In a world that is increasingly scary and chaotic, adopting a dog is one thing that can still bring you and your family joy. Now, that you’ve adopted a puppy, you might be wondering what comes next. There are quite a few things you should do before and after you bring your bundle of furry joy home. In this article, you’ll find a few of the most important things you should do to make your new pup healthy and happy.
Gather supplies.
One of the first things you should do as a new pet owner is to gather the supplies needed to have a new pet in your home. Start with high-quality dog food, a food and water bowl, and a comfortable bed. One of the other essentials that many pet owners forget is a good quality dog harness. While it is possible to walk your dog without a leash or harness, it’s safer for you and your pup to have one. If you get one that is a no-pull harness, then you run less risk of injuring your arm or shoulder during walks as well.
Contact a local pest control company.
While adopting a dog can be a joy, the risk of bringing fleas and ticks into your home isn’t. After you’ve adopted your pet you should get in touch with your local residential pest control company to set up a regular schedule for them to come out and spray your home and your yard for ticks and fleas. It’s better to treat your home and yard before an infestation begins, instead of waiting until your dog brings the pests home and your yard is infested.
Get your new pet to the vet.
One of the first things you should do when adopting a pet is to make an appointment with your local vet. You should make an appointment within one week of bringing your dog home.
The vet can make sure the animal is in great health and address any underlying health issues he or she could possibly have. It’s always a good idea to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis for checkups, so make sure to choose a reputable vet that you can trust. There are many reasons that a dog needs to visit a vet in an emergency, don’t let this happen to you and your new pet. Do your research and find a vet before you even bring your dog home for the best results.
Introduce your pooch to the family.
If you already have pets, it’s recommended that you bring them outside one at a time to introduce them to your newest family member. Other animals could be jealous of your new dog and this could result in fights between them.
Keep the other dogs on their leashes, as dogs tend to be territorial and can attack if they feel threatened by your newest pet. It’s also best to restrain kids and others from kissing or hugging the dog in the beginning, though they should offer treats and pats.
Begin training right away.
Whether it’s not getting on the living room furniture or using the bathroom outside, it’s best to start training your pup from day one, even if the dog is already an adult. The faster you teach them what is expected and what is acceptable the easier the transition will be for both of you.
These are just a few of the things you should do after you adopt a new dog. As a new member of your family, your puppy needs love, patience, understanding, and training as well. Adding a new dog to a family can be a joy, don’t make it overwhelming by not following the ideas above.
