Becoming a pet parent is a life-changing decision. It takes time, money and a lot of attention to care for a dog and give him the best life possible.
“An owner needs to look at this as a long commitment,” says Dr. Jim D. Carlson, a holistic veterinarian and owner of Riverside Animal Clinic and Holistic Center, located in Chicago's northwest suburbs. “There are some hidden costs and many considerations, such as a change in lifestyle, time needed to devote to the pet and expenses.”
If you’ve taken the leap and brought a dog into your life for the very first time—welcome to the pack! Follow these practical and important tips to help make the transition into pet parenthood easier.
Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian
One of the most important steps to take when you bring a dog into your home is to schedule an appointment with your chosen veterinarian. This is essential even if your dog had medical checks and vaccinations while in the care of a breeder or an animal shelter.
Your veterinarian can confirm that vaccines are up-to-date, schedule spay or neuter procedures if necessary and start your dog on a preventative care regimen that may include flea and tick medications, heartworm medication, dietary advice and routine check-ups.
“Preventative care—including routine physical examinations—help to keep your pet safe and healthy,” says Dr. Ashley Rossman, co-owner of Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. “Veterinarians can detect potential health issues in their early stages, which makes treatments more successful.”
Prepare for Unexpected Expenses
If you’re a new dog owner, you may be planning for trips to the dog park, playtime in the backyard and epic snuggle sessions. But in addition to these fun activities, new pet owners should put together a financial plan to help address medical expenses and care.
“Owners should consider setting money aside for emergencies or even dog-related home repairs,” says Carlson. “Your veterinarian can help you think of all the costs associated with a new pet and form an outline of annual care expenses.”
Consider Your Dog’s Diet from the Start
What your dog eats has a big impact on his overall health and wellbeing, so choosing a high-quality dog food and getting into good feeding habits shouldn’t be overlooked.
“It is very important to feed your dog a balanced diet with quality foods,” says Rossman. “Diets that do not have bi-products are recommended. Every dog has different nutritional needs; asking your veterinarian for advice on choosing the correct food is very helpful.”
Avoid overfeeding your dog and use treats sparingly for training purposes in order to keep your pet at a healthy weight.
Commit to Potty Training
One of the less glamorous and fun responsibilities of pet ownership is potty training. But whether you have a new puppy or you adopted an older dog, potty training is a crucial step to building good behaviors.
Potty training takes patience, and new dog owners need to be ready to stay positive and stick to the methods recommended by a veterinarian or behaviorist. “Potty training is a frustrating process that can take months to achieve,” says Rossman. “Owners must remember to be calm and patient. Their pet is just starting to learn the rules.”
If you have a new puppy, says Carlson, you should be prepared to take him out multiple times a day and overnight. Crate training your puppy or new adult dog can be beneficial for creating a regular routine and for protecting your home from accidents. Consult a veterinarian or behaviorist for advice about how to crate train your dog.
Carve Out Quality Time
Forming a bond early on with your new dog plays a key part in your long-term relationship. Don’t skip out on walks, playtime, training and excursions.
“Spend as much quality time as you can with your pet,” says Rossman. “Be sure to offer praise and love for things that he does correctly. Taking your dog for long walks and to dog parks, depending on your dog’s temperament, helps to build a bond.”