Adopting a dog for the first time is really an exciting and overwhelming feeling. There are a lot of preparations and things you need to buy before getting the puppy. Before you bring your new pup to your home, you must know what to expect and how to take care of them properly. Owning a dog is not an easy task; you will encounter many challenges along the way and one of which is diseases and ticks. Ticks could be your number 1 enemy, and you should know how to deal with ticks, or it could cause serious damage. Additionally, here are helpful tips for a first-time pet parent like you.
- Choose all-natural dog food.
Choosing the right food is a must. Your puppy will have different nutritional needs than adult dogs; they need food that will help boost their immune system, help their bones be stronger as they grow, and food that nourishes their coat. A puppy needs to eat a lot of food, and it is crucial to remember that the food you feed them should contain the right balance of nutrients and minerals they need. From birth up to six months of age, your puppy will have a need to eat two to four times as much as an adult, as this supports all that growth. It is very important for puppies to get all the nutrition they can get as they grow, and as owners, it is your job to give them just that.
- A place to sleep
Before your puppy arrives at their new home, you need to set up a sleeping spot in advance. Although your puppy will most likely sleep at the most random place ever, it is still important that you set up a comfortable resting spot for them. It’s generally best to start your dog in a confined space like a dog crate; this way, they can slowly adjust to the new place and eventually feel comfortable moving around.
- Buy their other essentials
Food and beds are not the only things you need when you choose to adopt a puppy. They will need a lot of things like bowls, toys, treats, leashes, collars, vitamins, shampoo, and a lot more. It will be best to have these ready before your puppy comes.
- Dog-proof your home
Adopting a puppy is a very challenging situation, as you can find chewed-up stuff everywhere. Their curious minds cannot keep still, especially when they see new things they can play with. So, if you are planning to get a puppy, you better place your valuable items up where they can’t reach it.
- Vet visits
Just like humans, dogs need to get their regular check-ups too. You need to make sure that your pup is protected from diseases and its body is healthy. Usually, vets prescribe different vitamins you can give your pup to boost their immune system and their appetite and make sure that they are well protected from common but deadly illnesses. Vaccines are also very necessary as it provides long-term protection for your dog’s health. It is essential to remember that they, too, deserve the finest care you can get them; browsing through the list of best vets online could be a big help to you as well.
Conclusion
Owning a puppy is such a big responsibility to have, but one thing is certain, you will have the most loyal best friend for life. Did you know that dogs are known to be beneficial to one person’s physical and mental health? Your dog increases opportunities for you to socialize and exercise and decreases the possibility of depression.
