Congratulations! You have decided to become a dog owner for the very first time – now the fun starts. It’s no secret that dogs make the perfect companions and can help your family create wonderful memories together. However, you may find the reality of such a commitment can start to kick in.
Does the thought of owning a dog for the next 15 or so years leave you feeling daunted?
Don’t stress – in this guide, we’re going to offer some of the best tips to take on board if you’re set to become a first-time dog owner. Take a read of them below:
-
Do your research
Owning a dog isn’t about choosing a breed that visually fits in with your aesthetic. It takes a great deal of time and research to discover which breed is suitable for your lifestyle. Part of choosing the correct breed is to determine the physical and mental needs of the dog and whether you can offer the time and facilities required. Your dog is merely dependent on you; therefore, you need to ensure that you have thought profoundly about the type of dog that ties in with your way of life.
-
Find a reliable vet
While you don’t necessarily want to think about your dog becoming ill, being prepared for worst-case scenarios is always beneficial to ensure your dog remains fit and healthy. As soon as your new dog arrives home, your first task is to register with a reliable vet, such as easyvet.com. They will give your dog a good check over, provide helpful hints about caring for the dog breed, and inform you of any health complaints that need attention. It would be wise to always stay in close communication with your vet so that issues can be dealt with as soon as they arise.
-
Know your budget
Owning a dog isn’t cheap. You’ll need to evaluate the health and maintenance costs that come alongside being a dog owner. This will include regular vet check-ups and vaccines, flea and worming treatments, grooming, and, of course, food. If you don’t know whether these costs will fit into your monthly budget right now, you may wish to evaluate your decision later down the line.
-
Create a pet-proof home
When your new dog arrives home, it’s natural that they will want to explore. If you have a puppy, you should expect a little accident or the nibbling of furniture – so don’t be too alarmed if this occurs. Before your new dog is brought into the home, you’ll need to make some adjustments to make the space as comfortable and safe as possible. Here are some useful pointers:
- Add a gate to the bottom of the stairs to prevent falls and injuries
- Ensure electrical wiring is concealed or out of reach
- Remove sharp or prized items out of the main living spaces
- Install high fencing in the back garden to prevent your dog from escaping
- Remove poisonous plants and shrubs from the home and garden
