September 19, 2019

“House training can be overwhelming for anyone, but children can definitely help.”

Veterinarian Chris Forstall gives five-paw worthy advice for families with pets.

Many childhood memories are filled with fur and kisses from the sweet pet members of your family. If you are considering adopting an animal or need some advice about caring for one you already have, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. Veterinarian Chris Forstall answers some of our questions about a pet’s place in the family and the family’s role as caregivers.

What are some tips for choosing my family’s first pet?

There are so many breeds out there to choose from, and there is a perfect breed for everyone. You need to know what you want in a pet. Something independent — like a cat? More of a companion — like a dog? Are you an active person that likes to run and be outdoors? I would choose a medium to large breed working dog such as a Labrador. 

Are you more sedentary? I would recommend a small breed such as a toy poodle. Do you travel a lot? You may want a cat that does not need as much attention and care. You would want a pet that matches your lifestyle.

What is the first thing I should do when bringing home a new pet?

You want to show them everything that is theirs in the house, food and water bowls, beds, cages, places to go to the bathroom, toy bins, etc. Slowly introduce them to the other pets and children in the house. It is always good to have a kennel or bed for them to call their own, so it can be their safe spot.

What is the one piece of advice you wished pet owners would follow, but they don’t?

Take Google with a grain of salt. There is some good information out there, but there is also a lot of false/incorrect medical information. Please refer to your vet for more reliable guidance.

What are the most common ailments for pets that owners seem to wait till it is too late?

Dogs and allergies: We see a lot of allergies because of our environment and a lot of the time people wait until the skin is infected before they bring them in to the vet. Cats and urinary tract infections: Partially because cats are so independent, the owner usually will not notice until the issue is very bad.

What is pet insurance and what does it do?

Pet insurance is a great thing. It allows people to make medical decisions and not financial ones. Typically, it covers around 80 percent of routine stuff, but it really pays off for catastrophes such as a torn ACL.

There are so many choices for dog/cat food. How do I know which ones are right for my pet?

I like to recommend foods from more popular brands such as Hill’s or Purina because it is always available and they provide quality, nutritious food. Some of the newer brands get hard to find and force you to switch, which can cause digestive issues. It is also good to look for foods with protein as the first ingredient. Most veterinarians recommend a grain-free diet because grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues.

Pets in beds — should pets sleep on the bed with its owners?

This is a personal decision for each person and family. Some people like to have their dog or cat in their bed and some do not. There really are no advantages or disadvantages to either.

How can kids help with house training and teaching the family pet new tricks?

House training can be overwhelming for anyone, but children can definitely help. I highly recommend crate training your puppy. If you are not home or you are distracted with a project, place the puppy in his or her kennel. When you go to take him out of the kennel, immediately take him out and reward with a treat. Your children can be as involved in this process as you would like. Let them hold the leash if they would like or give the pet a treat.

What does pet ownership teach kids?

Pet ownership is a great way to teach your children responsibility. Our two older daughters, ages 10 and 8, are responsible for feeding our two dogs nightly. We taught them the correct amount of food to give, and they actually enjoy doing it. We are also teaching them how to bathe our Maltipoo. Our pets are “family,” not just a pet for mom and dad to care for.

Dr. Chris Forstall, a New Orleans native, opened Southshore Animal Hospital in 2013. He has three daughters and two dogs.