Helping fur parents provide the best start for their pets, a “Firsts to Remember,” which is a special pet shower event designed to equip new pet owners with the essentials of responsible pet care.
Held at The Mess Hall in Makati City, the gathering featured expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities focused on topics such as veterinary care, nutrition, training, and creating pet-friendly homes.
Veterinary professionals from The Cat Clinic, Pet Lovers Centre, and Vets in Practice provided valuable insights into key topics like vaccination timelines, socialization methods, and easing pets into their new environments.
“Many pet owners encounter challenges during those first crucial days after bringing a pet home,” said Gerard Poa, marketing head of Royal Canin.
“Understanding a pet’s unique growth stages is essential to providing the right support at every phase. Our goal is to equip them with knowledge to make this transition as stress-free as possible.”
The event emphasized the significance of early-life nutrition, which Poa described as having a lasting impact on a pet’s well-being well into adulthood.
“People often overlook how important the early stages of a pet’s life are,” said Everylyn Austria, veterinarian and scientific communication manager at Royal Canin. “This event is about raising awareness and helping pet owners understand that nutrition is key to a healthy, happy life.”
Preparing new pet owners
While the internet is a go-to source for many pet owners, Dr. Austria reminded attendees that not all information found online is reliable.
“One of the most important things a new pet owner can do is visit a veterinarian,” she said. “There’s a lot of misinformation online, and professional guidance is crucial to avoid common pitfalls.”
She underscored the importance of regular checkups, timely vaccinations, and proper nutrition. Puppies and kittens, she noted, need a series of vaccinations every three to four weeks, with the final dose typically given at four months old. Booster shots are required annually.
Adult pets should visit the vet at least once a year, while senior pets benefit from checkups twice a year to monitor emerging health concerns.
To support preventive care, Royal Canin’s “Take Your Pet to the Vet” campaign encourages regular vet visits and consistent health monitoring. A well-balanced diet tailored to life stage, parasite control, and regular physical activity also play key roles in maintaining a pet’s overall health.
“Pets can’t speak. They can’t tell us when something’s wrong,” Austria pointed out. “Especially with cats, who tend to hide illness until it becomes serious, routine vet visits are vital.”
Tailored nutrition at every stage
With more than five decades of research under its belt, Royal Canin continues to lead in the field of science-based pet nutrition.
