Pet Pointers: Adopting Your First Family Dog? Here's What You Need To Know

 

Adopting a dog for the first is an exciting decision. There's a long list to prepare as you bring home a new family member that could stay in your home for a decade or even more. Getting a real puppy is adorable, but it comes with a real challenge. 

The last thing we want you to do is to get a puppy and end up regretting it. So here's everything you need to know before you get a puppy. 

Remove Hazards for Dogs

Now that you've decided to adopt your new dog from the shelter, it's time to do some home-puppy-proofing. Ensure that your dog doesn't have access to potential dangers like wires, broken glass, toxic foods like chocolate, coffee, onions, garlic, avocado, tea, raisins, and candy. 

Also, you should seal your garbage cans properly, keep your house plants away from your dog, and keep chemicals like pesticides and cleaners secured behind the cabinets.

Help Your Dog Transition

Before purchasing food for your dog, find out what your dog has eaten in the shelter or breeder. If you want to switch to a different type of food, mix 75% old food with 25% of the new food for three days. Doing this will help your dog transition and not disturb the pet's normal stomach flow. 

Make a Place For Your Dog

Avoid having the mistake of giving your dog too much freedom. Put your pup in a controlled environment-ideally in a crate or a play-pen. Doing this will eventually help you make potty training easier. 

Straining your dog when you can't supervise them is also ideal for ensuring they're not roaming around and chewing stuff they shouldn't be eating.

Introduce Your Kids

Dog companionship can help kids build their social skills and sense of responsibility. But before bringing in a pup, parents must teach their kids how to properly care for the dog and stay safe around your pup to protect both the dog and the family. 

Ideally, you want a playful and protective dog for your kids. If you have children at home, get a more gentle and patient breed like a Collie. 

Make Sure No One Has Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are prevalent. Note that dogs can bring in outside allergies to your families. So before bringing in a pet, make sure no one in the family has a pet allergy. If you're not sure whether you have a pet allergy or not, get tested.

Take Him to the Vet

The first thing you have to do after adopting a puppy is to take him to the vet. Shelters and breeders will often give you information about the overall health of your puppy. Still, it's a good idea to set your first vet appointment for a general checkup to get all the necessary recommendations on feeding, caring, sterilizations, and others. 

Welcome to the bark side! Owning a dog is a roller coaster ride; it's full of ups and downs. That's why it's crucial to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. Which among the doggy tips did you find most useful? 

About the Author

Ane is a dog lover who is passionate about giving tips on how to keep pups healthy and happy. If not writing, you can find her going on adventures with her dog, Ozzy. Read more of her tips at dogclublife.com