Tips For Looking After Your New Dog
Having a dog isn’t just for Christmas, it’s a long commitment as the average dog can live up to 10-13 years old, with some living even longer. But either way, when your new dog has officially become part of the family, it’s time to make sure you have everything under control, so fewer accidents happen around the home. Here are some great tips for looking after your new dog.
Spend Time With Them
New surroundings take a little getting used to, the same goes to us sometimes as humans. So it’s important you spend time with your new addition so they can get used to the space and the rest of your household. Some dogs are also different when it comes to them being left alone. Dogs that are energetic may only last a couple of hours before barking or getting stressed. This isn’t great for your neighbors or anything of value in the house. Other dogs may go for hours without having to see you so whatever the breed, make sure you cater in social contact, even if it’s a dog walker or sitter that comes by during the day if you work long hours.
When you get a dog for the first time, it’ll be hard to keep away anyway as you’ll be wanting to bond with them. They’ll soon become part of your family!
Get Advice On Their Dietary Requirements
With so many different foods available for dogs that they probably have more options than us, it can be easy just to pick any random one up. However, it’s important to speak to your vet or research on what breeds eat what. Some may be susceptible to putting on weight very easily, while others may need a mountain of food, three times a day. Also, like us, some dogs may have intolerances to ingredients, and the last thing you want is a dog with an upset tummy.
Buy A Collar
Every dog needs a collar with a tag on them should the worst happen if they get lost. Dogs with no tags or collars are likely to get taken in by someone who has found your dog or to a nearby shelter. When it comes to the tag, you want to make sure it has the dog’s name on it as well as your contact details.
You may also want to consider getting your dog microchipped as sometimes a tagged collar might not stop someone from claiming your dog as their own. Once your dog has been given a microchip, it’s logged on a database. So if your dog goes missing, it can act as a tracker so you can hopefully be reunited should it happen.
Dog Proof Your Home
It can be wise to make sure your home is dog proof because sometimes they may be partial to take a little adventure into your walk-in wardrobe or office and take something that shouldn’t be chewed or played with. You may want to consider using a dog crate, and there’s a dog crate guide here, should you need some advice on what to get. Make sure you close (and lock if possible) any doors that are off limits or contain items your dog takes a liking to. Keep all food above ground so that you don’t come home to find they’ve eaten seven days worth of food in one sitting.
Get Plenty Of Toys & Keep Active
Just like a child, dogs need plenty of things to keep them occupied. A variety of toys will certainly keep your dog interested when you are out or busy around the house. It’s important also to keep your dog active to ensure that they remain healthy. Going on plenty of walks are good for both you and your pet. Be sure to find out from the vet, just how many they need as some breeds will need longer or more walks than others. Take advantage of any parks you may have nearby so they can interact with other dogs and people.
Discipline Them Correctly
It can be important, particularly with puppies that you discipline them if they’ve done something naughty. This will help them recognize the bad things they’ve done and teach them not to do it again. If you’re not sure what is best then consult your vet, do some research online and speak to other dog owners for their advice.
Having a dog is like having a child in some respects, so make sure you treat and care for them every day so that they may have a long and happy life.
