There’s not much else out there that’s quite as exciting as welcoming a new furry friend into your home, whether you are bringing home a sweet, playful puppy, a timid rescue dog, or an older adopted pup. While the next couple of months will be an adjustment for your new dog and your family, you will need to be as prepared as possible. Not only will there be a few hiccups along the way that may be mildly frustrating, especially with regards to puppy training and keeping your shoes intact, but you will also enjoy countless loving memories.
If you have not yet prepped your home to puppy-proof certain areas and purchased all the essentials and some extras for your new pet, you may not yet have considered all the things you will need to keep your pet safe and secure. Welcoming a pet home is not just about making sure your new fur-child has enough toys, a snuggly bed, and a balanced diet, as there are extra steps you should take to protect your pet.
A Protective Space
Even if you have already decided that your new dog will be sleeping inside the house, it is still a great idea to provide your pet with a protective space. There are quite a few different options to consider before making a decision, as chain link dog kennels are available in a wide variety of sizes and designs. However, you also have the option of portable kennels and kennels made from different materials. Before purchasing a protective space for your pet, you should evaluate factors such as how much backyard space you have, how much space you would like your pet to have inside the kennel, and if the kennel should protect from the outdoor elements.
Suppose you are not entirely confident that a kennel is essential for your pet. In that case, countless dog trainers suggest that giving your new dog a kennel can assist with relatively common issues, such as separation anxiety. This is because the kennel provides the pet with comforting security that can make a massive difference to the pet’s adjustment phase, especially if owners cannot be at home all the time.
Introduce your dog to your space and give them an area such as the kitchen or the common area to start. Each pup or new pet can get accustomed to the space first (think 1-2 weeks). That space ideally has a toy, a soft, plush bed (appropriate for their size) which is covered like a den (think dog teepee, or a covered crate or a bed under the table, chair or desk) for maximum security blanket factor. Dogs are born in dens and so an enclosed, cozy space can help them relax into their new home. You can also get a puppy play pen which you can build to your own liking and extend as the pup gets accustomed to the space.
A Microchip And A Collar
Your priority should be to clarify whether or not your pet has been vaccinated and vet checked. Deworming and a standard health check are undeniably necessary, even if you have purchased your new pup from the local pet store. While several types of viruses and bacteria can harm your pet or have fatal impacts, you can also have your furry friend microchipped. Microchips are tiny, and the procedure is incredibly invasive and relatively affordable. The microchip will keep your pet safe as it can be instrumental if your new dog becomes lost. As soon as your pet is picked up and taken to a vet or an animal shelter, the microchip containing your information will be scanned, and your furry family member can be collected or returned home.
In addition to a microchip, it is a great idea to have your dog fitted for a quality collar and a tag. While your contact information and the dogs’ name should be on the identification tag, adding an indication that the pup has a microchip is just as essential. If you consider a fashionable pet collar, be sure that it is durable enough to last at least a few years.
Puppy-Proof Your Homes Perimeter
Your new fluffy family member is not contemplating escape and dreaming about life in the wild, although dogs become lost for other reasons. Suppose there are any potential escape areas in your home or your yard. In that case, it is best to cordon them off as securely as possible. Be sure to avoid temporary solutions that your active pup could chew through even if you have purchased a secure dog kennel; keeping your puppy safe and secure means going the extra mile.
Puppy proofing your yard should also be extended to protecting your new pup from harmful things that could be inside your yard; losing your pet is not the only concern. You may have some plants in your yard that are toxic for pets, so it is recommended to determine which plants are poisonous and remove them before allowing your unsupervised pet access to the garden. In addition to this, you should also perform a maintenance check on your backyard walls and any latches.
The Essentials And Some Extras
Once you have prepped your home for your new pet, you can then start shopping for all the essential things that your pup needs to stay happy ad healthy. Finding pet food and treats that your puppy enjoys will be as important as getting a few chew toys that will help your pet through any painful teething or bouts of boredom. While scouring the pet ships to find the essentials, you will probably stumble on a few intriguing or alluring products you may feel you need. However, it is best to avoid overspending and purchasing too many things as you may overwhelm your new dog. It is best to make a list of items that are essential before searching for any extras.
With that in mind, a few items you may not yet have considered include carpet and sofa spray that will deter your pet while you are puppy training. Furthermore, a quality pet shampoo that is suitable for sensitive skin is also crucial, while other grooming things will be needed. However, if your pet has short hair, grooming tools are slightly less essential. The types of essentials and extras are often dependant on the breed of dog as different dogs have different needs.
Welcoming home your pet will have you feeling excited and somewhat stressed, although, with enough planning and preparation, you can welcome your new furry friend home while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is safe, secure, and happy.
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