20-Second Summary
Pet Guides is a complete blog that will act as your beginner’s resource for pet care. We will cover everything, whether you are going to adopt a cat, dog, bird, reptile, or small pet.
The topics that we will be exploring in this blog include:
- Basic Pet guides for each pet category
- Pets’ training and socialization tips
- Fundamentals for pet exercises
- Mental stimulation and nutrition
- Pet’s nutrition and safety essentials
- Ten mistakes that pet owners make and their solutions
With the help of this blog and other detailed pet guides available on our website, you will be able to choose the right pet for yourself, understand their emotional and behavioral needs, and foster a great companionship with the new member of your family.
Start your pet ownership journey the right way with expert tips and actionable advice for every pet type.
Introduction to Pet Guides Info
Pet guides have been created specially to help new pet owners with their new furry friends, and also to provide pet care tips to old owners regarding the physical and mental wellness of their beloved pet, reducing their vet visits, and helping them to enjoy a long-term healthy companionship with their furry family members.
Why Pet Care Information Matters
Keeping yourself updated about the information around your pets is really important to make sure that you are taking care of their well-being, safety, and health.
- A pet owner must always be informed about their nutritional needs, the exercises that they need to do regularly, their grooming, hygiene, and healthcare to provide them the care that they need on a regular basis, so that they not only stay healthy, but also a happy pet.
- Pets are always at risk of diseases, and sometimes a small sign can signal a bigger problem. And if you are a pet owner and are not aware of that, you may lose your pet to death for one little mistake of not acknowledging the signs they were showing you earlier.
- And at times, knowing about them is also important to the protection of the owner and their families, and not just the pet. For example, you must be aware of which pet is ideal to have in the home with toddlers, and what precautions to take if your pet has certain viruses or conditions (like lice) that could spread to other family members and cause an issue.
Being a knowledgeable pet owner is better because pets come as a family member and are just like kids, and they need as much care as an individual.
Understanding Different Pet Categories
While all different types of pet categories have hundreds of pet breeds, and each has its own special qualities and needs, below we will be covering the essential care requirements for each category in general for every pet owner.
In the future guide on this website, we will be posting in detail about specific breeds for each category, covering everything from their grooming to their vet visits, but for now, we will be focusing on the universal basics that matter for each category.
Dog Care Essentials
Below are the essentials for dog care for new pet owners.
Nutrition and Feeding Requirements
- Dogs require a protein diet, with their breed-specific dog’s daily caloric intake ranging from 1200 to 3000 calories per day.
- Two meals per day for adult dogs is necessary.
- Fresh drinking water must always be available for them in a clean bowl.
- Foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, or any other food with xylitol inside them should not be given to them.
Housing and Environment Setup
- If you want to keep a happy dog, you must have a spacious home or a backyard.
- For large dog breeds, a minimum of 200 square feet of space is required.
- Offer them comfortable bedding or a crate with a soft mattress or quilts, ensuring their ease.
- Dogs must have access to shaded areas if they are just outdoor dogs and spend more time outdoors, like in yards.
- Suitable temperature for them is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Exercise and Activity Needs
- 1-2 hours daily exercise; high-energy breeds need 2+ hours; mental stimulation (toys, games, training); daily walks essential
- They need daily 1 to 2 hours of exercise, and some high-energy breeds might require more than two hours.
Provide them with different toys, games, and training for their mental stimulation. - Never forget walks when you own a dog. Walks are ideal for them, and doing so twice or once a day can keep your furry friend happy and at ease.
Training and Socialization Basics
- If you get a puppy as a pet and you have to train them yourself, then you need to consider that they requires critical socialization for 3 to 14 weeks.
- They will need obedience training growing up (sit, stay, recall)
- Use positive reinforcement while training them so that they get used to it and know they need to behave well.
- Provide crate training and leash training as well.
Health and Veterinary Care
- They require puppy shots at 6, 12, and 16 weeks.
- Spay or neuter them once they reach the age of six to twelve months.
- Keep a check on their dental care and consult with your vet for required care tips.
- Get them medication for heartworm and flea protection.
- Visit the vet once every year for a general checkup and tests to see if everything is going fine.
Grooming and Hygiene
- Brushing 2-5 times per week, depending on the breed.
- Trim nails monthly.
- Clean their ears every week.
- Bathe every 4 to 8 weeks, or if they get dirty.
- Get them professionally groomed every 6 to 12 months.
Behavioral Traits and Temperament
- Loyal, social, pack animals; need human interaction; protective of family; playful; thrive on routine
- Dogs are generally very loyal.
- They love human interaction and are usually very protective of their owner and family.
- They thrive on routine, and you can adjust their temperament and good behavior based on the routine of your home. Just consider their own ease as a pet while setting up the routine.
Common Health Issues
Common health conditions that dogs can face include Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, cancer, obesity, ear infections, itching, and bloat (large breeds).
Lifespan and Life Stages
Their total life span differs with breeds, where smaller breeds tend to live longer.
- The average life span is between 8 and 15 years.
- When talking about their life stages, it can be divided into three stages
- Puppyhood is from 0 to 12 months
- Adulthood is from 1 to 7 years.
- Senior years start from 7+ years.
Cost of Ownership
The cost of keeping a dog varies between $1500 and $3000.
- Food can cost $500-$1,500
- Vet costs can be around $400-$800
- Grooming can cost $300-$600
- The cost of supplies can be between $300 and $500
Cat Care Basics
Below are the basic essentials related to cat care.
Nutrition and Feeding Requirements
- Cats require a high-protein, meat-based diet
- Adult cats require 2 meals per day
- Daily caloric intake for adult cats is around 200-250 calories
- Although the cat food market is full of dry food products, Wet food is recommended as it has a higher moisture content, which is healthier for cats.
- Always keep fresh water available for your cats, and check the water each day to ensure it’s clean.
- If you have running water, like a cat fountain, that will be ideal for cats.
- Avoid foods with onions, garlic, chocolate, and any toxic foods
Housing and Environment Setup
- Indoor apartments or houses are good for cats; keeping them outdoors is not ideal
- Ensure you have a minimum of 100 sq ft of living space
- Cats love vertical spaces, so try to keep cat trees, shelves, and wall-mounted perches if possible.
- Keep one litter box for each cat if you are getting more than one, and one extra to avoid any accidents.
- Maintain temperature between 65-75°F
- Having the window perches for bird watching and natural light will be ideal to keep them busy and happy
Exercise and Activity Needs
Cats have a very moderate activity level compared to dogs
- Require 15-30 minutes of play per day
- Indoor enrichment toys and climbing structures
- Hunting simulation games like toy mice, feather wands, or battery-powered flying insects can be ideal.
- They do not require as much exercise as the dogs.
- Mental stimulation in cats can be achieved through interactive play of up to half an hour or more daily.
- Solo play with toys (cats are independent)
Training and Socialization Basics
Cats do not require training like dogs.
- Do involve early socialization with humans and other pets, especially when you adopt them as a kitten
- Litter training comes naturally as an instinctive good behavior, but you might have to teach once or twice.
- Train to use scratching posts to avoid any furniture damage, as they have a natural instinct to scratch.
- They respond well to reinforcements, use reward-based training (treats, praise, play)
- Handle kittens gently and frequently for socialization
Health and Veterinary Care
- Annual vet checkups until age 7
- Two checkups per year once they are older than 7
- Kitten vaccination schedule:
- FVRCP vaccine at 6, 9, and 12 weeks
- Rabies vaccine (check local requirements)
- Spay/neuter at 5-6 months of age
- Year-round parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, worms)
- Regular dental care and teeth cleaning
- Monitor for early signs of illness
Grooming and Hygiene
- Brushing 2-3 times per week
- Daily brushing for long-haired breeds
- Occasional baths
- Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks
- Ear cleaning once per month
- Monitor skin and coat health
- Get professional grooming when required, not essential
Behavioral Traits and Temperament
- Independent and requires less socialization
- Territorial animals that need their own space
- Affectionate but choose to bond with their owners on their own terms
- Mostly active at odd hours, like at night
- Naturally curious and playful
- Self-cleaning habits
- May show attachment to a specific individual in the household
Common Health Issues
Their common health problems include:
- Feline leukemia (FeLV)
- Feline immunodeficiency (FIV)
- Kidney disease (common in older cats)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism can occur, especially in older cats
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Obesity
- Regular vet visits catch issues early
Lifespan and Life Stages
- The average lifespan for a cat is between twelve and eighteen years, though some may live 20 or more years when properly cared for.
- The life stages include three stages, like the dogs:
- Kittenhood is from 0 to 12 months, and is an ideal age for learning and training
- Adulthood is from 1 to 7 years, which is a prime health and energy for cats
- The senior stage starts from 7+ years, where they slow down in activity and require more vet visits.
You can always increase the life span of your cat by keeping them indoors more and also by taking good care of their health, with a keen eye on the signs of any illness.
Cost of Ownership
Annual spend on owning a cat as a pet is around $800 to $1500 per year. Which includes:
- Food: $200-$400/year
- Veterinary care: $300-$500/year
- Litter: $150-$300/year
- Supplies & toys: $150-$300/year
You can always consider pet insurance to cover any emergency funds if needed, or keep $1000 as emergency funds to get them treated in case of any emergency health needs.
Bird Care Guide
The table given below gives a quick care reference for birds based on different sizes.
Since all birds have specific care requirements and their needs vary with breed, we recommend visiting our dedicated bird care resources on our website.
| Care Category | Small Birds | Medium Birds | Large Parrots |
| Nutrition | Pellets (60-70%) + veggies (30-40%); 200-300 cal/day; fresh water daily; avoid chocolate, salt, avocado | Pellets (60-70%) + veggies (30-40%); 300-400 cal/day; seeds sparingly; fresh water daily | Pellets (60-70%) + nuts/fruits/veggies (30-40%); 600-800 cal/day; supplements; fresh water daily |
| Housing | Min. 18″x18″x24″ cage; natural wood perches; 65-75°F; 12-14 hrs darkness; enrichment toys | Min. 24″x24″x32″ cage; multiple perches; 65-75°F; sleep area; climbing toys | Min. 36″x48″x48″ cage; multiple perches; 65-75°F; extensive toys; quiet sleep space |
| Exercise | 2-3 hrs daily out-of-cage; foraging toys; mental stimulation essential | 3-4 hrs daily out-of-cage; climbing structures; social interaction needed | 4+ hrs daily out-of-cage; flight space; complex toys; constant mental stimulation |
| Training | Gentle handling from a young age; simple tricks possible; positive reinforcement | Early socialization; learns tricks/whistles; responsive to rewards; gentle handling | Highly intelligent; extensive training possible; strong bonds; requires patience |
| Health Care | Annual avian vet checkups; parasite screening; respiratory monitoring; nail/beak trims | Annual vet checks; parasite screening; respiratory checks; monitor egg-binding (females) | Annual comprehensive checks; parasite screening; respiratory monitoring; quarantine new birds |
| Grooming | Water baths 2-3x/week; daily cage cleaning; weekly deep clean; monitor feathers | Misting 2-3x/week; daily spot cleaning; weekly deep clean; check for plucking | Misting 2-3x/week; daily spot cleaning; weekly deep clean; quarterly beak/nail care |
| Behavior | Social, playful, vocal; active daytime; pair-bonding possible; need routine | Affectionate, moderately vocal; responds to interaction; needs consistency | Intelligent, emotional, very vocal; strong bonds; need mental stimulation; can be moody |
| Common Issues | Respiratory infections, fungal infections, feather plucking, malnutrition, parasites | Respiratory issues, fungal infections, feather plucking, behavioral screaming, and egg-binding | Respiratory infections, feather plucking, behavioral issues, nutritional deficiency, liver disease |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years (some 20+); maturity at 1-2 years | 15-20 years (some 25+); maturity at 2-3 years; prime years 5-15 | 40-60+ years (longest-lived pets); maturity at 4-6 years; can outlive owners |
| Annual Cost | $400-600: Food $30-50/mo, Vet $100-200, Cage/setup $100-200, Toys/supplies $150-200 | $600-1,000: Food $40-60/mo, Vet $150-250, Cage/setup $150-250, Toys/supplies $200-300 | $2,000-4,000: Food $100-150/mo, Vet $300-500, Large cage $400-600, Toys/supplies $500+ |
Small Pet Care
All small pets have unique personalities and require individual fundamental care requirements. Below are some important guidelines every small pet owner should know.
Nutrition and Feeding Requirements
- Provide the following food essentials for nutritional fulfillment
- Unlimited high-fiber hay
- Fresh vegetables daily
- Quality pellets
- Constant fresh water
- Avoid the following
- Toxic foods like onions, garlic, and chocolate
- Excessive treats to prevent obesity
Housing and Environment Setup
- Maintain 65-75°F temperature
- Provide hide boxes and shelters
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Change bedding regularly to prevent respiratory issues
Exercise and Activity Needs
- Provide daily out-of-cage exercise
- Provide climbing structures and enrichment toys
- Give regular interaction through play and handling
- Rotate toys to prevent boredom
- Monitor their level of activity and find signs for health-related issues
Training and Socialization Basics
- Handle pets gently from a young age
- Use positive reinforcement through treats
- Establish consistent routines
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises
- Maintain regular interaction to prevent aggression
Health and Veterinary Care
- Schedule annual checkups with exotic pet specialists
- Monitor lethargy, loss of appetite, and discharge, as these are signs of illness
- Perform parasite screening through fecal exams
- Spay and neuter them
- Monitor dental health if they have overgrown teeth.
Grooming and Hygiene
- Brush teeth regularly to reduce shedding and maintain coat health
- Trim nails every 4 to 6 weeks
- Provide breed-related bathing options, like water baths or dust baths
- Clean ears monthly
- Monitor skin condition during grooming for issues like lesions and rashes
- Provide clean space and remove soiled bedding or uneaten food daily to prevent diseases.
Behavioral Traits and Temperament
- These animals stress easily
- Their personality traits vary widely for different species
- Understand their normal behavior to identify stress or illness easily
- Provide companions to social species, but keep the solitary pets alone
- For nocturnal pets, give them quiet daytime to rest, as they stay active at night
Common Health Issues
- Respiratory infections can occur because of poor ventilation, drafts, or ammonia buildup
- Digestive issues can be caused by diet mistakes, stress, or limited exercise
- Obesity from overfeeding and insufficient daily activity
- Dental disease due to poor diet and genetics
- Stress-related conditions (rarely including seizures), due to loud environments
Lifespan and Life Stages
Small pet lifespans vary by species, usually between two and twelve years. Young pets need more feeding and social time, adults do best with routine and exercise, and seniors need softer food and extra vet care. Good nutrition, activity, and regular checkups keep them healthy at every age.
Cost of Ownership
- The annual budget is between $300 and $1,200
- Food expense is around $50 to $200 per month
- Vet expense is around $100 to $400 per year
- Bedding expense is $80 to $300 per year
- Toys or supplies can cost $100 to $300 per year
- Initial setup will cost $150-$500
Reptile Care Tips
All reptiles are cold-blooded, hence have specific environmental needs. To keep them as pets successfully, you need to keep precise temperature, humidity, and lighting control.
Below is a quick reference guide. For detailed species-specific guides, visit our dedicated reptile care resources.
| Care Category | Small Reptiles | Medium Reptiles | Large Reptiles |
| Nutrition | Insects/small prey; juveniles 4-6x/week, adults 3-4x/week; frozen-thawed preferred; supplements 2-3x/week | Carnivorous; juveniles 2-3x/week, adults weekly; frozen-thawed prey; calcium 1-2x/week | Omnivorous/carnivorous; juveniles daily, adults 2-3x/week; insects + veggies; supplements 2-3x/week |
| Housing | Min. 20-gal tank; aspen/paper bedding; warm/cool hides; 75-85°F; UVB beneficial | Min. 40-gal breeder tank; aspen/cypress bedding; hides, branches; 75-85°F (warm 88-92°F); UVB beneficial | Min. 40-gal+ enclosure (4’x2’x2′); species substrate; basking spots; 75-95°F gradient; UVB 10-12 hrs/day |
| Exercise | Low activity; solitary; burrowing/hiding normal; space to explore important | Low-moderate activity; solitary; exploring expected; climbing space helpful | Moderate activity; solitary; basking essential; climbing/exploring space; natural behaviors critical |
| Training | Minimal; gentle handling reduces stress; no formal training; avoid excessive handling | Minimal; young animals tolerate gentle handling; no training; routine feeding is important | Minimal; some tolerate gentle handling; young animals are easier; routine handling reduces stress |
| Health Care | Annual vet checks (reptile specialist); parasite screening (fecal exams); respiratory monitoring; quarantine 30 days | Annual vet checks; parasite screening; respiratory checks; IBD screening; quarantine protocols | Annual comprehensive checks (reptile specialist); parasite screening; respiratory monitoring; UVB/heat checks |
| Grooming | Spot clean 2-3x/week; monthly substrate change; daily water bowl; monitor shedding | Spot clean 2-3x/week; substrate change every 4-6 weeks; daily water; monitor shedding | Spot clean 2-3x/week; monthly substrate change; daily water bowl; monitor shedding closely |
| Behavior | Solitary, territorial; nocturnal/crepuscular; cryptic (hiding common); slow movements; minimal interaction | Solitary, curious; more active than others; generally docile; strong feeding response; defensive if threatened | Solitary, territorial; docile with handling; basking for thermoregulation; color changes show stress |
| Common Issues | Metabolic bone disease (MBD), respiratory infections, parasites, impaction, vitamin A deficiency, and mites | Respiratory infections, parasites, and inclusion body disease (IBD) are rare but serious when present, including feeding refusal, and scale rot | Metabolic bone disease (MBD), respiratory infections, parasites, impaction, vitamin A deficiency, and mouth rot |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years; slow growth; sexual maturity 1-3 years | 15-20+ years; moderate growth; sexual maturity 2-3 years | 10-15 years (some 20+); slow growth; sexual maturity 3-5 years |
| Annual Cost | $600-1,100: Food $50-80/mo, Vet $200-350, Tank/setup $200-400, Heat/light $100-150, Supplies $100-200 | $500-900: Food $30-60/mo, Vet $150-250, Tank/setup $180-350, Heat $80-150, Supplies $80-150 | $800-1,500: Food $60-100/mo, Vet $200-400, Tank/setup $300-500, UVB/heat $100-200, Supplies $100-200 |
Mistakes First-Time Pet Owners Make
Here are some key mistakes that first-time pet owners make.
- They do not research the pet needs related to the breed they are going to buy.
- They take veterinary checkups way too casually and skip the vaccinations and checkups that can be dangerous for the health of their pets.
- They either give a smaller portion or overfeed their pets, causing them obesity, which leads to many issues.
- When a pet does not get adequate exercise or does not get to play games to stimulate their mind, they can become depressed, lazy, gain weight, and may also adopt destructive behavior.
- With inconsistent training and a lack of teaching for boundaries, pets get confused and may not behave well; therefore, all family members must follow the same basic commands with them.
- When you ignore the needs of your pet in their initial weeks, and do not introduce them to their environment in their early weeks of life, it can make pets fearful, anxious, and reactive throughout life because they were not safely exposed in their early days.
- Not pet-proofing your home can also cause issues for your new pet, and this might turn into the biggest mistake to make as a new pet owner.
- A pet comes with a lot of happiness, but just like humans, they are also at risk of sudden health-related issues requiring costly treatments; hence, not keeping an emergency fund for your pet may not be an ideal choice.
- Every pet has different needs, and some have allergies that require special grooming products and hygiene needs, so as a new pet owner, one must not make the mistake of taking pet grooming lightly, bathe them as per their needs, and use products that are suitable for their skin and allergies.
- Pets need their time to adjust to the new environment; hence, forcing affection onto them might not be ideal. Understand the bonding requirement and timeline for your pet before getting them, and give them the space and time they need to develop a healthy bond.
Final Remarks
Choosing your first pet is not just exciting, but also an important decision for you and your pet’s life; hence, you must ensure that you are considering all the pet care-related information before welcoming your furry friend to your home.
While this blog already entails the essential information that you need about different categories of pets, each of them includes hundreds of pet types, with each having individual needs that a pet owner must know, but worry not, Pet Guides Info caters to this and gives you detailed guides for different pet types from each category you want to own.
Stay connected to stay updated on your pet’s adoption and their lifetime care tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a first-time pet owner know before bringing a pet home?
They should be aware of information around their pet’s nutritional needs, their vaccinations, safety, and health.
How often should I exercise my pet, and what type of mental stimulation do they need?
Every pet has specific exercise and mental stimulation needs, and they must be dealt with as per them; hence, we recommend looking for pet-specific information for the breed you are getting.
What are the most common mistakes new pet owners make?
Not getting information around the breed they are getting, not pet-proofing the house, not keeping emergency funds, not getting them vaccinated and groomed properly are some major mistakes that should be avoided.
What emergency supplies and safety measures should every pet owner have in place?
Every pet owner must have an emergency kit with food and medications, fresh water, medical records, a sturdy carrier, a leash, a collar, and ID tags with them all the time.
