Tips For First-Time Dog Owners: What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pup Healthy

If you’re thinking about getting a dog but have never owned one before, you might feel a little nervous about taking on the responsibility. After all, dogs are amazing animals, but they require quite a bit of attention and care to stay happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Dog ownership requires time, money, and patience. There are many responsibilities that come with owning a dog; however, it doesn’t need to be hard. Fortunately, this article will share some useful tips for first-time dog owners to keep your pup happy and healthy throughout their life.

pomeranian puppy

Research Before You Get A Dog

Before you get a dog, make sure you do your research, so you know what to expect. First-time dog owners often make the mistake of thinking that dogs are low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most dogs require daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. You also need to be prepared to spend money on food, toys, vet appointments, and grooming products. This doesn’t even include the costs of dog boarding and dog sitting services if you’re planning on going on a trip and can’t take your dog with you. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you should make sure that you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with it. 

Know The Costs Of Owning A Dog

It is important that you know the costs of owning a dog before you get one. This way, you can budget accordingly, so you aren’t caught off-guard when it comes time to make payments. First-time dog owners often underestimate the cost of owning a dog. Dogs need to be fed a nutritious diet, they need to be groomed, and they need to see the vet regularly. On top of all of this, you also need to make sure that your dog has a safe and comfortable place to sleep and a healthy amount of toys and treats to chew on. 

Additionally, when getting a dog for the first time, it’s essential that you invest in pet insurance. The reason this is important is that if your dog has an accident, ailment, or eats something they shouldn’t, the insurance will be able to cover the costs of treatment so that you can focus on your dog’s recovery and not how you’re going to afford vet care.

Choose The Right Breed For You

Not every breed is right for every person. You should consider your lifestyle, your living situation, and your personality before you decide on a dog, as you want to make sure that the breed you choose is well-suited to your lifestyle and living situation. For example, if you live an active lifestyle and you want to take your dog running or hiking with you, you should consider a breed that is athletic, like a Labrador Retriever or a German Shepherd.

Decide Where Your Dog Will Sleep And Eat

Once you’ve chosen the type of dog that best fits your lifestyle, you’ll need to decide where your dog will sleep and eat. The where is completely up to you, but if you’re bringing home a puppy, dedicating a room to be theirs while you train them may be the best option, as this will avoid unwanted accidents around your home. With older dogs that have been trained to go to the toilet outside, you can be a bit more flexible with where they sleep and eat. You could put their food bowls in the kitchen or by the back door while putting their bed in the living room. 

Establish Rules And Boundaries

As soon as you bring your new pup home, you’ll want to work on setting rules and boundaries. Work on teaching your pup basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “lay down,” and “come.” If you have kids, you’ll want to make sure they understand how to interact properly with the dog and contain the dog within a safe space. You should also make sure to have a consistent schedule. Dogs thrive on routine, and it’s important to be consistent. This will help your dog to understand what is expected of them, as well as what is expected of you.

Learn How To Clean Their Teeth

It is important to know how to properly clean your dog’s teeth. This can be done using a dog toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste. It is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth once a day, but many dogs find the process of having their teeth brushed stressful. If you find this is the case with your dog after you bring them home, there are alternative methods. To learn how to clean dog teeth without brushing, take a look at this guide from Native Pet on cleaning your dog’s teeth. This is crucial and is something that can be forgotten if its not a part of your routine. The guide will cover everything you would want to know about cleaning their teeth while avoiding brushing.

Feed Your Dog The Right Food

It’s important to feed your dog the right food. This doesn’t just mean feeding them a specific brand or type of dog food. It also means feeding them the right amount. Feeding your dog the right amount will depend on their age and weight. Be sure to check the bag or can to make sure you are feeding them the right amount based on their weight and age. Overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity, which can lead to other health problems. When it comes to feeding your dog if you’re ever unsure about what the best food for them should be, speak to your vet, as they will be able to help you set up a diet plan that will keep your dog healthy.

Invest In Training

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you have to take the time to train your dog. Dogs learn best when they are young, so you want to start training them as soon as you bring them home. It is a good idea to talk to a trainer to learn the best ways to train your dog. They will be able to tell you what training techniques work best for the age and temperament of your dog. Training your dog will not only help them to behave better, but it will also build a stronger connection between you and your dog.

Provide Your Dog With Plenty Of Exercise

Dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy, and if they don’t get enough exercise, they can become very destructive and out of control. Dogs are social animals, and they need a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs. If you don’t get enough exercise with your dog, they can become stressed and anxious. You want to make sure that you take your dog on a long walk at least twice a day and that you take the time to play with them, as this will provide the mental stimulation they need.

Get Your Puppy Spayed Or Neutered

If you’re getting a puppy, it’s important that you get them spayed or neutered as soon as possible. This can help to prevent your dog from developing certain health issues, such as certain types of cancers. It can also prevent the breeding of unwanted dogs if your dog ever gets out and interacts with another dog that hasn’t been spayed or neutered either.

Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
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