Having a new dog can be one of the most beautiful events a family can experience, but it takes considerable deliberation and preparation for the adoptive family. Some preparations must be made for your dog to be as comfortable as possible in his new home with you. If you know what you should talk about with the rest of your family regarding caring for the new puppy, the adoption process may be less complex for you.
To help you prepare for this event, here are four ways to prepare your home for a new dog.
1. Collect Supplies
Before your dog arrives, make sure that all their necessities are ready. Some of the basic items you need to prepare are the following:
- dog collar with his name on the tag and your contact details, just in case he wanders off around a place;
- a harness and a six-foot nylon leash for walking;
- a dog sofa bed or couch for sleeping;
- food and water bowl; and
- some toys.
In choosing toys, it’s best to consider the dog’s age and size. Most people recommend beginning this process by using toys that are unlikely to be swallowed. Moreover, prepare a suitable-sized playpen that is enough for your dog to stand up and move around.
2. Make A Food Decision
If you’re afraid you’ve forgotten anything on your shopping list, your concerns are justified. Food selection for your canine friend is essential since it may significantly influence their physical and cognitive health. There are many different kinds of food to pick from, and it’s crucial to choose the right one for your dog.
You can purchase a little bag of the same food that your dog eats for the first few weeks to keep their diet consistent. Once you’ve decided which food to give them, you’re ready to change their diet, usually taking 7-10 days.
In switching, you gradually mix the old food into the new one. For instance, you can add a quarter cup of the new food into the old one on the first two days of the switch. As days go by, you increase the quantity of the new food until your dog is ready to fully and solely eat the new one. This is to prevent upsetting their stomachs too quickly the first time around.
Dogs don’t generate enzymes essential for the digestion of starchy carbs, such as grains, making it challenging for them to digest. The digestion of grain-free dog food is less complex, resulting in lower feeding volumes and smaller stools than grain-containing dog food. Thus, the decrease in capacity by grains that are difficult to break down allows more room for meat. Furthermore, since grains have been eliminated from the mix, there are fewer items to which your dog may have an adverse response or to which they may be intolerant.
3. Register Your Pet
Selecting a local veterinarian for your new dog is essential to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care. To discover the finest veterinarian for your dog, ask around among friends and family members or search for nearby shops. Contact them in advance to schedule a check-up and any vaccinations your pet may need before bringing them in.
The first few weeks may be stressful as the vaccine shots take effect, but things may go more quickly than anticipated with enough planning. You will eventually see the fruits of your labor when you have a beautiful bundle of joy frolicking about your house and spreading joy to everyone around him.
4. Pet Proofing
Pet-proofing your home is one of the most important things to do when having a new pet. This includes tight spaces, poisonous plants, and chewable things that a dog might try to eat. Similarly, hazardous objects should be moved out of reach or secured in childproof cabinets, and dangerous sites should be banned. Use pet-safe cleaners like vinegar and water instead of harsh chemicals when cleaning your home as these could also harm them.
The Takeaway
You need to prepare for many things when a new dog is about to live with you. You might have to go the extra mile, but these preparations will reward you with a dog that’ll be your best friend. Finally, one of the best things you can prepare for is your patience with your new buddy as they’re learning. You need to teach them what to do patiently and not to do so that your home will be a haven for you and your new furry friend.
