exciting moments of life is when you bring a little feature or a furry friend and welcome them to your home! It’s so great to even think about those cuddles, playtimes, and special memories ahead. But between the excitement and those adorable puppy eyes or soft purrs, it's easy to forget something important.

But figuring out the whole pet parenting routine while you’re working long hours and juggling family commitments is scary.

The last thing you need is to realise at 9 PM on a Sunday that you've run out of dog food, or that your new kitten doesn't have a litter box.

Let me walk you through how you can adapt to being a new pet parent, how to buy food and things for your pet online easily and how to get a $20 first-order Swaggle discount code and other deals to save you money as a new pet parent. I’ll talk more about Swagger in this blog later on.

Why Being Prepared Matters More Than You Think

Most new pet parents excitedly bring a new puppy home, then they realise, where will they sleep? What will they eat tonight? Do you have the right bowls?

These small things can turn your happiness into complete stress. But when you’re ready for everything before your new companion arrives home, it’ll all be easy.

Your Essential First-Day Checklist

Food and water basics

The first and biggest responsibility of yours as a new pet parent is the health of your little friend. That's why, firstly, you need to focus on the nutrition.

For dogs, you'll need quality dry food as a staple. Many new dog parents also grab some wet food to mix in for extra taste and hydration.

Don't forget those treats, they're not just spoiling your pup, they're essential tools for training and bonding.     

For cat parents, your feline friend needs both dry food for dental health and wet food for hydration.

Your new cat may be a picky eater, so you need to spend time and figure out what they like. On top of that, buying treats for cats means you're building camaraderie, trust and friendship with them.

Here's something that'll make your new pet parent life so easier: Swaggle is Australia's trusted online pet store, currently has incredible deals running. We're talking up to 20% off Black Hawk, up to 20% off Hill's Science Diet, and up to 15% off Advance, all of which will expire very soon.

They also offer repeat delivery options, which means you'll never have that panic moment when you realise you're out of food at midnight. They have all the options from multiple brands and a huge list of products, no matter if you have a kitten, dog, puppy or a bird as a pet.

The toilet situation

For cat parents, cat litter is non-negotiable. Get it before you bring your cat home.

Cats like to stay clean and need some privacy, so keep the litter box somewhere quiet in the corner, maybe on your balcony where there's some privacy.

Health and safety first

Flea and tick prevention for dogs is indispensable because the tiny pests can make your dog miserable and even cause serious health problems. So start prevention treatment early, and stick to a regular schedule.

Bird parents, your feathered friends need specialised bird food that matches their species. Parrots eat differently from canaries, so you must do your homework here.

Make Your Home Feel Like Their Home

Comfort and rest

All pets deserve a sanctuary of their own. Pet beds give cats and dogs a warm place that has their scent and their own sanctuary when the world gets to be too much to handle.

For small pets and birds, proper bedding creates comfort and absorbs waste. Cages and accessories should be spacious enough for your pet to move freely and for them to feel at home.

Mental stimulation and play

What most new pet parents miss is that toys aren't luxuries but necessities.

Dogs need toys that challenge their minds and satisfy their natural urge to chew. Interactive toys can keep a bored puppy from turning your favourite shoes into their personal chew toy.

Cats are natural hunters. They want toys that allow them to pounce on, chase, and "catch" prey; this is their way of having fun! It's more than playtime, it's how they remain mentally sound.

Birds are very smart. They need toys and retreats that challenge their minds every time.

A bored bird can develop behavioural problems faster than you might think.

Feeding setup that actually works

Pick bowls that actually work for your pet. If you have a big dog, raised feeders make eating easier on their neck. For picky cats who love fresh water, an automatic waterer keeps things flowing.

The Ongoing Care Essentials

Health and grooming

Cats can groom themselves with a little help from you, but dogs need grooming every day. And both dogs and cats need to have their nails trimmed too, on a daily basis.

Stock up on the basics now: brushes, nail clippers, pet-safe shampoo, and dental care stuff. You'll thank yourself later. When you've got everything on hand, grooming turns into quality time with your pet instead of a stressful struggle.

Cleanup supplies

Accidents happen, especially with new pets still learning the ropes.

Bedding and cleanup supplies save your sanity. Enzymatic cleaners, poop bags for walks, and extra bedding you can wash regularly make life so much easier.

Conclusion: Your next steps action plan

Being a pet owner fills everyone with joy, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities and also the knowledge requiremen,t which can overwhelm you. However, you can start one by one until you become an expert.

Start with these priorities:

●      Food and water bowls

●      Appropriate food for your pet's species and age

●      Litter supplies (for cats) or cleanup supplies (for dogs)

●      A comfortable bed or sleeping area

●      Basic health and safety items

●      A few toys for mental stimulation

Then add these within the first week:

●      Grooming supplies

●      Additional toys and enrichment items

●      Proper feeders or waterers suited to your pet

●      Backup supplies of essentials