Bringing a new dog home is quite exciting. You have just added a furbaby to your household and this means a permanent family member for the next 10-15 years hopefully. A new dog comes with responsibilities and there are things that every family needs to know in order to be fully prepared for a lifetime with their new furry friend. Here are a few things to know.
- Make sure everyone is on board
- The entire family should meet the dog before you bring it home
- Let your vet know that you will be bringing a new pet home or acquire a vet
- Research and purchase food for your dog
- Have all necessary supplies on hand for your new pet
- Be prepared for unexpected medical expenses that can arise
- Make time in your day each day for your pet with exercise and training
Make Sure Everyone Is on Board
Adding a pet to the family is nothing that should be done impulsively. Make sure that the entire family is on board when it comes to adding a dog into the family dynamic. Dogs do require a lot of attention and will need everyone’s involvement. It is also important to make sure that no one has any allergies to the dog that is being added to the family. This is easy to determine by some research and exposure.
The Entire Family Should Meet the Dog Before You Bring It Home
When you are ready to add a dog to the family you will most likely be looking into a reputable breeder or a rescue group. Both of these will require that you and your family meet the dog before you bring it home. You and your family may also be required the meet the dog a few times. This is to ensure that everyone is on board with the pet and that the pet is a good match for the family as a whole.
The more exposure everyone gets to the dog, the better the chance of potential allergies becoming apparent. Sometimes specific breeds can trigger allergies while others, such as a teacup French bulldog, will produce no reaction at all.
Let Your Vet Know That You Will Be Bringing a New Pet Home
When you are ready to bring your new pet home, you’ll want to set it up at a new “patient” at the vet. Your pet will most likely need vaccinations if it is a puppy. It may also need a spay or neuter. Furthermore, your pet will require yearly vaccinations and routine checkups to make sure it is in good health.
If you do not already have a vet that other pets in your house may see, it is time to find one. You can crowdsource on social media or check review sites such as Yelp to find good reviews of local veterinarians’ offices near you. Make sure the vet has everything you are looking for in one location to make each visit less stressful.
Services Veterinarians Offices May Offer:
- x-rays and imaging services
- pet pharmacy
- doggie daycare
- grooming services
- store/boutique
- emergency veterinary care
Research and Purchase Food for Your Dog
Make sure you research the breed of dog you are getting and the food that is best for it. You can speak with the breeder, rescue organization, or your vet about what food will be best for your pet’s dietary needs.
Have All of the Necessary Supplies on Hand for Your New Pet
When you bring your new pet home, you’ll need to have all essentials handy. You’ll want a water bowl, food bowl, leash, harness, grooming brush, toys, food, and treats at the ready.
Be Prepared for Unexpected Medical Expenses That Can Arise
Pets are like people and can get sick at any given time. Perhaps your pooch ate something in the backyard it shouldn’t have or just isn’t feeling well. Sometimes serious medical conditions can arise too. Keep an emergency fund on hand for veterinary costs and possibly even consider pet insurance for your friendly fido.
Make Time in Your Day for Your Pet With Exercise and Training
Pets need a lot of work to become well-mannered furry family members. If your training techniques aren’t quite working, consider puppy obedience classes or a personal trainer to come to your home. You will want a well-behaved and socialized dog. This will require time. Your dog will do best when you can dedicate time to its training and to walks and exercise to keep it well-rounded and emotionally content.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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