If you're a first-time dog owner, there are many things to think about before you bring your dog or puppy home. If you can, it is a good idea to visit a vet and discuss what actions you need to take with them first. However, not everyone is able to do this, so below is a checklist of things to take into consideration.
Choosing a Vet
When choosing a vet, it is important to find someone reputable. If you have friends who own a pet, ask them for recommendations. If you are unsure about the practice, try and take a look at it before bringing your dog home.
Once you have found a vet it is important to book an appointment for your new dog as soon as possible. This way, the vet can advise you about vaccinations, diet and exercise and will give your new dog a health check to make sure there are no problems.
Even once you've found a vet, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. If you're not sure about your vet's advice or treatment, you can find another vet to double check whether your pet is getting the best treatment possible.
Dog Diet Considerations
Whether you get your new dog from a pet store or a breeder, it is important to ask about what kind of diet it's used to. This means finding out whether it was given wet or dry food and also asking about the brand too. Switching brand or type of dog food suddenly could give your pet an upset stomach.
If the breeder or store was giving your dog a different type of diet to that recommended by a vet, you can alter your pet's diet slowly. If your vet has recommended dry food, start by mixing a few pieces in with your dog's normal bowl of wet food and increase the amount day by day. That way, your dog can get used to it over time.
Vaccinations
The kind of vaccinations your dog might need will depend on its age and whether the previous owners stayed up to date with its vaccinations themselves. Your vet will be able to advise you about what kind of protection your dog needs against which illnesses.
Vaccinations are one of the reasons that it's very important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible after you bring him home. If you leave it for a couple of months, your dog may not be protected against some of the harmful canine diseases that are out there.
Training
Training a new dog takes time and patience. Even if you are getting an older dog, it might not have received good, if any, training before. All training, whether it is housebreaking or playing fetch, is down to practice. Some pet owners do struggle with their dogs and find it helpful to have the guidance of a professional.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is crucial. Veterinary care is incredibly expensive and, if your dog has a life-threatening injury or illness and you can't afford his treatment, then the vet could euthanize him. The insurance isn't very expensive but makes all the difference if your pet gets sick.
There are a lot of things to think about when getting a new dog. However, with the support of your vet you should be enjoying the company of a healthy, happy dog in no time.