Welcoming a new dog to your home is very exciting. However, the idea of having a dog can be intimidating, especially if you have never owned a dog before. The most important thing to do is to prepare beforehand and have an idea of what to expect once your new friend gets home. To help you out, here are some tips to make the transition a lot smoother.
Know What To expect
Once you bring your new dog home, there will be an adjustment period. This is the time your dog will take to know you and anyone else living in the house. It is important to be patient at this stage because your dog may be overwhelmed or scared of the new home and its new owners. Others may be relaxed until they get used to their new surroundings and then become hyperactive.
Adult dogs, especially those that have lived in a shelter before, will take longer to adjust while puppies will need some training. Regardless, it could take a few weeks to a few months for your dog to adjust fully to its new home.
Have the Right Dog Food
Your new dog will likely need to eat as soon as they get home. It is important to do your research to find out the right type of food for the breed of dog will be bringing home. The type of food you get will also depend on the dog’s age and you will need to decide whether to keep feeding them what they have been eating or transition slowly to new foods if they are coming from a shelter.
If you are unsure, talk to a vet so they can tell you what food will meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Adjust Your Budget
Owning a dog comes with a lot of commitments and most of these come with a cost involved. These expenses include food and treats, disease prevention, check-ups, grooming, and vaccines. All of these are in addition to the cost involved in preparing the home before they arrive, such as getting them a bed or making your house pet-friendly.
Because of all these costs, you have to make annual, monthly, and emergency budgets to cater to your dog’s needs.
Prepare an Exercise Routine
Dogs require a lot of exercise. This can be to help them expend some of their extra energy, keep a healthy weight, or to improve their happiness. As a new dog owner, you will have to prepare an exercise routine for your new dog. Remember that the exercise routine should suit both you and the dog because you will be the one taking them on walks and runs.
It is also important to tailor the exercise routine to the dog’s age. While puppies might be bouncy and have lots of energy and mobility, older dogs do not have as much energy. So instead of going on runs, you could try walks or swims instead for older dogs.
As your dog gets older, it is also important to check if your dog is having any issues keeping up the same energy levels or pace it used to. If you notice them getting slower or stiffer, that could be a sign of joint stiffness or deterioration. To ease their pain and improve their mobility, you can try glucosamine chondroitin supplements from companies like YuMOVE. Glucosamine chondroitin for dogs helps with lubrication and the repair of damaged tendons and cartilage. YuMOVE is a trusted and reputable maker of joint supplements for dogs. They are approved by vets from all over the US and their dog joint supplements have been shown to ease pain and improve mobility within a few weeks.
Find a Great Veterinarian
Just as we need a doctor, all dogs need a great vet. You might need to take your dog to the vet a few days or weeks after they come home with you. Your veterinarian will do a full examination to ensure there are no underlying health conditions and put a plan in place to manage or treat these conditions.
Additionally, they will be responsible for your dog’s health as well as giving you advice on the best way to take care of your canine friend.
Arrange For Support
As a dog owner, you should have a support system. These are the people who will take care of your dog when you are away for long hours. A great idea is to hire a dog walker or find a doggy daycare. It is also important to be prepared to travel with them or find a sitter if you travel a lot.
Owning a dog is a very exciting prospect but if you have never owned a dog before, you need to be prepared to make the necessary adjustments. All of these adjustments will make it easier for your dog to get comfortable in your home and become your best friend faster.