Welcome to “Top Tips for New Dog Owners,” a comprehensive guide created by our Registered Veterinary Nurses to help you seamlessly transition your new furry family member into their new home. The moment you pick up your pet, you become responsible for their well-being. Keeping the process stress-free requires careful planning, awareness of healthcare requirements, and preparations in advance to create a safe and comfortable environment. By following these expert tips, you'll ensure a smooth transition, lessening any potential stress for both you and your new dog. Are you soon to become a proud dog owner? Stepping into the exciting world of dog ownership can be a tremendous and rewarding experience. But, it's only normal for you to have a zillion questions and concerns. After all, you're about to share your life with a whole new family member with furry paws and a wagging tail. No worries, our Registered Veterinary Nurses have gathered all the useful tips to simplify this process for you and make it as stress-free as possible.
Plan Ahead for Your New Dog’s Needs
Even before your cuddly friend sets a paw in its new home, you should understand that you're wholly responsible for its wellbeing. It's critical that you make certain preparations in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for your dog. Planning ahead will ease the initial phase of keeping a pet and, as a result, make your new companion feel at home much quicker.
Healthcare Requirements for Your New Dog
It's not all about fun and games. Caring for your new dog's health is a major part of pet ownership. Make sure you have pet insurance in place before bringing your pet home. Register your pet with a vet and find out about any upcoming vaccinations or preventative healthcare procedures. It's important to know what to do if your pet falls sick or has an accident.
Your New Dog’s Environment: Get Your Home Ready
Moving into a new home can be overwhelming for your dog. Hence, it's critical that you prepare a safe, calm place for them to rest and feel secure. A cozy bed or a crate in a quiet corner can make your dog feel safe and at home. Also, make sure your home is dog-proof, meaning all toxic plants and potentially harmful objects are out of reach and the garden is escape-proof.
Microchipping Your New Dog
Microchipping your dog is a legal requirement in the UK. The law compels all dogs above the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped. Your dog must also wear a collar and tag displaying your name, address, and postcode in public places. Talk to your vet about scanning your pet for a microchip and remember to register yourself as the new owner with the microchip company.
Diet and Feeding
Find out what food your pet has been accustomed to and ensure you have a supply of it at home. Changing your pet's diet abruptly could upset its stomach. If you decide to switch to a different diet, do it gradually over 10-14 days to prevent digestive distress. Particularly for puppies, note that they require to be fed up to four times a day.
Choose Appropriate Toys
While it might be tempting to spoil your new pet with an array of toys, an overabundance might overwhelm them. Explore what types of toys they enjoy the most and provide them with a small selection to start with. Always ensure the toy's size and type is appropriate for your pet's breed and regularly monitor them for wear and tear.
Rest and Relaxation
In the excitement of having a new pet, don't forget that your dog requires plenty of rest, especially in the beginning. Make sure that all family members, especially children, allow the pet to have their ‘down-time'. Rest is crucial for your pet to adjust to its new surroundings.
Behaviour
It's important to keep in mind that your dog's behaviours in the early days might persist. It's important to enforce boundaries from the start. For example, if you wish your pet to stay off the sofa, reinforce this gently from day one.
Mental Wellbeing
The transition to a new home can be a stressful time. Make sure to give your new dog enough time and space to adjust. Establish a bond with your dog slowly and gently. Ensure that they feel safe and loved in their new home.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Advice
While it's exciting to bring home a new dog, it can indeed be challenging. Don't be afraid to seek advice from professionals or fellow dog owners if you're confused or worried about your pet's health or behaviour.
Remember, the joy of dog ownership goes hand in hand with responsibilities. Being well-prepared and informed is half the road to a happy and healthy life with your new canine companion. So, whether you are bringing home an energetic puppy or a wise old dog, these tips should guide you on your way. Enjoy the new adventure and love that comes with being a dog owner.
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Source: https://pet-gp.co.uk/blog/top-tips-for-new-dog-owners/
