Whether you decide that you want to stick with what would be classed as a normal or popular choice for a pet, or if you decide to go for something a little more unusual, choosing the right pet for you is a process and a journey that needs your attention.

After all, you are making a huge commitment. But, it isn't just the commitment of looking after a pet that you need to think about. There are things that could affect your new pet more than you realise. With that in mind, here are some of the things to think about.

How animals are affected by the solar eclipse

Animals can be affected by many different things, the weather and outdoor environment are key things that can cause them to act strange. Thunderstorms and even a solar eclipse can send your pet a little loopy. It is to do with the environment and it can make your pet feel uneasy, so keeping them calm is essential. You may want to consider remedies such as CBD pet products that could help calm your pet if they seem to be struggling with anxiety and stress and there are no other obvious reasons as to why.

The living creatures on their body cause them havoc

Did you know that there could be ticks and fleas causing havoc to your pet’s fur and skin on an almost daily basis? These things are all relatively normal but actually can cause major problems if not treated. There is some useful info online to help decide the best cause of treatment. Failure to keep these things at bay can cause your pets to scratch and be irritated by them, which may lead to further health issues. Usually your vet will supply with a regular treatment you can use and keep up to date with. This should avoid this nasty problem.

The surprising things that could poison your pet

There are a number of foods that we enjoy as humans that can actually have a detrimental effect on your pets. Chocolate, for example, is actually poisonous to animals like dogs, however, seen as a huge treat for us. However, it isn’t just the food that could be a problem, things like houseplants could also be poisonous, as well as grapes, raisins, coins and bread dough. Often these things can be in easy reach of your pets, so try and be mindful of what is good and what isn’t.

A sudden fear of some normal household technology

Much like when you cook the sounds from appliances can cause irritation to your pets, and household technology can have the same effect. An unusual beep, a sound that someone least expects like when a washing machine has completed its cycle, it can cause your pet to fear that appliance or item in the home. The sound is different and unpredictable which can cause a reaction or anxious behaviour the same as the effects on humans.

You may find that pets that you have rehomed may be more upset by things like this as they are a little more sensitive and vulnerable to their new surroundings.

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Pets, just like us, can experience a variety of strange and unexpected health issues or behaviors. Some of these are so odd you would never consider them!

Firstly they can do something called 'Reverse Sneezing'. This tends to happen with small dogs. It sounds like a fast intake of breath through the nose. It's a bit frightening at first but is usually harmless.

A fun thing which pets often do is the 'Zoomies'. Our cat will do this when the children come home from school because she's so excited to see them. It's obviously very boring being at home with me just sat at a computer! Now she has play mates. The Zoomies is where they run around the house in a frenzy.

Eating things they shouldn't is another strange pet activity. With puppies especially they love anything from shoes to house plants in our experience! Our cat always tries to eat paper and heads for the grass as soon as she goes outside. This then makes her sick so I don't know why she does it!

If your pet twitches while sleeping these are usually harmless little moments of sleep and they could even be dreaming. It's generally a natural process and nothing to worry about.

However, if your pet is tilting their head often, this can be something which needs attention. A head tilt can be due to an inner ear infections or more troublesome problems. It's best to take your loved one to the vet to to checked properly.

Whenever you bring a new pet home it will take time for you all to adjust to each other. Our cat now loves to watch the washing machine going around!

We hope that this has made you more aware of some of the stranger things that can affect your pet and how to be sensitive to them.