Having a family dog can be a great thing for the children, but there are a lot of practical concerns to get straight too. Here’s how to look after your new family dog the right way.
Let the Dog Get Used to the New Environment
One of the first things you need to do is allow the dog to settle down in its new environment. It will take some time, and you probably won’t see your dog’s true personality until it’s been with you for a few weeks. You can help them adapt more quickly by buying toys and making them comfortable. Visit http://www.indestructibledogtoys.org to find resilient dog toys. Take it slowly, and they’ll be settled in no time.
Choose a High-Quality Food
What you give your dog to eat is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an owner. It needs to be a brand of food that offers the dog the right nutrients and protein that it needs to stay healthy. Always read the label and know what you’re buying for your dog. If you’re unsure of the best food to buy, talk to a vet about it.
Develop a Routine
Like children, dogs need to have a regular and consistent routine. You should feed them at certain times of the day so that they know when to expect food. And you should take them for walks regularly as well. This kind of routine will also help them to settle into the family home and help to avoid any problems.
Find a Good Vet
Your dog will need to be taken to a vet for regular check-ups, so you want to have a good one. Ask any friends with dogs if they can recommend a local vet that is good and reliable. You’ll then need to get your dog vaccinated; your vet will tell you which vaccinations the dog will need. You might also want to think about having an ID chip attached to the dog. This will make it easier to find the dog if it becomes lost or runs away.
Get Pet Insurance
If your dog gets hurt or becomes sick, the care costs can be very high. This is why it’s a good idea to think about getting pet insurance. Then you’ll be covered against all the potential things that can go wrong. There are many different types of insurance deal, so you need to compare all the different options. You should be able to find one that is right for you as long as you do your homework.
Grooming
Grooming in an essential thing for any dog. It keeps them clean and in good shape. The first thing to think about is brushing. The kind of brush you need and how often you brush the dog will depend on what kind of dog you have. If the dog sheds a lot of hair, you can get shampoo that controls shedding. You will also need to keep their coat clean and trim their nails to keep their paws healthy.
