Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys. However, the idea can be intimidating if you’ve never owned a pup before. A dog makes an excellent companion if you understand how to treat one right. Before getting a dog, you need to ensure you can meet its welfare needs. You want to make sure you can provide the bare essentials they’ll need to be healthy and happy. A vet can offer you solid advice to help you find your perfect pup based on your lifestyle and needs.
Here is the ultimate dog tips checklist for you to feel self-assured each step of the way with your new canine partner.
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Stock Up on Supplies
Your new canine companion is going to need several items in his new home. But how do you decide what your pup requires and what you want? Often, you’ll need to get a bit of both. Many first-time dog owners are overwhelmed by the sudden essentials their dog needs. Take time to navigate your way through eDog Australia to understand the world of dog toys, beds, bowls, leashes, crates, collars, and more. There are plenty of fantastic pet supply websites where you can shop for your pup.
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Be Responsible
Commit to taking care of your new companion by providing him with all the bare essentials. This includes adequate dog exercise, interaction, training, and veterinary care. As a new dog owner, you also commit to your local community that you’ll take responsibility for your dog’s actions. Take time to research your local laws and guidelines regarding dog ownership. Also, remember to follow regulations like dog licensing. You’ll also need to ensure he’s up-to-date with any required vaccinations.
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Ensure You Have the Appropriate Dog Food
Your new pet will need food right away. Before making any haste food decisions for your dog, find out what your dog has been eating. Should you continue with that diet or switch them to a new diet? As a first-timer, it’s advisable if you consult your veterinarian. They will evaluate whether the food you use meets your pup’s individual nutritional requirements. Depending on age and stage, your dog needs specific nutrients that can benefit him. Your best bet would be soft dog food that won't hurt pups with small and sensitive teeth.
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Health
As a first-time dog owner, you will have to incur health expenses soon as your pet arrives home. You’ll need to make office visits, pay for vaccines, and start care. During the first year, expect to use about $1,195 on health care alone. This covers vaccinations, prescriptions, and sterilizations, among others.
Even though you may have been prepared to spend this amount of money, veterinary costs, sometimes, aren’t easily anticipated. “Unexpected emergency health conditions will consume a huge chunk of finances for first-time dog owners,” says Dr. Christie Long, Head of Veterinary Medicine at Modern Animal. Dr. Long adds, “if something sudden happens, a vet will need to run several tests – which can quickly inflate the costs.”
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Incorporate Daily Fun Activities
You don’t want your new companion to be bored when he’s at home alone while you’re out working. To curb your dog from being lonely and destructive, arrange for a pet sitter to take your pup for daily walks. Additionally, you can consider taking your dog to a good pet daycare center. These centers have expert animal caretakers who provide supervised and organized exercise for your dog. They’ll help your dog socialize better with people and other dogs.
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Adopting a Puppy?
If you’re planning on adopting a puppy, do your research and learn how to raise one properly. Puppies come with a myriad of challenges. Adult dogs are less cumbersome, especially if you work with a reputable organization to find the best match for you. For instance, you won’t know about potential problem behaviors until the pup grows up. All in all, you’re still free to adopt an adult dog.
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Introduce Your Dog to the World
Socializing your dog in its early stages will earnestly benefit you later. By introducing your dog to new pets and people, you increase its ability to have healthy interactions. Such habits come in handy at parks or when you have guests over in your home. Though many people socialize their dogs right away after getting them, experts warn against this. Start by creating a socializing plan to ease the process and make it effective.
Now that you’ve got the critical guidelines down, it’s time to enjoy the fun part: watching your dog grow. You and your dog are new to each other. It will take time to settle in. Give your new companion the benefit of the doubt – they’re not trying to annoy you. Come up with ways to set them up for success. Finally, remember to exercise patience.
